By: Megan Mearnic
Second language anxiety
“Keeping up” with conversations and understanding cultural references has proven to be difficult with international students and can result in second language anxiety. This can lead to many international students choosing not to call on or off-campus offices, including resources that can help improve mental health issues.
Academic and work stress
Six percent of international students have reported an increase in health issues impacting their academic performance-- and nearly 83 percent of these cases were “mental or psychological.”
Acculturation differences
Adapting to a new culture can be a daunting process. Adapting to a new society can contribute to mental health struggles of international students. The clash of cultural norms and values may create a sense of displacement, further impacting their well-being.
Reluctance to seek mental health services
International students often find themselves less motivated to seek services for health related issues, largely due to their unfamiliarity with the local medical system, different cultural norms and the stigma attached to seeking help.