Translations of International Student Adjustment Concerns

Introduction and Rationale

Research data indicate that international students in the United States experience a significant amount of stress as they pursue their education. They face most of the same stressors as their American counterparts with additional challenges of living in a foreign country and speaking English as a second language. It can be more difficult for international students to communicate effectively in English:

1. during times of peak stress, and
2. when trying to discuss concerns which fall outside their academic area (i.e., attempting to discuss emotional or mental concerns).

The materials on this website contain translations of adjustment and mental health concerns commonly experienced by international students in the United States. They were developed for use by college/university staff and faculty who have contact with international students. Please consider giving us feedback about the materials and take a look at acknowledgements of who helped with this project.

Instructions for use of materials

Start here to find helpful suggestions for using these translated materials with international students at your institution.

How the materials were developed

Read about the creation of the list of international student concerns and how translations of the list were obtained.

Brochures for use by international students

Click below to view/download brochures which are geared toward international students--identifying concerns they commonly face and providing information about seeking counseling services. You will want to personalize the brochures by adding your counseling center's phone number on the inside flap under the translated paragraph. You may also want to add phone numbers for other helpful campus resources on the back of the brochure. Brochures are available in the following languages:

• Arabic
• Chinese
• French
• German
• Japanese
• Korean
• Spanish

Booklet for use by staff/faculty

Click below to view/download a booklet format containing all of the translation lists (including the original English, instructions for usage, and information about how the materials were developed). The booklet is intended as a desk reference for staff and faculty who work with international students.

Please give us feedback!

Please complete this 4-item questionnaire to give us your impressions about the utility of the translated materials in your work with international students.