Information for International Students, Counseling Services

What is counseling?

Transitions always present challenges that can be both exciting and difficult. This is especially true when one is far from one's natural support systems. Counseling Services recognize these challenges and has provided assistance to many international students. Some international students have a clear idea of what their concerns are before seeking help; many others simply feel that some things are not going as well as they had hoped. Either way, Counseling Services is there to help. Although counseling is not a common practice in many countries and cultures, in the United States it is increasingly used as a process that is helpful for dealing with personal stress and difficulties. Meeting with a professional counselor at Counseling Services, allows a person the opportunity to discuss their concerns with someone in a safe, friendly environment. All racial, ethnic, religious, gender, sexual orientations, and age differences are fully respected.

Why would I meet with a counselor?

Most students experience difficulties at one time or another while at the University at Buffalo. As an international student, you may experience some that are unique or more intense because you have the added pressure of adjusting to a new culture, language, and different academic environment. Here are some examples of what you might like to talk to a counselor about:

• Understanding and adjusting to U.S. culture and way of life
• Separation from family and friends
• Language difficulties
• Academic pressures
• Financial concerns
• Finding time to meet family commitments and obligations
• Relationship concerns
• Career indecision
• Dating people from different cultures
• Adjusting to new roommates
• Making new friends
• Coping with worries re: visa and immigration issues

How can a counselor help me?

A counselor can help you in various ways that feel culturally appropriate. Here are some examples of how you can get support and help from a counselor.

Individual counseling: If you want to talk to a counselor in private, individual counseling is available. A counselor will meet with you on a regular basis and listen to you and help you feel better.

Support group: This is a place to get help from international students from different countries who may share similar concerns.

• International Student Discussion group meets every Friday from 1 to 2:30pm at 250 Student Union. International students from Asian, European, South American, North American, African countries, and Australia discuss their cultural and academic adjustment issues. Also, students share their experiences living in the U.S. as an international student. Many international students come to this group to improve their English and make friends from other countries.
• International Student Study group meets every Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:00pm at 120 Richmond Quad. This group is designed for international undergraduate or graduate students who are struggling with the process of working on a class assignment, thesis, dissertation, or other research projects. Also, you can come join this support group if you need help with setting goals, study habits, time management, procrastination, stress management.

Group counseling: If you are looking for an opportunity to learn more about yourself through interactions with other students (both American students and international students), several different types of group counseling are also available. Please see the link for more information about group counseling.

Consultation: If you are concerned or worried about yourself, your family members, roommates, or friends, you can contact us 716-645-2720 and request to speak to crisis counselor.

What is confidentiality?

Participation in counseling is private and confidential. This means that the counselor will not provide anyone with information about you (or even that you are in counseling) without your written permission. Information about students being seen at Counseling Services will NOT go into the student's academic record and will NOT be given to parents or home government. The only exceptions are those rare times when it is clear that a person's life is in danger, when a child appears to be in danger of being harmed, or when the information is required by a court of law (i.e., subpoenaed) within the United States. Students are encouraged to discuss any concerns they have about confidentiality with their counselor.

How do I make an appointment?

If you would like to make a first appointment, call 645-2720 or stop by our office at 120 Richmond (North Campus, Ellicott Complex). If you feel more comfortable expressing your concerns in your native language, the following languages are spoken at counseling services:

• Korean
• German
• Gujarati
• Hindi
• Marathi
• Punjabi
• Mandarin Chinese
• Cantonese
• Toisanese (Chinese village dialect)

What if I have more questions?

We invite you to call our office at 645-2720 and we will be happy to assist you. Here are some websites that you may want to check out:

• International Student and Scholar Services
• Office of Affirmative Action
• Intercultural and Diversity Center

• None at This Time

• Disability Services
• Wellness Education Services
• Health Services