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International Peer Mentors:

International Peer Mentors: . Providing a supportive transition for international students Presented by: Gurminder Sandhu, M.S. & Dianna González, Ph.D. UC Irvine Counseling Center September 11, 2013. Overview of Presentation.

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International Peer Mentors:

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  1. International Peer Mentors: Providing a supportive transition for international students Presented by: Gurminder Sandhu, M.S. & Dianna González, Ph.D. UC Irvine Counseling Center September 11, 2013

  2. Overview of Presentation • Understanding challenges and exciting aspects of working with International Students • Recognizing signs of distress • Understanding your role as a mentor • Linking mentees with campus resources

  3. Studying in America • Learn a new language, culture, & customs • Experience a different educational system • Cognitive fatigue (information overload) • Change in social support and resources • Financial strain

  4. Cultural Adjustment & Mental Health

  5. Adjusting Takes Time…

  6. Culture Shock & Academic Success Culture Shock can make it difficult to: • Concentrate in class • Complete assignments • Feel comfortable speaking with professors, TAs, Academic Advisors • Make friends • Engage in Self-Care

  7. Recognizing a Difficult Transition • Feeling Sad, Hopeless, or ready to “give up” • Tearfulness • Easily Angry or Frustrated • Change in school attendance or performance • Change in Motivation • Low energy, anxiety, irritability, procrastination, dependency • Increase in Substance or Alcohol use • Problems eating • Problems sleeping • Feeling Lost

  8. Your Role as a Peer Mentor • Normalize the Process • Introduce them to cultural norms • Show interest • Know your limits • Connect them to Campus Resources

  9. How Can You help? • Listen • Not only to WHAT, but HOW something is said • Reflect • Let’s the person in distress know that they are being heard • Refer • You do not have to be their therapist. Refer them to the Counseling Center • Inform • You are not along. Seek help if you need it!

  10. Discussing Cultural Differences • Understand their customs • Introduce the differences but be careful to not shame the person • Create an opportunity of learning • Be aware of what is taken for granted or unspoken in Western Culture

  11. Know Your Limits • What does it mean to set boundaries? • How is it defined? –Friends vs. mentor –Flexibility –Language Type of communication: texting, Facebook, phone numbers, etc.

  12. Self-Reflection • What type of student makes your nervous? • What type of student do you most enjoy working with? • What situations create anxiety? • What situations increase your frustration?

  13. When Meeting … DO • Ask questions for clarification • Be supportive • Be available • Be aware of your own reactions • Reach out • Acknowledge their feelings • Be directive & clear • Help the student to problem solve DON’T • Ignore the situation • Encourage the behavior • Chastise or criticize the student • Be afraid of planting the idea • Minimize the situation • Leave the student alone if there is a concern for safety • Overact

  14. Things to Recommend • Learn the language • Social Activities • A healthy diet • Good sleep habits • Regular exercise • Time for play and relaxation • Social connections • Maintain contact with family & friends from home ties

  15. Interacting & Communicating • Helping student to learn that they can connect even if language or skills are not “perfect” • Types of activities: • Find social interactions that do not always require language • Bring own traditional game

  16. Modeling • You are not expected to know everything • Know how to direct student to resources • Model how to find answers

  17. Linking Students with Campus Resources • There are campus resources that can help: • International Center • Campus Housing • Resident Advisors • Campus Clubs & Organizations • Counseling Center • Student Health Center

  18. What is Counseling? • Provides a person with the chance to talk about their concerns or worries in a safe and friendly environment • Therapists have specialty training and education to help students learn how to overcome their challenges • The information is kept private (confidential) • NO additional costs (as long as you are enrolled as a student)

  19. Final Thoughts • Have confidence in yourself • Know your limits • Remain calm • Ask for help when you need it • Engage in self-reflection and self-care

  20. We are Here to Help! Contact us: Counseling Center 203 Student Services I (949) 824-6457 www.counseling.uci.edu

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