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International Students Seeking Political Stability and Safety in South Africa

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Given the increasing rate of South to South migration and South Africa’s leading role as a host for internally displaced migrants as well as Africa’s international students, this study examined this intersection of international students who selected the country for political stability and safety. The findings revealed that while these students were generally more highly prepared academically, more satisfied with university facilities and staff, and experienced fewer academic hurdles than their international student counterparts, they encountered greater challenges in regard to finances, living support and discrimination. The study calls for clearer acknowledgement in policy and specialized support for refugee and asylum seekers’ unique situations and needs.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge Lydia Ikwuemesim for her assistance in identifying some background literature for this project.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for the Study of Higher Education, Univeristy of Arizona, 305 Education Building, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA

    Jenny J. Lee

  2. Faculty of Education, University of Pretoria, Administration Building, Room 4-7.1, Groenkloof Campus, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028, South Africa

    Chika Sehoole

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  1. Jenny J. Lee
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  2. Chika Sehoole
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Correspondence to Jenny J. Lee.

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Lee, J.J., Sehoole, C. International Students Seeking Political Stability and Safety in South Africa. High Educ Policy 33, 305–322 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41307-019-00171-z

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