A Qualitative Study Exploring the Social Adjustment in Foreign Students at Universitas Islam Riau after Supportive Group Therapy

Abstract

Background: 

There are 61 foreign students running undergraduate and master programs at Universitas Islam Riau. The problems that they commonly find are difficulties in following academic activities, difficulties in making new friends and adapt to other students. Based on observations made on foreign students from Pattani, Southern Thailand, they tend to be in groups and mingle with their fellow friends. In living their life as Pattani students at Universitas Islam Riau, they faced various problems. Common problems include academic pressure, financial problems, feelings of loneliness, interpersonal conflicts, difficulties facing change and problems developing personal autonomy.

Aims: 

• Providing Social Support To Pattani Students At Universitas Islam Riau.
• Pattani Students Increase Bahasa Vocabulary           
• Pattani Students Establish Friendships With Students From Riau         
• Students Pattani Become More Confident Undergoing Lectures         

Method (s): 

The method to be used is social support therapy from Psychology students towards Pattani students. This therapy will consist of several sessions where each session has a slot that will contain activities that can provide Pattani students with social support. The therapy used is in the form of group counseling, eating together and exercising together. 

Results:

The social support therapy that was carried out was very beneficial for Pattani students. They feel welcome and make new friends. From the activities carried out, foreign students become more open to new social and become more confident in building a social relationship.

Conclusion: 

These results indicate that the problem can be solved to foreign students with appropriate care and a solution ongoing basis. One of them is needed policies from The Islamic Universities of Riau in dealing with international students.