The idea of relocating to a new country and meeting new people can be quite exciting for international students. Unfortunately, the first experience for many students is quite stressful, from managing academic pressure, finances, social life, and work-study jobs to meeting exam and homework deadlines. International students often feel the pressure to excel academically and meet the expectations of their families based on their cultural background. They believe they have to make the family financial sacrifices made for them to study abroad worth it. Compounding all these issues, international students are likely to neglect their mental or seek counseling services. Let’s delve into some major challenges they face and measures to put in place to address their mental health.
Major challenges faced by international students
- Culture shock
While living in a new country can be quite an adventure—from trying out new foods to learning new cultures and beliefs—it does have its share of challenges. From the very moment you step out of that airplane, everything feels different from what you were used to. Most are actually quite the opposite from what one had expected. Those simple bus rides, grocery shopping, or even finding your way around seems very overwhelming.
Living in a new country is rather an adventure, from new food to new cultural beliefs one learns, but it comes with its share of challenges. Everything, starting from the moment one steps out of an airplane, feels quite different from what one was used to and can be quite the opposite from what one had imagined. Things like riding a bus, shopping, and even orientation become overwhelming. Some students are not used to expressing their emotions because of their cultural background. Hence, they might struggle to open up to strangers and seek help. At Cognita Schools, students are taught social issues and global challenges, which aid the interaction between expat and domestic students.
- Language barrier
Imagine a student from an English-speaking country relocating to an International school in Japan or France. Such students will have difficulty explaining themselves clearly or understanding what others say. Although one is required to learn the basics of the foreign language before relocation, they may still be limited in situations requiring complex explanations. This makes most students feel left out as they cannot engage with other people in discussions. Although, with time and practice, they can understand and communicate clearly, it can still be stressful during the first years.
- Separation from family and friends
When students apply for international school admission, they often look for schools across continents, meaning they move to different continents, making it hard to visit home frequently. At times, while in a foreign country, one might miss spending time with their extended family, maybe on holiday, or just spending a lazy weekend at a friend’s house. With the recent technology, contacting family and friends through video is much easier. You can share your day, show off your new surroundings, or even cook together virtually with loved ones. Social media and messaging apps keep you in the loop with friends, making it feel like you haven’t missed a beat.
IV. Social Isolation
At times, when in a new place, you might find yourself by many people but still feel oddly alone. At first, you might attribute this feeling to being new. You tell yourself it’ll pass once you settle in. But sometimes, it lingers. The cultural differences may feel more pronounced than you expected. Or the language barrier makes it challenging to express your true self, leaving you feeling misunderstood or unable to connect deeply with others. This might result in retreating into a shell or desperately trying to fit in, even if it means compromising who you are. Continued social isolation makes it hard to open up and make new friendships.
What learning institutions can do to help international students.
- Organize mentorship programs
Mentorship programs are essential as they help the shy student come out of his or her shell and make new friends. Mentorship basically means pairing of new students with those people who have been in the positions of the former and know what they will be going through. The mentorship partner can offer practical advice, from navigating academic pressure to making new friends and balancing your social and educational life in a new country. Rather than a mentor, they are more of friends and a source of emotional support. Mentors can also help you set realistic goals and expectations. They might help you break down big challenges into manageable steps or give you a reality check when you’re being too hard on yourself.
- Hiring social counsellors with cross-culture expertise
Besides being trained in general counseling techniques, cross-culture counselors also have expertise in dealing with unique challenges from living across cultures. One of the major benefits of these counselors is helping expat students deal with culture shock, which is a major setback in settling into a new community. International schools should invest in hiring experienced cross-cultural counselors as they are an invaluable resource in any cross-cultural setting. Similar to a mentor, they offer guidance to break through the stages of cultural adjustment, helping you understand that your reactions are normal and providing tools to move forward.
- Organizing cultural integration events
Cultural intergradation events offer international students a fun way to interact and adjust to their new environment. These events can be structured as orientation programs where students are given a tour of the schools and local area, introduced to local customs and etiquette, and provided basic information about local transportation, shopping, and emergency services. Other than that, they can be conducted as regular cultural awareness workshops where students can explore various cultures, address stereotypes, and discuss similarities and differences in cultural activities.
- Encouraging online support communities and mental health apps.
International schools can also help their expat students by curating a list of recommended apps ideal for teens and young adults, focusing on journaling, mood tracking, meditation, and anxiety management. They should also promote the existing online communities and encourage safe engagements in them. Remember, while digital tools can be incredibly helpful, they should complement and not replace in-person support. Also, ensure that all digital initiatives comply with data protection regulations and prioritize student privacy and safety.
By implementing comprehensive programs that address unique challenges, fostering a supportive community, and leveraging technology, international schools can create an environment where expatriate students adapt and thrive, developing resilience and global competence that will serve them well throughout their lives.