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Abstract
Objective: This study explored the difficulties faced by international undergraduate medical students in Pakistan and portrayed their lived experiences.
Methods: This was a qualitative study using a descriptive phenomenological approach. We used semi-structured interviews with students from five different colleges in Pakistan. The participants had completed their schooling overseas and had families living overseas. The interviews were conducted face-to-face or through video calls.
Results: The main difficulties faced by international medical students in Pakistan were seen to be related to culture shock, loneliness, and an inability to cope. Most students experienced loneliness and culture shock, yet their implications were not always disturbing. Yet, coping difficulties were experienced by a smaller number of students, and it affected them to the extent that they needed to get psychiatric support and were even on the verge of dropping out of college and returning home. Conclusion: Unless the challenges faced by international students who come to Pakistan for their studies are addressed, they will definitely be a deterrent for future generations of students who would consider coming to the country for studies from overseas.
Keywords: Acculturation, Challenges, Culture Shock, International Cultural Competency (ICC), International Medical Students, Stress.
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