In this paper, we aimed to define well-being challenges and how they relate to life satisfaction. A total of 112 Jordanian and 178 Hungarian students participated in the survey. Parametric, nonparametric statistical tests and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted to determine the optimal living profile. Group differences were analyzed to identify life satisfaction predictors. The findings revealed that Jordanians scored higher across all well-being dimensions, specifically in intellectual (mean 4.05 vs. 3.02) and emotional health (mean 3.95 vs. 3.00), with greater social support and optimism. Emotional and social health strongly predicted life satisfaction by 83.4%. This suggests that cultural background significantly impacts well-being and highlights the importance of university support for all students.

This study explores the well-being and life satisfaction of university students in Hungary and Jordan, comparing Hungarian students, Jordanian students in Hungary, and Jordanian students in Jordan. Data from 485 students using the Optimal Living Profile-Modified revealed significant differences in life satisfaction, with Jordanian students reporting the highest levels. Well-being analysis indicated the lowest well-being among Hungarian students. Health behavior analysis revealed better physical activity, nutrition, and sleep quality among Jordanian students in Hungary compared to Hungarian students, while smoking was more prevalent among Jordanian students in Jordan. The study found positive correlations between health behaviors, well-being, and life satisfaction, emphasizing the influence of cultural and contextual factors on student well-being.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused extreme deviations from everyday life. The aim of this study was to investigate how these deviations affected adolescents’ sense of coherence and their level of aggression, and whether this was influenced by their relationship with animals, especially horses. In two random samples of students from vocational schools in Hungary, taken in June 2018 and June 2020 (n1 = 525, n2 = 412), separate groups were drawn from those who had regularly engaged in equine-assisted activities (ES) and those who had not (OS) before the pandemic. Data were collected using an anonymous, paper-based questionnaire, and during the pandemic an online version of the Sense of Coherence (SOC13) and Bryant–Smith (B12) scales. During the pandemic, boys’ sense of coherence weakened and their aggressiveness increased. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that, regardless of gender and age group, increased time spent using the internet (p < 0.001), a lack of classmates (p = 0.017), reduced time spent outdoors (p = 0.026) and reduced physical activity (p < 0.038) during the pandemic significantly increased the tendency for aggressive behavior, whereas being with a horse or pet was beneficial (p < 0.001). The changes imposed by the curfew were rated as bad by 90% of the pupils, however, those with a strong sense of coherence felt less negatively about them. Schools should place a great emphasis on strengthening the students’ sense of coherence.

This study examines university students' life satisfaction, well-being, and sense of coherence. It focuses on Jordanian students studying in Jordan and those studying abroad in Hungary by using the Optimal Living Profile-Modified, evaluating well-being and life satisfaction, and the Sense of Coherence, measuring comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness. Data from 307 students revealed that while demographics affect SOC, the role of cultural context was significant. Jordanian students studying in Hungary reported stronger meaningfulness, highlighting the impact of international students' experiences. Emotional and social health dimensions were predictors of life satisfaction, with SOC indirectly influencing life satisfaction through the emotional health dimension. This study contributes to understanding how SOC can shape well-being among university students locally or abroad, offering insights into interventions for enhancing student well-being in higher education.