Are you an Asian international student in college and feeling overwhelmed with mental health struggles? You’re not alone.
Over the past decade, the number of international Asian students attending college has significantly increased due to our growing global community.
Recent findings from the Institute of International Education (IIE)’s Open Doors Report reveal that 645,622 students from East Asia, South and Central Asia, and Southeast Asia came to the United States for higher education during 2020-2021.
It is an unprecedented number illustrating how strongly international students value American universities. However, this influx is often accompanied by numerous challenges that can lead to long-term mental issues for these individuals.
For example, language barriers, cultural differences, and the expectations of their families back home can all contribute to feelings of stress and loneliness.
Mental Health Problems of International Asian Students: Statistics
With over a million students from around the world studying at U.S. higher education institutions, they now make up 5.5% of all enrollments – emphasizing diversity and introducing new global perspectives to American universities while also contributing stable tuition income for these schools.
Most international students in the United States are from Asian countries. In 2020, Chinese students made up the greatest portion of international college pupils at 34.8%, backed by Indian learners at 18%, and South Koreans representing 4.8%, as reported by IIE.
However, through numerous studies and reports, it has become evident that these students are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues.
For instance, a research study discovered that Chinese international students attending an American university experienced higher rates of depression (45%) and anxiety (29%) than the average college student in the United States.
Some other mental health problems include difficulties with sexual orientation, cultural identity crises, and substance abuse. These issues can affect international Asian students’ academic performance and overall well-being.
Reasons for Mental Health Problems of International Asian Students
Many studies suggest that the main contributing factors to mental health problems among international Asian students include the following:
1. Language Barriers
Language barriers can lead to isolation, which leads to feelings of stress and loneliness. It also creates a communication barrier between students and faculty or staff, preventing them from getting the help they need.
For instance, one research study found that international students with lower English proficiency were more likely to experience a higher level of social isolation and depression.
2. Cultural Influences
Cultural influences can create feelings of alienation when students are surrounded by a different culture than what they are used to.
Many international Asian students often feel pressure from their families to succeed, leading them to have higher expectations of themselves, which can lead to higher levels of depression and anxiety.
3. Academic, Working, and Financial Stresses
International students often have to take up part-time jobs while studying to cope with the high tuition costs. It can cause them to overload themselves and be unable to cope with academic work, leading to greater stress levels.
In addition, international students may face financial difficulties due to the exchange rate differences between their home countries and the U.S. It can cause even more stress as they need help managing expenses.
4. Interpersonal Factors
International Asian students may also experience difficulties with making friends and forming social connections. The lack of family and friends from their own culture, coupled with the feeling of being away from their family, can lead to feelings of homesickness and isolation. In addition, it increases the risk of mental health problems.
Besides, international Asian students may face discrimination and prejudice from their peers, faculty, or staff due to cultural differences. As a result, it can lead to feelings of alienation or inferiority, which can harm mental health.
5. Intrapersonal Factors
Intrapersonal factors can also contribute to mental health problems among international students. These include feelings of inferiority, self-doubt, and low self-esteem.
Such factors can also lead to confusion and identity crisis. International Asian students may struggle with assimilating into the host culture and struggle with finding their place in a new community.
State of mental health on campus
Does your college provide enough for mental health on campus?
How Should Colleges Address the Mental Health Issues of International Asian Students?
Universities and other institutions should provide adequate mental health services and support to international Asian students.
Here are some ways how universities can address the mental health issues of international Asian students:
1. Develop Support Systems
Colleges should create support systems such as counseling services, peer-support groups, and academic advisors to help international Asian students who are dealing with mental health issues.
For example, colleges like Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley, have implemented support systems such as peer mentoring programs and counseling services specifically for international students.
2. Provide Cultural Education
Colleges should provide cultural education to international students to create an inclusive environment. Through cultural education, international Asian students can understand the values and behaviors of the host culture and better integrate into it.
For instance, at Ball State University, international students can participate in cultural exchange programs such as the International Student Engagement Program and the Multicultural Center, providing education and support to international students.
3. Increase Awareness
Another way colleges can address the mental health issues of international Asian students is by increasing awareness. Colleges should partner with organizations that provide mental health services and raise awareness about mental health issues in their communities.
For instance, the renowned Harvard University has recently developed a novel mental health program tailored to Asian American women. Named Asian Women’s Action for Resilience and Empowerment (AWARE), the program is designed to help Asian American women with mental health issues.
4. Provide Financial Support
Colleges should provide financial support to international Asian students. It can include scholarships and grants for tuition, transportation, housing, and other costs.
For instance, Princeton University offers need-based financial aid to international students. It helps reduce the financial burden on these students and makes it easier for them to focus on their studies.
5. Promote Inclusivity
Lastly, colleges should promote inclusivity by encouraging students to get involved in social activities and clubs. It can help international Asian students to feel more connected to the community and less isolated.
So for instance, the University of Chicago has an International Students’ Association that provides social and professional support to international students. The network also hosts several events and workshops, which allow international students to network and build meaningful connections.
Bottom Line
International Asian students have unique mental health needs. Therefore, universities need to provide them with the necessary support and services they need to cope with their mental health struggles.
For instance, universities should implement support systems, provide cultural education, increase awareness, offer financial support, and promote inclusivity to ensure that international Asian students receive the help they need.
These strategies can help universities address the mental health issues of international Asian students and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for them.
By following the tips mentioned above, universities can ensure that international Asian students receive the care they need and succeed in their studies.
