AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES MANAGEMENT FOR CHINESE UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

The internationalization of Chinese higher education has increased the need for systematic support services that address international students’ academic, administrative, linguistic, psychological, sociocultural, and daily-life needs. This academic article aims to synthesize relevant concepts, theories, policies, and research and propose an international student support services management model for Chinese universities. The analysis employed thematic content analysis by identifying recurring issues, coding related findings, grouping them into categories, and synthesizing their relationships. The first topic examines the concept, scope, and importance of international student support services management. The second analyzes academic, language, administrative, sociocultural, psychological, and practical challenges experienced by international students. The third reviews international and Chinese research and identifies gaps, particularly the fragmentation of existing services and the limited availability of comprehensive management models. The fourth proposes four interconnected model components: (1) strategic policy, leadership, and organizational coordination; (2) integrated and student-centred service delivery; (3) well-being, inclusion, and intercultural integration; and (4) digital services, quality assurance, and continuous improvement. The analysis indicates that effective support depends not merely on service availability but also on accessibility, responsiveness, cultural appropriateness, interdepartmental collaboration, multilingual communication, and student participation. The proposed model can guide Chinese universities in improving service coordination, student adjustment, academic achievement, well-being, satisfaction, and sense of belonging. Further empirical research is recommended to validate the components and evaluate the model across different university contexts.