Virtual Information Session: Mental Health and Wellness for International Post-Secondary Students

In this Virtual Information Session, frontline staff will learn about the mental health challenges that International Post-Secondary students face, and actions that can promote wellness. Speakers will include representatives from settlement service organizations and post-secondary institutions who will share their multi-faceted experiences that are applicable to all types of service providers.

Mental health challenges can threaten International Post-Secondary students’ well-being, jeopardizing their current academic and future aspirations. Financial stressors can be challenging, with rising tuition, food and housing costs exacerbating the number of international students living in unsuitable housing and/or accessing food banks.  As full-time studies are a requirement for a work permit, it is difficult to balance academics with needed work hours.  Additionally, as with many newcomers, International Post-Secondary Students face culture shock and social isolation, as well as worries about their families or conflicts back in their home country.

This session is targeted to front-line staff and settlement workers supporting International Post-Secondary students. Speakers will provide an overview of the stressors affecting these students’ mental health and wellness, share services and programs available in the community and on campuses, provide practical actions that can be implemented by post-secondary institutions and community service providers, and provide examples how the settlement sector and post-secondary institutions can work together to support the mental health and wellness of International Post-Secondary students.