You've set out on an amazing adventure to study in another country and experience a new culture. Did you know that there are over 3,000 other international students besides you that are studying at UCSB?!?!?
International students come from different cities and different cultures, from all across the globe. They share a lot in common in terms of their experience. Students and their families have invested a lot to get them here. And it takes a lot of strength and courage to embark on this journey.
But being an international student comes with some challenges, such as learning to navigate a whole new culture and language, make new friends, and keep connected to friends, family, and the community you left behind. Check out the articles below to read about these issues and learn how international students can capitalize on their strengths and get the most out of this epic adventure.
International students come from different cities and different cultures, from all across the globe. They share a lot in common in terms of their experience. Students and their families have invested a lot to get them here. And it takes a lot of strength and courage to embark on this journey.
But being an international student comes with some challenges, such as learning to navigate a whole new culture and language, make new friends, and keep connected to friends, family, and the community you left behind. Check out the articles below to read about these issues and learn how international students can capitalize on their strengths and get the most out of this epic adventure.
Culture Shock
As an international student, cultural shock is an inevitable part of your transition to a new country. New foods, differences in social customs, figuring out a new money system, finding your way about town, among other things can be interesting and yet feel very overwhelming. Moreover, with so many things that are new, it can make you really miss the familiarity of home.
Feeling the impact of culture shock? You are not alone! Check out these articles to learn more about how to not get so overwhelmed by (and maybe even enjoy) your new experiences. |
Overcoming Hurdles in Language
Living in a new country far from home where everyone speaks a language different than your native language can be very challenging and create significant stress. International students are processing a lot of new information upon their arrival to a new country. Language difficulties can profoundly influence academic performance, breaking into new social groups, and simply navigating everyday tasks. So, language proficiency is a key factor in being able to adapt effectively.
Check out these articles to learn more about how language barriers can impact your functioning and learn about resources on campus to help you better navigate some of these challenges. |
Combating LonelinessBeing far away from home means that you are also away from your core support system---family, friends, community---that have been a big part of your experiences. Missing important holidays or celebrations can feel really impactful. You may not realize how important a holiday or celebration is to you until you come to a new place where they do not celebrate the same things as you do or when there aren't events on campus that represent cultural celebrations that are important to you. Remaining here over break when other students go home can also intensify feelings of loneliness and missing your important others. International students often say that they feel the most vulnerable when holidays are being celebrated back home and when other students leave for breaks.
Check out this article to find creative ways to communicate regularly and stay connected with important others all year, but especially during holidays and breaks. Check out some of UCSB's international student orgs here!
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Financial Stress
Figuring out a new money system can feel confusing and frustrating. You might also get into a mental battle trying to do the currency conversions to figure out just how much you are paying for stuff.
These things might feel minor in the overall financial picture. Studying in another country will inevitably be more costly than studying close to home. From daily living expenses to higher tuition, these added costs can be a cause of financial stress. Moreover, the cost of traveling home often limits how often you get to go home. Because of your parents’ investment in your education you might feel a sense of increased pressure to perform well academically to make all the sacrifice “worth it”. You might also feel pressure to pursue a high-income career in order to give back to your family, even if it isn't where your interests or skills lie. These are common struggles faced by many international students. Check out these resources to help prepare you financially and cope with stressors. |
Social Culture within the
The international student community can help you feel welcome when you feel unsure or alone in other settings. Being with other international students who get your experience can feel validating and help to make the transition to a new country a little bit easier. After all, who best to relate to other than someone who is going through the same thing as you?
Although the community can be a great place to find solidarity and mutual support, sometimes it can also be a source of social pressure and unhealthy social interactions. Competition for academic success, rejection of those who want to assimilate with American culture and social groups, and tension between social class differences (some have $ and some don't) can make interactions strained and create significant distress. Check out some of these resources for ways to find your support within the international community as well as integrate into US social culture. |
Current Social-Political Climate
Relationships between the U.S. and other countries are increasingly strained. Discussions about immigration in the U.S. are heated and proposed policies to limit or place restrictions on whether people from other countries can visit or live in the US have been controversial. As these events unfold, international students worry that their visas could change, especially around their ability to travel and re-enter the US after travel as well as get a job in the US after graduation.
The current social-political climate has also emboldened those who fear or have prejudice against people from other countries to treat international students cruelly and at times even subject them to harm. Living under these constant threats can lead to students to feel unwelcome at minimum and at worst feel uncomfortable, on edge, and unsafe such that their mental and physical health suffers . Check out the link below to learn how to take care of yourself and garner support from others to reduce the impact of these stressors on your health. |
Assembling Your Support Team
Navigating a new country, a new culture doesn't mean you need to do that on your own. Check out OISS, the MultiCultural Center, and our many programs at CAPS for International Students! Each has programming specifically geared toward international students and can help you to make your experience here at UCSB at good one.
[email protected] SRB Room 3130 (805) 893-2929 OISS provides international students with immigration support, advising, and cultural programming, and connects students to each other!
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mcc.sa.ucsb.edu UCen Room 1504 (805) 893-8411 The MCC provides a space for many students from various communities to have critical conversations, a place to study, hold meetings, and have social events to connect students to each other!
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(805) 893-4411
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All registered UCSB students are eligible for services at CAPS. We provide individual therapy and groups serving international students. All therapists are trained to provide support to international students, but you may request to work with a therapist who focuses on providing support to the international student population and/or speaks your native language. We currently have therapists who conduct sessions in 7 languages, including English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Taiwanese, Japanese, and Danish. Give us a call to learn more.
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Mental Health Stigma
There are many stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding mental health issues. These misconceptions may be more prevalent in certain families and cultures than others. Remember, everyone deals with mental health concerns at some point in their lives, and it's nothing to be ashamed about! Check out this TED talk on depression for some more information!
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