Why should we protect our mental health?

As international students, it is crucial for us to protect our mental health.

Smooth adaptation

Adjusting to a new cultural context can be difficult. Taking care of our mental health allows us to adjust and feel more relaxed in this new environment.

Improved academic performance

When our mental health is in good condition, we can concentrate better on our academics and perform to our full potential. It alleviates tension and enables us to be more productive.

Positive relationships

Building connections with others is vital for our overall well-being. Taking care of our mental health helps us establish and maintain healthy relationships with peers, professors, and the local community.

Enjoyment of the experience

Studying abroad is an exciting adventure, and having good mental health allows us to fully enjoy and appreciate the opportunities and experiences that come our way.

Remember, caring for our mental health shows strength and self-care. It allows us to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally during our study abroad journey.

What challenges we may face?

Language difficulties

The language barrier can be the most frustrating difficulty for international students.

“When I came to the UK, even though I would read the articles in advance and prepare for group discussions, I would still get lost in the various accents and sophisticated vocabulary used by the locals during every group discussion. When it was my turn to speak, I would get nervous, and my heart would race because I was afraid of making mistakes. At its worst, it would lead to depression and a reluctance to attend classes.” – Shuting Wei

For every international student, the language barrier is the most common and troublesome issue we encounter. Even after a long period of language learning before studying abroad, language barriers can still unexpectedly arise.

Types of language barriers

Communication barriers: Difficulties in expressing and understanding language, commonly encountered when communication is challenging, such as in classroom discussions, daily interactions, and social settings.
Academic challenges: Negative impact on studies, making it more difficult to comprehend course materials, reading materials, writing papers, and participating in group discussions.
Social barriers: Feeling self-conscious and experiencing shyness due to language barriers, making integrating into the local social environment difficult.

Culture shock

Cultural shock can make it difficult for international students to integrate.

“As a Chinese international student, during the outbreak of the pandemic, most Chinese people were obediently wearing masks and following social distancing guidelines. However, in foreign countries, masks and social distancing are often associated with human rights and freedom, leading to discussions and even protests. Additionally, there are many labor unions in the UK that frequently go on strikes and hold protests, which was a new and surprising experience for me.” – Shuting Wei

When we first arrive overseas, we are more likely to experience differences in cultural backgrounds and values. The greater the cultural differences between our home country and the country where we study, such as East-West cultural differences, the greater the pressure for us, as international students, to adapt to the new culture.

Types of cultural differences

Values: Facing different values, beliefs, and behaviors in different cultures, such as attitudes towards human rights, protests, strikes, etc., can confuse us.
Communication styles: Different cultures have different ways of communication, such as the British habit of saying “cheers” or asking about each other’s well-being when meeting. Polite language and understanding local social norms are essential for us as international students to avoid misunderstandings.
Social norms: Each culture has social norms and etiquette, including gestures and physical contact. As international students, we should learn and adhere to the local social norms to avoid misunderstandings.

What should we do?

Before reading the Tips

I know that sometimes we may feel insecure and worry that our accent or language skills may not be perfect enough to affect communication. But, my dear friend, I want to tell you it doesn’t matter. What truly matters is that we have the courage to try and express our thoughts and feelings.

Imagine when we communicate in our native language with our family and friends. We are not always flawless. We make mistakes, say the wrong words, or use grammar inaccurately. However, our family and friends still understand our meaning and don’t care about these small errors. The same applies to international communication. We can build beautiful connections as long as we sincerely express ourselves and try to communicate with others.

So, my dear friend, please believe in yourself. Believe in your abilities and efforts. Don’t let yourself be troubled by minor language imperfections. Engage bravely in conversations with others, continuously improve your language skills, and try to relax. Trust me, you will become more fluent and confident as time passes.

No matter which country we come from or what accent we have, we all have the right to express ourselves and be respected and understood by others. So, let’s break free from constraints, open our hearts, and boldly use our language to create meaningful communication and friendships.

Tips for Language Difficulties

Language courses: Schools provide language courses specifically designed for international students.
Learning Resources: Utilizing the school library and learning software helps us strengthen our language skills.
Oral practice: School clubs and activities provide excellent practice environments where we can interact with native English speakers to improve our communication abilities more quickly.
Increase reading exposure: Reading English books and listening to English broadcasts expands our vocabulary.

Tips for Culture Shock

Conduct online research and communicate with mentors to gain prior knowledge of the cultural background and customs of the host country, enhancing understanding of cultural differences.
Respect and acceptance: Show respect and understanding when faced with unfamiliar or confusing cultural customs and values.
Learn language and communication skills: Acquire knowledge of spoken language and communication styles in advance. Utilize the internet and social media to learn expressive ways of communication.
Open-mindedness: Maintain an open mindset to learn and engage with the host country’s culture while retaining our identity and values.

About me

My Self Introduction

My name: Shuting Wei
My MBTI: ISTP
My Background:
Five years of undergraduate studies in Canada, currently pursuing a master’s degree in the United Kingdom.
My family member: My dad, my mom, my 7-year-old cat, and me.
My hobbies: traveling, listening to music, and watching movies
My favorite music: Free (from Disney’s ” The One And Only Ivan”)
My favorite way to relieve stress: watching cat videos

My True Story

You have received an email.

Dear friend,

I completely understand the challenges of maintaining good mental health as an international student. It’s something that has deeply resonated with me. From the initial struggles with language barriers and confusion in the first year to the ongoing feelings of isolation, mental health issues have often been my companions on this journey.

One period that stands out vividly in my memory is the final year of my undergraduate studies, coinciding with the pandemic outbreak. Flights back home were scarce, leaving me torn between pursuing graduate school or finding a job. On top of that, I had to cope with the loss of loved ones and the heartbreak of a failed relationship. I won’t exaggerate—it was undoubtedly the toughest year for my mental well-being.

Looking back, I realize I had effective and ineffective ways of dealing with the immense psychological pressure. First and foremost, it’s crucial not to hesitate in seeking help. Schools and communities are always there to provide psychological support, and attending relevant workshops regularly can help us proactively address any issues before they become overwhelming.

Moreover, when faced with mental health problems, it’s important to find the right coping mechanisms. During my most challenging moments, my cat played a significant role in helping me navigate through bouts of depression. It’s worth remembering that everyone encounters mental health issues at some point, and it’s by facing them head-on that we grow stronger and healthier.

So, my friend, don’t hesitate to reach out for support when needed. Make the most of the resources available to you. And remember, even in the darkest times, there’s always a way to find light and overcome these challenges. You have the strength within you, and your mental well-being truly matters!

Take care, and stay strong!

Best Wishes,

Shuting Wei

My True Srory

You have received an email.

Dear friend,

Hi! It’s me again! I hope you are doing well recently.

In my previous email, I briefly shared the period when I faced mental health challenges. In this email, I’d like to have a heartfelt conversation with you about my present situation.

If you’re reading this email, my dear friend, it means that you, like me, have been fortunate enough to come to the University of Sheffield and choose this course. As I write this letter, the weather had transitioned from the cold when I first arrived to the scorching heat. Most student accommodations lack air conditioning, so you can imagine the sweat pouring down as I finish writing this email. The one-year journey of my master’s program feels like a dream, and during this time, I have encountered mental health issues, but I have gradually learned to adapt, accept, and overcome them.

When I first arrived here, surprisingly, my biggest challenge was the language barrier. Can you believe it? Despite having already completed my undergraduate studies in Canada, I still encountered language barriers and cultural shocks upon arriving in the UK.

First and foremost, my friend, be prepared to embrace enriching academic content. At the beginning of our studies, we are assigned a designated tutor with whom we can freely schedule meetings to discuss any life-related questions. I recommend carefully reading the reading list required by the professors before each class; it will make your learning journey smoother. However, if, my dear friend, you still encounter some academic hurdles, don’t worry. Simply make an appointment with your tutor and discuss your concerns. Never be shy to seek help, as we become stronger through seeking help.

Do you remember when I mentioned cultural shocks? Well, my friend, in Canada, tipping is customary, whereas, in the UK, it is not mandatory. After settling in on my first day in the UK, I immediately went out to dine with friends. When it was time to pay the bill after a satisfying meal, I couldn’t find the option for tipping. I still remember how foolish I felt at that moment. With a humble attitude, I asked the staff, who kindly informed me that tipping is not mandatory in the UK, but of course, you can still tip if you wish, haha! Another thing, my friend, when you come to the UK, you’ll have to get used to strikes. Trains go on strike, hospitals go on strike, and even teachers go on strike. Before every journey, remember to check beforehand whether there might be a strike and have a backup plan. But, my friend, I don’t want you to get upset or frustrated due to frequent strikes. Behind each strike, countless people are fighting for their rights. Did you know the current retirement system originated from France’s strikes and protests long ago?

Lastly, my friend, in this year ahead, I hope you’ll find time to explore different places. When you’re bothered by incessant rain and strong winds, why not bask in the sun in Barcelona, Spain? When you feel lost about the future, why not visit France and witness the love stories unfolding beneath the Eiffel Tower? Traveling can be a wonderful way to unwind. When we encounter mental health issues, going out, taking a break, and clearing our minds might make it easier for us to find solutions. However, seeking professional psychological help is still my top recommendation when facing mental health issues.

As you reach this point in the email, it’s almost time to conclude. My friend, I sincerely hope your upcoming journey will be exciting. I hope you find what you love and develop the ability to handle challenges correctly, becoming stronger along the way.