Bienestar Subjetivo

As one of the few studies known to focus specifically on Indian international students, this current study offers the opportunity to obtain some initial understanding about the self-construal and adjustment of these students within New Zealand. However, there are a number of significant limitations that restrict the representativeness of the findings. The limitations generally relate to a lack of randomisation, the size and characteristics of the sample and potential language issues.

A significant limitation is the small sample recruited to participate and the characteristics of the study group. A sample of 39 students represents a very small number of the over 500 Indian students enrolled at Waiariki Institute of Technology who were eligible to participate. It is difficult to assume that the results of this study are likely to be representative of Indian students within this tertiary setting, even less so Indian international students across New Zealand. While this study provides an indication of Indian international students’ experiences, further research based on a large sample of Indian students drawn from a number of tertiary institutions is required to fully explore the areas investigated before it is possible to confidently claim representation.

Obtaining such a sample may be an issue given the difficulties that arose in recruiting students for this study. A review of the literature relating to Indian migrants suggests this is not an isolated

example. Taylor’s (1948) observations of Indians may provide some helpful insights to make sense of the difficulties observed in involving this ethnic group in research studies. The Hindu focus is directed towards the collective and particularly the in-group, those most significant to the individual. Hindu approaches to life outlined in Dharma, the Hindu equivalent of a moral code for life, emphasises conformity to group rather than individual expression. Similarly the philosophy of karma

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focuses individual’s attention towards those activities that contribute towards a better afterlife. In

the light of these observations undertaking an online survey could be construed by some Indian students as a superfluous activity that is contrary to the Indian selfhood and detracts from building karma. This is entirely speculative and lacks any confirmation, however, it raises the issue of how to understand a group that are among the least studied within New Zealand nationally and globally, but who represent a rapidly expanding international student population in both domains.

One possible explanation for the poor response rate could relate to online survey being offered in English. While the study demonstrated that many Indian students have good English language skills, not all the students share the same ability. Those who are less fluent may not have had the confidence to undertake the survey. Language challenges may also influence students to be less discriminatory in the way they respond, potentially producing a less than accurate result.

A further limitation involves the gender imbalance with 63% of respondents being males. Further imbalance is seen in a number of other demographic variables included in this study. The majority of students who responded were undertaking courses at a higher educational level and many were enrolled in health programmes. These factors may be associated with a student’s selfhood and set of adjustment competencies. In addition, the majority of students in the sample came from the northern areas of India. With reported regional differences in self-construal found in India, the small sample size may have been unable to draw out any subtle influences this aspect has on student self- construal and adjustment. A larger more diverse sample is required to address the imbalances that are highly likely to have distorted a number of the findings.

The experiences of Indian students at Waiariki Institute of Technology may differ from those at other tertiary facilities within New Zealand. How Indian international students settle and feel connected within a provincial location may differ for those Indian students enrolled in tertiary institutions in larger urban centres. A study that compares experiences across a number of locations is required to more accurately assess student adjustment.

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A cross-sectional design limits representation due to a lack of randomisation and the narrow time frame during which students are studied. An online survey relies on self-selection and the positive experience of this group may reflect factors associated with those who responded rather than those that are typical of Indian international students in New Zealand. Those who chose to respond may be more highly motivated in many areas of life including adopting a positive approach towards settling in New Zealand. Unfortunately, nothing is known about the self-construal and adjustment of the vast majority of Indian students who chose not to respond.

While a great degree of caution is required before conclusions can be drawn from this study, the findings offer some insight into a group of international students that have not been previously investigated. There is the potential to be quietly optimistic that many Indian international students enjoy a positive experience, integrate and adjust to life in New Zealand and go on to become permanent residents, as shown by the New Zealand migration statistics (Ministry of Business, 2013).