Living and Learning in Japan: How International Students Perceive Challenges at Toyo University

Lining in a foreign country is not a simple experience. It is challenging, overwhelming, and sometimes lonely. In recent years, global mobility has had a significant impact on higher education, leading Toyo University to accept a growing number of international students each year (Toyo University, 2023). While these students are provided with valuable learning opportunities, it is widely recognized that they also face various challenges while they are studying abroad. These challenges include financial difficulties, psychological loneliness, and other stressors arising from living in a different cultural environment (Yeh & Inose, 2003).Even if universities provide various support such as counseling rooms and establish scholarship programs, there remain a certain number of hard-to-reach students due to psychological struggles and circumstances related to their countries of origin. (Boone et al., 2011).Although the challenges faced by international students appear to be well understood, hidden needs might still exist. Language barriers and cultural differences are widely recognized as major issues. However, individual personality traits and mental health concerns are often internalized and remain unexpressed by international students themselves. As a result, some students may feel dissatisfied with the support provided by university or experience difficulties in their daily lives outside campus, which may prevent them from achieving a sense of psychological well-being while living in a foreign country.This study aims to investigate how international students perceive and experience these challenges, as well as to explore what universities can do to provide more appropriate and effective support for them. By examining international students’ perspectives, this research seeks to identify key issues that affect their well-being and academic life. The purpose of this study is to contribute to the development of better support systems and to reduce the difficulties faced by international students.