Out of their comfort zones, international students and travellers are particularly vulnerable to mental health struggles. Some will reach out and ask for help, but many will not, for complex reasons. Most do not require one-on-one therapy, but would be well served by solid information and tools to manage their mental health while abroad. I have designed a program of sessions specifically to meet these needs. I provide important information that benefits all students, while creating a safe space to connect with students in crisis who might otherwise not reach out.
I have identified the key topics that were the most vital and life-changing for me in my own experience relocating from Australia to Italy. These are:
* Risks and Reducing Risk Factors,
* Caring for Self and Caring for Others,
* Crisis Management and Countering Victim Blaming,
* Consent and Cross Cultural Challenges.
My full outline of these areas was published in ISI’s Beyond Journal.
Students trust and connect with me, because I have been there. I share my experiences and discuss challenging topics with no shame or judgement. For students in crisis, I function as a bridge, connecting them to psychological services where they can receive the intensive therapy they need.
My connection to the work is personal as well as professional – I am a survivor of sexual violence as a foreigner here in Florence, and have been through both the medical and legal systems as a result. Because of this, I truly care about making life easier for young people, and giving them all the information and support I wish I’d had when I first arrived here. Whether or not a crisis happens, great mental health support can make their experience more meaningful, emotionally and psychologically safe, and ultimately more enriching.
Ideally, I like to meet with the students three times – at the start of semester for an inspiring and informative talk about what to expect, as well as a run down of some basic mental health housekeeping strategies. The second meeting should occur close to mid-semester, when the famed “mid-semester meltdown” is likely to occur, so we can check in on their self awareness, coping strategies, and create a safe and comfortable context where those who need to can ask for help. Finally, we work together as they approach the end of their studies, and are facing their return transition “to normal life” as changed people.
I work with students in both long and short term study abroad programs, helping them to self reflect on how they are managing challenges, evaluate their coping strategies and make conscious adjustments, and set positive goals for the remainder of their time. For example, my work with Masters students is based on reducing stress and setting healthy, balanced goals to help them stay centered during a high pressure time, and once their thesis is over.
Detailed information about the talks and sessions is available upon request. Please do contact me to arrange an in-person meeting, or a video call consultation, to discuss your institution’s specific requirements.