Solution.
Based on these trends, it would be in the university’s best interest to ensure that all of the university stakeholders are trained in cultural sensitivity and awareness that includes a focus on international student experiences (Kim et al., 2019). With the growing number in enrollment, college campuses should look at developing their academic curriculum with their diverse population in mind. This would help U.S. colleges and universities to remain marketable and competitive on a global scale (Kim et al., 2019). Approximately 67% of international students receive funding from their home countries and have contributed 38.7 billion dollars to the U.S economy to date (National Association of Foreign Student Advisers, 2020). international students face common struggles such as financial distress, loneliness, and developing personal autonomy in addition to acculturation difficulties and language barriers (Hechanova-Alampay, 2002). According to Kim et al., international students seek mental health services less than domestic students and 33% - 70% international students terminate their counseling services after the initial session (Kim et al., 2019). According to research, international students underutilize mental health services for a variety of factors, including cultural standards and perceptions that they seek support from their family and friends first, (Tsega, 2014), stigma associated with mental health services (Mendoza, Masuda, & Swartout, 2015), and a lack of language proficiency (Sentell, Shumway, & Snowden, 2007).
References
Hechanova-Alampay, R., Beehr, T. A., Christiansen, N. D., & van Horn, R. K. (2002). Adjustment and strain among domestic and international student sojourners: A longitudinal study. School Psychology International, 23(4), 458.
Kim, N., Oh, S., & Mumbauer, J. (2019). Supporting International Students: Enhancing College Counselors’ Multicultural Counseling Competence. Journal of College Counseling, 22(2), 179–192. https://doi.org/10.1002/jocc.12129
Mendoza, H., Masuda, A., & Swartout, K. M. (2015). Mental health stigma and self-concealment as predictors of help-seeking attitudes among Latina/o college students in the United States. International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling, 37, 207–2.
National Association of Foreign Student Advisers, 2020. NAFSA International Student Economic Value Tool. Retrieved from https://www.nafsa.org/sites/default/files/media/document/isev-2020.pdf
Sentell, T., Shumway, M., & Snowden, L. (2007). Access to mental health treatment by English language proficiency and Race/Ethnicity. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 22, 289-93. doi:http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.monmouth.edu/10.1007/s11606-007-0345-7
Tsega, T. W. (2014). Psychological and personal variables as predictors of the willingness of international students to seek formal and informal counseling help (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). University of Wyoming.