It is believed that mental health issues are increasing in occurrence and severity. International students face various health challenges while moving abroad for studies. Some of the mental health challenges faced by international students include:
| Common challenges |
Meaning |
How to deal with it |
| Second language anxiety |
Anxiety from the pressure of communicating in a non-native language can affect academic performance and social interactions. |
- Don’t be afraid of making mistakes, you are not alone.
- Join a supportive community to practice this language.
|
| Isolation |
Feelings of loneliness and disconnection from peers, often due to cultural differences resulting in difficulties in forming new friendships. |
Build connections with other international students and share how you feel. |
| Navigating life transition |
The stress associated with adjusting to a new environment, including changes in lifestyle, academic expectations and personal independence. |
- Acknowledge the change and embrace it.
- View life transitions as an opportunity for growth and see what you can learn from it.
|
| Academic performance |
International students feel pressure to excel academically while also adapting to a new educational system. |
Go easy on yourself. It is a new country, a new course and a new academic style. Take some time to understand things and you can easily excel at it. |
| Cultural shock and homesickness |
The emotional turmoil experienced when adjusting to a new culture is often accompanied by longing for a home. |
Embrace cultural exchange and take an active part in Dubai’s cultural festival to understand it better. |
| Anxiety and sleep problem |
Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns are common among international students. |
You can follow some relaxation techniques like progressive muscle relaxation and a brain dump before bed. |
Building a new social network in an unfamiliar environment can be difficult and scary. Many international students may experience loneliness, especially if they find it hard to make friends.
Mental health support and awareness programmes for international students in Dubai
Dubai’s government frequently takes innovative steps to treat mental health concerns and lessen the taboo attached to them. By providing people with access to mental health services and support when needed, it has developed numerous projects for Emiratis and expatriates.
Some of the government initiatives include:
Tips for students to improve their mental health
Prioritising mental health is essential for academic success and overall well-being during your educational journey. Check these practical strategies and self-care techniques that can help you effectively manage stress and maintain a positive mindset.
- Attend social events, workshops, or local meetups.
- Consider mindfulness practices, such as meditation or journaling.
- Develop a study schedule to manage your time effectively.
- Maintain a balanced lifestyle that includes exercise, nutrition and social activities.
- Utilise academic resources such as tutoring centres or writing workshops.
- Establish a daily routine to create a sense of stability.
These tips can help you calm yourself but if the problem of anxiety or depression persists, it is suggested to seek professional help.
Counselling and mental health support provided by higher education institutions in Dubai
Many higher education institutions in Dubai offer counselling services for students. There are seminars, workshops and personal consultations provided by these institutions to help students improve their mental health.
Through these sessions, students can learn new coping mechanisms for college life and become more conscious of the signs of stress, how it affects their emotional and cognitive functioning and how to modify their routines for a healthy way of living.
By holding frequent seminars and workshops that focus on the needs of students, the mental health awareness campaign encourages and promotes a healthy environment. Students can discuss their concerns and difficulties, both academic and personal, in a safe setting during individual and group counselling sessions.
Mental health support for international students at GBS Dubai
At GBS Dubai, we understand that the journey of studying abroad can be both exciting but also challenging for international students. The transition to a new country, culture and educational system often brings stress that can impact mental health and overall well-being.
Our student welfare team is here to ensure that you have access to the support you need when you need it. We focus on:
- Encouragement: Promoting a proactive approach to health and well-being, encouraging students to prioritise their mental health.
- Empowerment: Helping students feel confident in seeking assistance from the welfare team whenever necessary.
- Skill development: Supporting students in developing essential skills for managing their mental health and well-being.
Mental health services overview at GBS Dubai
Students can talk about problems and difficulties in their personal or academic lives. The problems that they feel could make it difficult for them to learn, study, perform or thrive.
| Service |
Description |
| Counselling sessions |
One-on-one sessions with trained counsellors to discuss personal challenges and develop coping strategies. |
| Workshops |
Group workshops focusing on stress management, mindfulness and resilience-building techniques. |
| Special needs support |
Assistance for students with disabilities or specific learning needs through external providers. |
| Resource Referrals |
Guidance on accessing additional mental health resources within the community or online platforms. |
By prioritising your mental health during your studies at GBS Dubai, you can fully engage in your educational experience and achieve your academic goals with confidence.
Explore future-ready courses in Dubai and brush up your skills with a practical learning style.
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