Click on the links below to view assistance suggestions and University Resources for each type of student distress.

• Academic Difficulty
• Academic Integrity
• Suicidal Behavior
• Disruptive Behavior
• Stalking
• Disability Issues
• International Students' Concerns
• Communicating Distress
• Difficulties With a Faculty Advisor
• After a Distressing Community Event or Tragedy

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International Students' Concerns

1. Experiencing Academic Difficulty
2. Experiencing Cultural Adjustment Difficulties
3. Experiencing English Difficulties

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Experiencing Cultural Adjustment Difficulties

Identifying the Problem:

Most international students (and others who interact in a new culture) experience some form of culture shock at some point during their stay. Feelings of disorientation and confusion often occur when students undertake a program of study in a new culture. It is normal for students to go through a period of cultural adjustment or culture shock. Misunderstandings due to differences in expectations, assumptions, roles, and communication styles can lead to frustrations.

Common symptoms or signs include the following (many of them as similar to symptoms that individuals experience when they go through any transition phase):

• fatigue
   
• frequent headaches, stomach aches, and other physical symptoms related to stress
   
• changes in sleeping or eating habits
   
• irritability
   
• getting excessively angry, frustrated, or upset (frequently these negative feelings are directed toward the new culture)
   
• tendency to be withdrawn, sad, or lonely
   
• interacting almost exclusively with people from one's own country
   
• not feeling like oneself
   
• a heightened sense of incompetence
   
• feeling overwhelmed by cultural differences
  

Students who experience culture shock may find it more acceptable to seek medical care rather than counseling services.

How to Respond:

See General Guidelines

• It can be helpful to ask an international student about how he or she is adjusting to living in a different culture.
   
• Let the student know that other international students also experience challenges when adjusting to the United States. It can help students to know that they are not the only one.
   
• Encourage the student to talk with other international students about her or his experiences as well as strategies for dealing with cultural shock.
   
• Invite the student to ask questions about United States cultures, particularly the academic culture within the University.
   
• When appropriate, take time to explain United States cultural norms around time management, communication etc.
   
• Encourage the student to take care of him or herself: Get plenty of rest, exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, find opportunities to socialize, and take time for recreational breaks.
   
• Encourage international students to make use of the University resources listed below. For example, International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) advisers work with cultural adjustment issues with many international students. Also, discuss the benefits of seeking support from friends and family back home and the need to balance this with developing new support systems - this could be the first time a student has been away from family and friends.

University Resources:

1. International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)
   190 Humphrey Center, Phone: 612-624-7100
   http://www.isss.umn.edu/default.html
   
   When making a referral, let students know that ISSS advisers have a lot of expertise in helping students deal with cultural adjustment issues. ISSS staff can help international students explore the most pressing concerns, as well as examine other factors that may contribute, e.g., financial and academic, difficulties, immigration restrictions, personal and family concerns. In addition to individual advising and counseling, ISSS offers a variety of programs to help students connect with others and to become more of a part of the University community.
    
2. Boynton Health Service, Mental Health Clinic (4th floor)
   410 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN.
   Phone: 612-624-1444 (clinic number), 612-625-8475 (Urgent Counselor)
   http://www.bhs.umn.edu
    
3. University Counseling and Consulting Services
   109 Eddy Hall and 199 Coffey Hall, Phone: 612-624-3323
   http://www.ucs.umn.edu/
    
4. Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
   419 Morrill
   100 Church St. S.E.
   Minneapolis, MN 55455
   Phone: 612-624-9547
   http://www.eoaffact.umn.edu/
   To consult about and/or report possible discrimination or systemic barriers to equal access.
   
   **NOTE: Due to visa regulations, an international student who is having adjustment difficulties should not be advised to drop below full-time without first consulting with an ISSS adviser in 190 Humphrey Center.