The number of international students is increasing globally, yet many faces psychological challenges while abroad. Language barriers, social isolation, and cultural differences can exacerbate distress, while stigma and limited awareness often reduce counseling use. Understanding recovery processes is critical for developing effective support. This study aimed to clarify the mental health recovery process of an international student through a single-case qualitative analysis.


The participant was a Taiwanese exchange student at a Japanese university, who arrived in April 2022 and had studied Japanese since September 2014. A semi-structured interview was conducted in November 2022, lasting about one hour, covering reasons for studying abroad, difficulties, psychological and physical changes, coping strategies, and future impacts. Data was analyzed using the Steps for Coding and Theorization (SCAT) method.


The recovery process comprised four stages: (1) Expectations-Reality Gap: Limited interaction with Japanese peers caused loneliness and alienation. (2) Distress and Awareness: Avoiding the native-language group deepened isolation, and physical decline prompted awareness of distress. (3) Support and Change: Recovery was aided by university counseling and stronger social ties. (4) Growth and Resilience: Coping strategies were learned, fostering self-growth and resilience.


Recovery was a dynamic, non-linear process shaped by cultural expectations, adaptation stress, and awareness of distress. Improving mental health literacy before or early in study abroad may support timely help-seeking. Universities should strengthen counseling, peer support, and mental health education. Future studies with more cases are needed to generalize these findings.


Note: This study reanalyzed part of the data presented at The Japan Association for School Mental Health as "A Qualitative Study on the Difficulties, Concerns, and Academic/Career Decision-Making of International Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic," and further examined it in line with the purpose of this study.