Providing a supportive transition for international students Presented by: Gurminder Sandhu, M.S. & Dianna González, Ph.D. UC Irvine Counseling Center September 11, 2013 International Peer Mentors:

Overview of Presentation Understanding challenges and exciting aspects of working with International Students Recognizing signs of distress Understanding your role as a mentor Linking mentees with campus resources

Studying in America Learn a new language, culture, & customs Experience a different educational system Cognitive fatigue (information overload) Change in social support and resources Financial strain

Cultural Adjustment & Mental Health

Adjusting Takes Time… The Honeymoon Stage The Hostility Stage The Humor Stage The Home Stage

Culture Shock can make it difficult to: Concentrate in class Complete assignments Feel comfortable speaking with professors, TAs, Academic Advisors Make friends Engage in Self-Care Culture Shock & Academic Success

Recognizing a Difficult Transition Feeling Sad, Hopeless, or ready to “give up” Tearfulness Easily Angry or Frustrated Change in school attendance or performance Change in Motivation Low energy, anxiety, irritability, procrastination, dependency Increase in Substance or Alcohol use Problems eating Problems sleeping Feeling Lost

Your Role as a Peer Mentor Normalize the Process Introduce them to cultural norms Show interest Know your limits Connect them to Campus Resources

How Can You help? Listen Not only to WHAT, but HOW something is said Reflect Let’s the person in distress know that they are being heard Refer You do not have to be their therapist. Refer them to the Counseling Center Inform You are not along. Seek help if you need it!

Discussing Cultural Differences Understand their customs Introduce the differences but be careful to not shame the person Create an opportunity of learning Be aware of what is taken for granted or unspoken in Western Culture

Know Your Limits What does it mean to set boundaries? How is it defined? –Friends vs. mentor –Flexibility–Language Type of communication: texting, Facebook, phone numbers, etc.

Self-Reflection What type of student makes your nervous? What type of student do you most enjoy working with? What situations create anxiety? What situations increase your frustration?

When Meeting … DO Ask questions for clarification Be supportive Be available Be aware of your own reactions Reach out Acknowledge their feelings Be directive & clear Help the student to problem solve DON’T Ignore the situation Encourage the behavior Chastise or criticize the student Be afraid of planting the idea Minimize the situation Leave the student alone if there is a concern for safety Overact

Things to Recommend Learn the language Social Activities A healthy diet Good sleep habits Regular exercise Time for play and relaxation Social connections Maintain contact with family & friends from home ties

Interacting & Communicating Helping student to learn that they can connect even if language or skills are not “perfect” Types of activities: Find social interactions that do not always require language Bring own traditional game

Modeling You are not expected to know everything Know how to direct student to resources Model how to find answers

Linking Students with Campus Resources There are campus resources that can help: International Center Campus Housing Resident Advisors Campus Clubs & Organizations Counseling Center Student Health Center

What is Counseling? Provides a person with the chance to talk about their concerns or worries in a safe and friendly environment Therapists have specialty training and education to help students learn how to overcome their challenges The information is kept private (confidential) NO additional costs (as long as you are enrolled as a student)

Final Thoughts Have confidence in yourself Know your limits Remain calm Ask for help when you need it Engage in self-reflection and self-care

We are Here to Help! Contact us: Counseling Center 203 Student Services I (949)