Noise and Actions on the Well-Being of African International Students in South African Higher Educational Institutions

Abstract

Internationalisation of South African higher education has increased the cross-border migration of students from other African nations. However, South Africa's socio-economic and developmental challenges have given rise to resentment and intimidation of African foreign nationals in some communities, unintendedly impacting the well-being of African International Students (AIS) in South Africa's Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs). The chapter examines the effect of the “Noise and Actions” within South Africa on the psychological well-being of AIS. A qualitative and exploratory research approach was employed to analyse the perceptions of AIS in South Africa's HEIs. The study found that challenges affecting AIS are both external and internal. Amongst the external are cultural differences and xenophobia. The findings could be used to assist South African HEI management and policymakers to understand and develop programmes to improve AIS's well-being within their HEIs. The chapter contributes to the book on successful pathways for the well-being of Black students.