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News

Program helps international students adjust

Counseling and Psychological Services group helps foreign students find balance after a ‘culture shock'

by CATALINA OTALORA
The Daily Cougar

Whether it is because of a new language and new culture or just homesickness, international students may have a difficult time adjusting to a new life in the United States.

In an effort to make the transition easier for students adapting to life in the U.S., Counseling and Psychological Services created the International Students Support Group in Fall 2005.

"At times, international students may experience ‘culture shock' -- the emotional and behavioral reaction to living, studying and working in another culture," Eva-Maria Gortner, group founder and facilitator, said. "This usually involves anxiety that results from losing familiar signs and symbols of one's home country and community."

Boredom, withdrawal, sleep disturbances and sadness are some of the symptoms of culture shock, Gortner said.

"Many times when students experience such concerns, it can feel like they are the only ones in the world who feel that way, while everybody else is OK. But so many times, that's not true," Gortner said. "I started to think that it would make good sense for people with similar concerns to share these concerns with each other and give each other support."

Besides adapting to a new culture, international students have to meet federal regulations that can impose a burden as well.

"Oftentimes, international students may feel like they are constantly bridging a gap and walking the line between cultures. More practically, laws and regulations may restrict where and how much international students can work -- these restrictions may add financial and emotional stress," Gortner said. "International students are also required by law to maintain a full-time course load, which can be stressful when balancing many life roles."

To Rafael Gomez, a mechanical engineering junior and an international student from Colombia, is sometimes hard to maintain a full-time student status.

"Maintaining 12 credits a semester is not easy," Gomez said. "The option to withdraw from a class for one reason or another is less feasible for (international students). We have to stay in the class even if it means getting a bad grade."

Students going through a difficult transition to life in America should consider attending the meetings that take place on Fridays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in Room 226 of Student Services Building 1. The group meets during the fall and spring semesters.

The organization has had members with origins in Asia, Africa, South America and Europe, Gortner said.

"One of the most important aspects of group is that students learn they are not alone -- that someone else is there who may have had similar experiences and understands their struggles," Gortner said. "(The group) is helpful (because it) provides a safe and confidential space to explore and address challenges and concerns unique to international students. (It also) gives the opportunity to learn new ways of connecting with others and forming positive relationships."

For more information on the International Students Support Group, call (713) 743-5406.

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