Counseling Center Services for International Students
For most international students, entering universities in the United States can be an overwhelming life and cultural transition. International students often have lost immediate access to their primary support system, as they have physically moved away from their primary supports. Students coming to college in the US from other countries and cultures often face special challenges in their efforts to thrive here. This may affect academics, health, emotional, or psychological problems, or may make a preexisting condition worse. These challenges may include:
- Adjusting to a new academic/social environment
- Culture-shock or language-barriers
- Lack of friendships and social support that share in one’s own culture or language
- Feelings of isolation from administration
- Homesickness
- Cultural misunderstanding and prejudice
Although international students face many obstacles during college, they also demonstrate great resiliency and perseverance, including:
- Educational commitment
- Academic engagement
- Interpersonal flexibility
- Adaptability
How Counseling Can Help
A counselor helps students to discuss their concerns in a safe and friendly environment, while working with students to find the best way to help. At the PCC, international students find benefit in:
- The unconditional support
- Increased strategies to improve resilience
- Referral for other on campus resources
- Help with the acculturation and adjustment
We Can Help With:
- Relationship conflicts
- Academics
- Sleep difficulties
- Substance use
- Depression
- Anxiety
- LGBTQ+ related issues
- Trauma and assault
- Identity development related issues
- Balancing the life of a student athlete
- Eating/Body image related issues
- Family and personal crisis
- OCD and Panic disorders
Additional Campus Resources
- Dean of Students: 401-865-1782
- Health Services: 401-865-2442
- Campus Ministry/Chaplain: 401-865-2216
- Public Safety: 401-865-2222 (Emergency)
- Title IX Confidential Advocates (Sexual Assault & Dating Violence)
- The Center @ Moore Hall – Center for Arts, Culture, and Social Justice
- The Center for Orientation, Transitions and Leadership (PC1G, Peer Mentor)
- SHEPARD Club (Stopping Homophobia Eliminating Prejudice and Restoring Dignity)
Contact Information
Personal Counseling Center
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30am to 4:30pm during the academic year
Lower Bedford Hall
401.865.2343
Emergency:
If you are experiencing an emergency on campus, please contact Public Safety at 401-865-2222. For off campus emergencies, contact 911.
After hours mental health support:
Call 401-865-2343 and press option 2 to speak with an on-call crisis counselor when the office is closed.
Please do not use email to contact Personal Counseling Center staff for urgent/crisis purposes
