Commission for Global Dimensions of Student Development
Wednesday, 10 April 2019 - 12:00pm to Tuesday, 30 April 2019 - 4:00pm
The number of international students in the United States increases each year (Institute of International Education, 2018). But in spite of their growing numbers, international students' unique concerns and needs are often overlooked (Mori, 2000). Some of these concerns and challenges - such as language barriers, lack of social connections, acculturative stress, unrealistic expectations, crises originating at home - can lead to or increase mental health issues (Hyun, Quinn, Madon, & Lustig, 2007; Mori, 2000). International students, however, have been found to underutilize psychological services due to critical cultural differences in how mental health is addressed, fear of stigmas around mental health, and unfamiliarity with offered services (Hyun et al., 2007; Mori, 2000).
To serve our international populations, Student Affairs practitioners need to understand the unique challenges international students face, learn how to refer students to mental health resources in a culturally appropriate way, and gain insights into ways they can proactively address international students’ mental health. Our 4-part event will allow practitioners to hear from a group of professionals who conduct research and/or work directly with international students as well as international students themselves.
Participants who attend at least 3 of our 4 one-hour Webinars will receive a Certificate of Completion. Please note that you will need to RSVP for each session individually.
This unique 4-part event is brought to you by ACPA's Commission for Global Dimensions of Student Development and co-sponsored by the Commission for Counseling and Psychological Services, and the Commission for Housing and Residential Life.
Note: Recordings of all four Webinars are available at http://www.myacpa.org/educational-programs
Session 1: Understanding International Student Growth and Well-Being in the United States
Wednesday, April 10 at 12-1 PM EDT
RSVP at https://shindig.com/login/event/internationalstudentgrowth
Find out about current trends in student mobility and ways to assess their resilience and well-being.
This session is presented by Elisa Zhai Autry, (elisazautry@washingtoncie.org) Ph.D, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Washington Center on International Education; Lecturer at the Catholic University of America. Dr. Autry's research interests include international education and with expertise in non-profit organization management, as well as active engagement in the international education communities.
Session 2: Unique Mental Health Challenges of International Students
Thursday, April 11 at 1-2 PM EDT
RSVP at https://shindig.com/login/event/gdsdwebinarmehech
A researcher, a counselor, and a Residence Life staff member share their insights into the unique mental health challenges international students face.
This session is presented by Katie Koo, Ph.D., (Katie.Koo@tamuc.edu) Assistant Professor, Department of Higher Education and Learning Technologies, Texas A&M University Commerce; Felix F. Pizzi, M.S.Ed., LCMHC, CCMHC, (f.pizzi@snhu.edu) Director of The Wellness Center at Southern New Hampshire University; and Ken Guan, Ed.D., (guanjian@indiana.edu) Residence Life Coordinator, Indiana University Bloomington.
Dr. Koo's research interests include mental health and Asian American college students, international students and mental health. Mr. Pizzi's areas of interest include integration and supervision of Medical, Mental Health and Health Promotion Services in College Health as well as collaborative integration of health and wellness into the campus community to improve student wellbeing and retention. Dr. Guan's research interests include international student experiences, intuitional efforts in international student integration; his practitioner experience includes international student advising and life coaching, Residence Life, institutional research, and instructional consulting.
Session 3: International Students' Perspectives on Mental Health
Monday, April 22 at 1-2 PM EDT
RSVP at https://shindig.com/login/event/gdsdwebinarperspectivesmentalhealth
Hear from a panel of current international students as they share their experiences with mental health and well-being while studying in the U.S.
This presentation is coordinated by Darbi Roberts, Ph.D., (darbi.roberts@gmail.com) Executive Director of International Student Services at Southern New Hampshire University. Dr. Robert's research interests include comparative higher education; higher education practice & policy transfer; comparative student affairs; educational partnerships; quality assurance, accreditation, accountability, and governance; international student and scholar mobility.
Session 4: Supporting International Students and Their Mental Health
Tuesday, April 30 at 3-4 PM EDT
RSVP at https://shindig.com/login/event/gdsdwebinarsupportintlstudent
Now that you have learned all about the unique mental health challenges international students face, hear from a group of practitioners about the ways they try to support international students' mental health and well-being.
This session is presented by Ken Guan, Ed.D., (guanjian@indiana.edu) Residence Life Coordinator, Indiana University Bloomington; Darbi Roberts, Ph.D., (darbi.roberts@gmail.com) Executive Director of International Student Services at Southern New Hampshire University; and Felix F. Pizzi, M.S.Ed., LCMHC, CCMHC, (f.pizzi@snhu.edu) Director of The Wellness Center at Southern New Hampshire University.