Adjusting to life in a new country and the idea of studying abroad can be exciting, but it also comes with invisible challenges. For international and exchange students at Allegheny College, the academic pressure, cultural adjustment, language barriers and homesickness can create an emotional burden that is often overlooked. Mental health as an essential aspect of human rights becomes even more uncertain when students feel isolated in a new community far from home.

Faria Shabnam, ’29, an international student from Bangladesh, describes her transition to Allegheny as “being thrown into a role of self dependence.” Shabnam shared how she needed to adapt when simple tasks like transportation or managing daily responsibilities suddenly became entirely her responsibility.

“Back home you’d have your family or your people to help,” Shabnam said.

She said she has to do everything herself even though she is not familiar with the environment. Experiences like hers illustrate how the small but constant pressures of adapting to a place that works differently from home can accumulate and affect emotional well being.

Haya Totakei, ’27, an exchange student from Japan, highlighted the constant stressors of the language barrier and cultural differences. While academically supported, Totakei explains, “sometimes, I feel stressed just being away from home.”

Totakei also mentioned his disappointment in his English learning progress.

“I even struggle to participate in conversations and in class activities,” Totakei said. “I enjoy them but it’s hard.”

Both students shared that while they have not personally used counseling services, they recognize the potential benefits if they faced more serious challenges. But they said that cultural norms from their home countries often discourage seeking professional mental health care. For example, Totakei said, “my family doesn’t believe in therapy.”

Wellness & Life Design Case Manager Joshua Guthrie, ’09, emphasized the importance of proactive support.

“Our goal is holistic wellness, physical, mental, social and spiritual,” he said.

Guthrie works closely with students who need guidance, and he has seen throughout his years at Allegheny how isolation can affect international students during their first months on campus.
“Once students find their group of people, they can begin to feel supported,” Guthrie said. “But initial adjustment can be difficult.”

He stressed the importance of trust in encouraging students to access these services and emphasized that Allegheny’s resources are designed to remove barriers. Students can access six free sessions with licensed therapists, a 24/7 emotional support line, guided self care modules and peer-to-peer support communities through the TimelyCare app.

“You don’t have to be unwell to come to wellness,” Guthrie said, pushing back against the idea many students carry from home.

But even with these services, awareness is still a challenge. Students may not know these tools exist, particularly international and exchange students. Totakei said that he did not know what TimelyCare was, and Shabnam only learned about counseling months into the fall semester.

These individual experiences reflect a broader trend identified in research. According to the American Psychological Association, college campuses nationwide are rethinking their approach to mental health, shifting from reactive crises to creating a culture of well being that normalizes asking for help. Similarly, a Public Library of Science blog post on international students emphasizes the “invisible baggage” many carry, such as isolation, anxiety and stress compounded by financial pressures, cultural displacement and uncertainty about visa status. The article recommends culturally aware counselors and greater institutional support to address the unique needs of international students.

Shabnam and Totakei both suggested that counselling service would be more accessible and effective if college included staff familiar with the different cultural backgrounds. Totakei recounted the relief of having a Japanese peer mentor who helped him navigate life in the U.S., while Shabnam wished for more opportunities to connect with fellow international students. These insights underline the importance of not just providing service, but ensuring they are culturally sensitive and inclusive.

International students often rely on friends for support, but proactive outreach could help bridge the gap. As Guthrie explained, wellness isn’t only about addressing problems; it’s about making good experiences even better.

International students bring languages, ideas and perspectives that make our campus stronger, yet they also face hidden struggles. Recognizing mental health as a human right means providing resources that are accessible, culturally aware and empathetic to students’ lived experiences.

As the APA and PLOS sources emphasize, creating a campus culture where mental wellness is normalized and supported is not just beneficial, it’s essential, giving students the chance to truly belong.