Religion as a coping aid: the case of African international college students studying in the United States

Religion holds a central place in the lives of Africans. Africans are known to be deeply religious, relying less on science and secularism to seek answers to the unknown. In today's world, higher education has become a global commodity embraced by various countries and cultures. The pursuit of advanced education by international students is accompanied by a multitude of challenges. While people employ various means to adapt to their new surroundings, religion also plays a significant role in helping them cope. The study aimed to investigate how religion serves as a coping mechanism for African international students in their new overseas environment. The primary objective was to explore how these students manage the challenges they encounter abroad by turning to religion for support. To address this objective, the study formulated two specific research questions. The researchers utilized a purposive sampling technique and selected a sample size of 15 respondents, consisting of 8 females and 7 males. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather data, and various themes were discerned from the interview responses to provide insights into the research questions. The findings of the study highlighted three main themes associated with the challenges faced by African international students: cultural adjustment, academic adjustment, and social integration and loneliness. Furthermore, the study delved into how these students utilize religious beliefs as a coping mechanism in their new environment. The research revealed that religion serves not only as a spiritual anchor but also as a source of social support, academic assistance, and integration within the community. It was concluded that, for African international students, religion plays a critical role in fostering resilience and aiding in adaptation, thereby enriching their academic journey and overall well-being. Moreover, the study recommended that amidst their demanding academic pursuits, African international students should allocate time to engage in extracurricular activities or volunteer services.