Future-oriented Stress and Coping Strategies among Vietnamese International Students

A Cultural and Qualitative Analysis

Abstract

This qualitative study explores multilayered factors contributing to Vietnamese international students’ future-oriented stress and coping strategies through 24 online interviews. Findings reveal four major stressors: academic pressure, career-related challenges, immigration anxieties, and future uncertainty. Students applied proactive and preventive coping strategies to approach challenges and achieve future goals. Future research should investigate the influence of international students’ identities on coping mechanism preferences and integrate cultural frameworks with stress and coping theories to capture the intersection of students’ cultural values with contemporary approaches to stress management.  Implications for educators and advisors are discussed to better support international students in Canada.