Hello International Students! Welcome to UMM!

Common Transition Issues experienced by International Students

While you may have been excited about the prospect of having more independence from family, freedom to explore new people and new cultures, you may find yourself missing your loved ones more than you anticipated. Feelings of lonliness and sadness at being so far from those who know you the best are some of the most common reasons that international students talk to counselors.

Some international students worry that their English isn't "good enough" to fit in or to do well academically. As a result, some students from other countries may isolate themselves from other UMM students for fear of not being understood. Some may avoid faculty because they feel embarrased about their performance in class. As a result, some students begin struggling with self-esteem issues they never faced back home. However, there are many resources on campus to help students with their academics if English is not your first language. And we encourage you to overcome the urge to isolate yourself, if that is an issue for you, and meet as many people as possible. What better way to improve your English language skills?

As you may have already experienced, there are many different cultures in America. As a result, American customs, traditions and behaviors may seem confusing. What you researched about life in the United States before coming might not match what your experience is. "Culture Shock" is a common phenomenon among international students no matter where you are from.

Stress is the most common reason counselors talk to students (both American and International), whether it is about stress from academics, stress of relationships, adjusting to a new roommate, homesickness, or other life transitions. The staff at Student Counseling invites you to visit with us if you wish to talk to a professional counselor about your concerns. To make an appointment, simply stop by our office in Behmler Hall or call x6060.

Some issues that counselors have helped International Students with in the past:

• Fear that their English language skills are not good enough to do well
• Homesickness
• Fear of parents disapproval or disappointment
• Depression and/or Anxiety
• Feeling isolated and lonely, feeling others don't like them
• Culture Shock and transition issues
• Living in a rural town vs. a big city