Being an international student comes with its own set of unique challenges. Between moving, starting new classes and being far away from home, it can take a toll on your mental health.
According to the Student Health Center, past data showed that around five percent of Counseling and Psychological Services clients are international students.
The Student Health Center website says that most students will experience a challenging period of adjustment, but advises students to use their CAPS resource if the symptoms of culture shock do not improve over time.
“International students have the same access to CAPS as any other students,” CAPS Director Kodee Walls said in an email.
While it can feel isolating moving to a new country, IU is home to various culture centers, resources and clubs where students can find others going through similar situations.
“CAPS offers multilingual providers,” Walls wrote. “Information on the languages can be found on our main page with the header ‘We speak your language.’”
She also wrote that CAPS participates in resource events held by the Office of International Services to make sure all students have information about their services.
“We encourage students of all backgrounds to build meaningful relationships with one another as they make the transition to campus, whether they’re coming from five miles away or five thousand miles away,” Walls said. “Building this social capital helps create a support network to help during challenging moments, as well as the celebratory times.”
The Student Health Center advises students who are experiencing culture shock to stay active, make new friends, and get enough sleep.
The Student Health Center hosts an international student support group Wednesdays from 1:30-2:30pm, providing a space for international students to receive and provide support to others having similar experiences.
In order to participate, you can call CAPS at (812-855-5711) to arrange a free initial consultation appointment. Counseling groups are free to all IU students who have paid the student health fee.
This story was originally published in the Indiana Daily Student's 2026 International Student Guide.
