International Students

Adjusting to life as an international student can be difficult. Counseling Services is here to help students make a smooth transition into the MCPHS community by focusing on their mental health and well-being. Personal counseling may be an unfamiliar concept for many international students, so we have organized some information about our services and general mental health services in the United States as a guide.

What is Counseling Services?

Counseling offers an opportunity to talk about issues and receive confidential, unbiased support and guidance from professional counselors. Sharing and exploring personal concerns with an objective listener often helps alleviate uncomfortable feelings. Counselors also help students generate concrete strategies for managing and coping with issues and problems – whether large or small. Often, seeking support and guidance for mental or emotional concerns can help students balance their academics. Some common reasons why students may seek counseling are:

• Homesickness
• Personal stress
• Difficulty adjusting to college
• Academic pressure
• Relationship concerns
• Making friends
• Living with roommates
• Pre-existing conditions
• Culture shock

What does confidentiality mean?

Counseling services at MCPHS are confidential, which means that unless a student provides a counselor with written consent, no information regarding their counseling can be provided to any outside source (i.e., parents, home government, etc.). Participation in counseling does not show on your academic record. Only in rare cases would a counselor break confidentiality, including if a student is a harm to themselves or others, the information provided entails elder or child abuse, or when the information is subpoenaed by a court of law in the United States.

What is culture shock?

Culture shock is common among college students but more so for international students. It can occur when someone has abruptly emerged into a new climate, new language, new set of social roles and behavior, new value system, and new overall atmosphere. Moving to another country can be difficult for students, and the overbearing stress of academics does not allow students much time to settle in. Talking to a counselor could alleviate some of your struggles and help you better understand the school’s culture.

What does it mean to have a pre-existing condition?

For many students, personal counseling has been a part of their lives before college. Students may enter college with full knowledge of their anxiety, depression, eating disorder, or a wide range of many other psychological disorders. It is generally beneficial for these students to seek counseling to continue receiving support for their pre-existing conditions. If you are aware of a pre-existing condition or have benefited from counseling in the past, it may be helpful to come to speak to a counselor about continuing counseling or possibly receiving a referral to support your specific concerns best.