Challenges and Adjustments of Migration of the Foreign Students of De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute in Relation to their Academic Performance

This study aimed to determine whether a correlation existed between challenges and migration adjustments of the foreign students of De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute (DLSMHSI) and their academic performance. The respondents included were foreign students. The researcher used a descriptive-correlational method employing survey and documentary analysis to correlate the two general types of variables: independent and dependent variables. The principal instrument for data gathering was the validated self-made questionnaire with checklists. Findings revealed that the majority were female, aged 21-25 years old, Filipino-Americans, with a longer stay of four years at DLSMHSI. The primary source of income for these respondents was support from their parents. The respondents encountered several challenges, including financial challenges due to concerns about school expenses, emotional challenges stemming from missing their homes and families, social challenges resulting from hesitancy to speak Filipino and consequent isolation, cultural challenges caused by language barriers, and academic challenges involving difficulty with academic work. To cope with the identified challenges, results showed that the majority of the respondents adjusted by spending their money wisely, consistently communicating with their families using platforms such as FaceTime, Skype, Viber, Facebook, IMO, etc., befriending Filipino classmates and other nationalities, studying the different culture and values of Filipino people, and being motivated to study harder to finish their degree. Findings also revealed no statistically significant relationship between challenges and migration adjustment and the academic performance of foreign students.