Economic barriers of African students arriving in the Czech Republic
Keywords:
abroad, African, Czech Republic, international, studentsAbstract
International students coming to the Czech Republic for education, experience, and potential future employment opportunities encounter a variety of challenges. While each student's experience is unique, shaped by personal background, financial situation, chosen university, and community support, specific challenges are common to most students.
The primary objective of this study is to identify and analyze the economic and social barriers faced by African students, particularly those from Nigeria. To establish a strong theoretical foundation, the PRISMA–PICOT approach was applied, followed by a qualitative research design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to validate or challenge the theoretical assumptions. The study focuses on two key phases of the international student experience: pre-arrival and post-arrival.
The findings indicate that the most significant barrier in the pre-arrival phase is the visa application process, which involves difficulties in securing embassy appointments and fulfilling complex administrative requirements. In the post-arrival phase, financial insecurity becomes a major obstacle, as many students struggle to cover both initial and ongoing living expenses. The combination of these barriers creates a substantial burden, making the transition process more challenging and stressful for African students studying in the Czech Republic.
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