Mental Health Issues Students Face While Studying Abroad

Commencing on the study abroad journey adventure is diving into diverse cultures, experiencing unforgettable experiences, and enriching academic opportunities. There are a unique set of challenges that test the students’s mental health. In today’s world of globalisation, public health is important. Keep reading to learn about the various mental health challenges faced by international students while studying abroad. Studying abroad is a challenge that helps in offering valuable teaching methods, personal growth, and global citizenship. In fact, degrees obtained from a foreign nation are valued by employers. Over the years, the landscape of study abroad programmes has changed drastically and evolved into a great tent. The study abroad was influenced by global trends, technological advancements, and other factors. Due to the cultural differences and academic pressure, studying abroad has a major impact on students’ mental health. Let us shed light on the student’s health and other aspects.

Why is mental health important when studying abroad?

Studying abroad often involves significant cultural, social, and environmental adjustments. Students must adapt to new academic systems, cultural norms, and sometimes even their own languages. These changes can be stressful and overwhelming, making robust mental health essential for smooth integration and adaptation. Being far from home can lead to feelings of loneliness and homesickness.

Factors that would focus on mental health while studying abroad

1.  Pre-departure preparation: pre-departure is a crucial factor in maintaining mental health while studying abroad. This can ease the transition and help international students. A university typically has counselling services, support groups, and emergency contact details.

2.  Cultural adjustment and homesickness: Studying abroad has unique challenges that eventually affect cultural adjustment and homesickness. Navigating the cultural landscape challenges the students to sense their identity and belonging. Struggling to fit or feeling misunderstood leads to exacerbating mental health issues.

3.  Academic pressure and stress management: International students face high academic expectations, which lead to stress. Adapting to different teaching styles, evaluating methods, and academic standards can be challenging. This pressure is overwhelming, combined with the desire to meet personal goals. Universities should be providing accessible mental health resources, such as counselling services, stress management workshops, and support groups. These resources help students develop strategies and resilience. The institutions can implement regular mental health check-ins and assessments to identify the needs of students who may be struggling. Proactive monitoring can prevent issues from escalating and ensure timely intervention.

4.  Access to mental health services while studying abroad: mental health services are readily available in Cambodia, but the local community is critical. This includes counselling centres, therapy sessions, mental health workshops, and crisis intervention services. Universities should have dedicated facilities and professionals to address the mental health needs of students. With a major focus on the availability, accessibility, and quality of mental health services, it becomes essential to support the mental well-being of international students. By addressing these factors, educational institutions can create an environment where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to seek help. Thus, enhancing the experience of all students.

5.  Financial stress: Anxiety and persistent worry might result from financial worries such as living bills, tuition, and unforeseen charges. Students' mental health may suffer greatly if they are continuously consumed with worries about how to make ends meet. Students who are under financial difficulty may find it difficult to travel or engage in social activities, which can result in feelings of loneliness and isolation. Financial constraints might make it difficult for students to establish and preserve the social ties that are crucial to their mental health. Relationships with family and friends can be strained by financial hardship, particularly if students rely on them for financial help. Financially motivated conflicts have the potential to increase stress and have a detrimental effect on mental health.

Mental health tips for students

Mental health is a very integral part of the study abroad process. Here are some mental health tips for students:

1.  Stay in touch with friends and family: Leaving home, family, friends, and the country can be extremely overwhelming. The best way to tackle negative emotions is to maintain a good bond between our family back home. Talking to your loved ones will keep negative emotions in check.

2.  Spend time with yourself. The decision to pursue international education is a major one, and before you decide to travel to a foreign country, you will make new friends and meet people from different cultures. There are a number of activities like journaling, meditation, music, solo travel, and a lot more that will ease your mind and soul.

3.  Communicate your issues, if any: A vital aspect of your study abroad journey is the ability to express feelings and thoughts. Sharing your feelings with a friend or a therapist is one of the best possible solutions to tackle mental health while overseas. It is important to know that almost all universities and colleges abroad have mental health counselling exclusively for international students, and one can seek that service as well.

For further assistance or queries students can contact us, Edwise International and avail our wide range of services for students on destinations like study in UK, study in USA, study in Canada, study in Australia, study in New-Zealand, study in Singapore, study in Ireland and many other countries.