Dr. Mahlon Juma2025-02-182025-02-182024-11-10Juma, M. (2024). International Students’ Relationship Formation in a Multicultural Setting: A Phenomenological Inquiry. Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Science, 1(3), 18-37. https://doi.org/10.69739/jahss.v1i3.1683006-9491https://irepository.aua.ac.ke/handle/123456789/468 https://doi.org/10.69739/jahss.v1i3.168Full Text ArticleInternational students who do not build meaningful friendships have psychological and social issues, as well as weak academic and decision- making skills. The study investigated international students' relationship formation in a multicultural setting in the Philippines, using psychoanalytic transference theory and the functional model of friendship formation. Using transcendental phenomenology, audio-recorded one-on-one interviews were conducted with 12 enrolled students from 12 nations. The data was transcribed and analyzed. According to the findings, co-national friendships were favored for psychological and emotional support, as well as the perpetuation of home cultures. Students who favored host-national friendships over multicultural home ties reported higher levels of life satisfaction, fewer social issues, and a greater appreciation for culture. Students who favored host-national connections overcame home ties and had more life satisfaction, fewer social issues, and a greater appreciation for culture and were more likely to marry and work in host nations. Furthermore, friendships enhance one's lifestyle and psychological well-being, provide enjoyment and satisfaction, enhance critical thinking, and reduce stress as well as criminal activity. The implications of the findings were examined.Friendship Formation, International Students, Philippines, Transcendental PhenomenologyArticle