Welcome here,
Courageous soul :)
Studying abroad can be both an exciting and overwhelming experience. As an international student previously, I understand the complexities of adjusting to a new country, culture, and academic environment. Here are some common challenges you might face:
As an international student, you might struggle with...
Culture Shock and Adjustment Issues
Adjusting to a new culture can be challenging. You might feel out of place, homesick, or overwhelmed by the differences in social norms and expectations.
Academic Pressure with Family Expectation
International students often face intense academic pressure, especially when tuition fees are high. The high expectations from family and the need to succeed to repay your family's sacrifices can lead to stress, anxiety, and guilt.
Language Barriers
Communicating in a second language can be stressful and affect your confidence and ability to form connections. You might feel worried about being judged or frustrated with not being able to express yourself fully.
Social Isolation and Loneliness
Building a social network in a new country can be difficult. You might feel lonely or struggle to connect with peers from different backgrounds, while slowly becoming more distant from your friends back in your home country.
Financial Stress
Managing finances while studying abroad can add another layer of stress, especially with the high cost of tuition and living expenses. You might find yourself feeling guilty and constantly thinking about how to not overspend when you consider your parents’ sacrifices and the money they spent on sending you here.
Visa and Legal Issues
Navigating visa regulations and keeping up with legal requirements can be complex and stressful. You might worry about your immigration status, and if certain actions or speaking up for yourself might affect your future visa status, adding to your overall burden. You might also find it harder to secure a job due to your visa status.
Mental Health Stigma
In some cultures, mental health issues are stigmatized and seen as something to be ashamed of, making it hard to seek help and talk openly about your struggles. You might also find it difficult to open up to your family about your mental health challenges because you worry they won't understand, and you don’t want to cause them concern.
Independence and Life Skills
Being independent for the first time can be daunting. Challenges include finding a place to rent, negotiating with landlords or homestay providers, finding a new job, and cooking your food while maintaining your study schedule.
Feeling Lost and Confused About the Future
You might not know what you want to study or what career path to pursue, leading to feelings of confusion and uncertainty about your future. Balancing your own aspirations with your parents' expectations can create additional stress and inner conflict.
What does International Students Counselling look like and how can I help?
1 / Managing Stress & Improving Study Skills
I provide stress management tools and relaxation techniques to handle pressures. I also work with you to improve time management and reduce anxiety related to your studies and life. We’ll practice the tools together through therapy and outside of therapy sessions. You’ll find yourself feeling less stressed, more motivated, better able to concentrate, and able to enjoy life.
2 / Coping with Culture Shock
I help you develop strategies to manage culture shock and adjust to your new environment. This includes building coping skills, increasing cultural awareness, and finding ways to feel more at home. Through the process of exposure to a new culture, you might also find yourself feeling confused about your own identity and cultural expectations. I provide a safe space to navigate this confusion and find what feels right for you.
3 / Building Social Connections and Meaningful Relationships
Our therapy sessions can help you develop social skills, build meaningful relationships, and create a support network to reduce loneliness and increase your sense of belonging.
4 / Addressing Mental Health Stigma and Shame
I create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can talk openly about your mental health. I work to break down the stigma, overcome the shame, and encourage you to prioritize your well-being.
5 / Finding Clarity and Direction
Feeling lost and confused about your future is common. I help you explore your values and personality to gain clarity on what you want to study and pursue in your career. We work on balancing your aspirations with your family’s expectations, helping you make decisions that align with your true self.
I assist you in gaining clarity on your career path and future goals. We work on setting and achieving these goals by providing coping strategies to address any anxiety, fear, or limiting beliefs that might be holding you back, and resources to help you achieve your dream job.
Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
You don't need to do it all alone.
Getting Started is Easy
I use a culturally sensitive approach and offer therapy tailored to your unique experiences as an international student. My approach considers your cultural background, language needs, and personal challenges. I can also speak English, Cantonese, and Mandarin.
It can be daunting to reach out for help for the first time, especially in a new country. That's why I offer a free consultation to answer any questions and help you feel comfortable with the process. Let's discuss your needs and how I can support you.
Ready to begin your journey? Contact me today to schedule your free consultation. I’m here to help you navigate your challenges and thrive as an international student!
