Culture shock impacts mental health of international students
Many international students at Algonquin College report facing overwhelming challenges, including culture shock, language barriers and mental health issues, especially those traveling abroad for the first time.
Living in a new environment was too much for Ipik Kapmaz.
“I came to Canada with hopes and dreams, but the weight of loneliness and the struggle to connect took me down,” said Kapmaz, a former international student.
After one semester, Kapmaz had to return home, overwhelmed by the pressures of adapting to life in a new country.
Her experience is not isolated; a previous survey conducted by Algonquin College in 2001 revealed that 60 per cent of all students expressed concerns about their mental health.
According to Kapmaz, living abroad is not as easy as others may think, especially if you have no friends or family around.
“I had to choose between my academic journey and my mental health, so I chose my mental health.” Kapmaz said.
The language barrier is another challenge facing international students, causing them to feel overstressed.
Chahd Almalaki, a first-year student in the animation program, said language creates significant challenges to connecting with her peers. She also said that teachers speak quickly compared to her listening skills.
”Before I came here, I used to always think that I was good at English, but now I feel embarrassed to speak during group presentations or when working as part of a group,” Almalaki said.
Despite these challenges, some students are finding ways to cope and thrive.
Marwa Lamrani Ejjoute, a second-year student in the business accounting program, is a mentor in the International Peer Mentor Program (IPM). She provides guidance and support to newcomers, drawing from her own experiences as a mentee.
“I see myself in them,” she said.
Ejjoute encourages students to participate in events organized by the International Peer Mentor program and use available mental health services. She emphasizes the importance of asking questions and seeking help whenever needed.
“There are many of us in the IPM who are willing to help you adapt,” Ejjout said. “You have just to give yourself a chance.”
Melissa Yang, a recent graduate and former mentor in the IPM, is a vibrant example of resilience. She overcame mental health challenges with help from IPM and now assists new international students in navigating academic stress.
“Being part of the IPM program has been truly life-changing for me,” Yang said. “It has not only given me the skills and confidence to excel in my role as a mentor but has also opened doors to meet students from diverse backgrounds and learn about their unique stories and cultures.”
The college provides a variety of services benefiting international students, including the AC Purple Couch initiative. The concept behind the couch is simple: wherever you see the AC Purple Couch, grab a seat and speak your mind. Students can chat with trained leaders or mental health professionals and access valuable mental health resources — just talk.
The AC Purple Couch is hosted by the Student Health and Wellness Zone and takes place happens every Friday from 11 a.m to 2 p.m, across from Savoir Faire Room E135.
Students are encouraged to use these mental health counselling resources for support:
