Supporting International and Third Culture Students: Safeguarding in a Global Campus Community

As someone who’s currently preparing for the possibility of my own child studying at a university in a completely different culture from the UK, I’ve found myself thinking more and more about the experiences of our international students — and especially those known as Third Culture Kids (TCKs).

University should be a time for growth, discovery, and new opportunities — but for some students, especially those far from home or caught between cultures, it can also be a time of uncertainty and vulnerability. These young people bring so much richness to our campuses — different perspectives, lived experiences, and worldviews — but they also face unique challenges that we in education need to better understand and support.

 Who Are Third Culture Kids (TCKs)?

TCKs are young people who’ve grown up in places that don’t fully reflect their parents' home culture — often moving between countries during key parts of their childhood. It gives them a broad and adaptable worldview, but it can also leave them struggling with identity, belonging, and feeling “not quite at home” anywhere.

Why Safeguarding Needs to Look Different

Here are just some of the safeguarding concerns we should be thinking about when supporting international students and TCKs in higher education:

1. Cultural Isolation - Many international students and TCKs find the adjustment to a new country’s norms, routines, and academic pressures overwhelming. Without strong support, it’s easy for them to feel left out or misunderstood — which can affect both their wellbeing and academic progress.

2. Not Knowing What Help is Available - A lot of students arrive on campus not fully aware of the systems in place to support them — whether that’s counselling, GP services, financial advice, or emergency help. It’s also important to be honest about what services might be different or limited for them as international students.

3. Language and Communication Gaps - Even if a student’s English is excellent, misunderstandings can still happen — especially during times of stress or crisis. That can lead to isolation or a reluctance to reach out for support.

4. Discrimination and Exclusion - Sadly, some students face racism, xenophobia, or bullying. This has a huge impact on confidence, sense of safety, and mental health — and it’s something we all have a duty to challenge and respond to quickly and effectively.

5. Online Risks - Most students are constantly online — for studying, socialising, or staying in touch with home. But international students may be more vulnerable to scams, misinformation, or digital harassment, especially if they’re unfamiliar with UK digital norms and laws.

6. Financial Pressure and Exploitation - Studying abroad is expensive, and the stress of managing money in an unfamiliar country can leave students open to being taken advantage of — from dodgy landlords to unsafe work or scam job offers. This can easily become a safeguarding concern.

So What Can Universities Do?

Safeguarding international students and TCKs isn’t just about putting a few posters up or mentioning support services in induction week. It means taking time to understand what these students really need — and acting on it.

Here are some ideas:

• Make orientation meaningful Go beyond the campus tour. Offer sessions that explain local laws, cultural norms, and how to get help. Talk about resilience, belonging, and what to expect in those early months.
• Adapt mental health support Counsellors and wellbeing staff should be confident in working across cultures. That includes being aware of how mental health is talked about (or not talked about) in different communities, and helping students feel safe enough to seek help.
• Foster connection and inclusion Create spaces for students to celebrate their cultures and meet others with shared experiences. Peer mentoring, cultural societies, and student-led events can go a long way in making people feel seen and valued.
• Be clear and approachable about reporting Make sure students know how to report concerns — and trust that they’ll be taken seriously. Whether it’s racism, harassment, or bullying, how we respond sets the tone.
• Support safe digital habits Help students spot scams, protect their data, and stay safe online. This could be built into digital literacy or life skills workshops.
• Offer practical financial advice Run budgeting workshops. Make emergency funds visible and accessible. Look out for signs that a student might be under pressure — and don’t assume they’ll ask for help.

International students and TCKs are such an important part of university life — and they deserve safeguarding approaches that reflect their realities. This isn’t about “othering” them, but about recognising that a one-size-fits-all approach won’t cut it. When we get safeguarding right for these students, we create a university culture where everyone feels safer, more connected, and more able to thrive.