1. USING INNOVATION AND DEPARTMENT INTEGRATION TO ADDRESS THE MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Michael Schneider, LMSW – Director of Counseling & Wellness
Tiffany Ciprian, LCSW – Associate Director of Counseling & Wellness
New York Institute of Technology (NYIT)

2. By 2025 the number of international students is expected to increase to 8 million students
The 974,926 international students studying in the US is a 14 percent increase from 2014 and an 85% increase in the past 10 years. This boom is attributed to growing economies abroad, the prestige associated with a US college degree, and the capacity of US institutions to host international students
Other countries students come from include: Canada, mexico, Taiwan, japan,

3. 30.8 billion dollars contributed to the US economy in 2014-15.
According to the Department of Commerce, International Education is the fifth largest service export in the US.
Statistics obtained from NAFSA (National Association of International Educators). Given that International students make up just 5% of the college student population they have a high economic yield. This is due to the fact that international students are self-paying, or receive assistance from their home countries/
374,000 jobs supported in For every 7 international students enrolled in the US, 3 jobs are created or supported.
30.8 billion dollars contributed to the US economy in

4. Mental Health In China 1.5 Psychiatrists per 100,000 people
Lack of care has created an underground market for untrained “professionals”
Those with mental illness are considered a bad reflection of their family
“Ankang” – Peace and Health Hospitals, managed by the public security bureau
Ankang treatments include beatings and electric shock therapy. Usually where political prisoners are held. Go in mentally healthy but come out mentally ill due to the treatments

5. Mental Health in India
Lack of mental health facilities and trained professionals to adequately treat those in need
Insufficient infrastructure
No health coverage for mental health care
Lack of helplines
The mentally ill are discriminated against in the workforce
Psychiatrists are not recognized
The use of religion as treatment

6. The Dimensions Of Wellness

7. Mental Health & College Students
Most college students who report being depressed, anxious or who experience suicidal ideations are NOT being seen in CCCs
Focus on prevention and the mental health of ALL students
Shared responsibility on campus
“Stepped Care”
Marketing campaigns
Peer health
Impacts academic success and student retention
1 in 4 college students report having suicidal thoughts or feelings
1in 3 report prolonged periods of depression
50% of students surveyed report their mental health as average or poor
Important to remember that a large part of a college students mental health are social and environmental factors.
Other staff & depts. Have regular contact and access to students.
Focus on providing life skills – can be done by staff outside of the counseling center
Screenings help to capture those at risk and can provide immediate feedback
Peer educators provide info and social norming
*reference JED foundation & National Alliance on Mental Illness

8. International STUDENT CHALLENGES
International Students
Stigma Reaching Out For Help
Nutrition & Financial Concerns
Adaptation
CULTURAL
Difficulty Articulating Issues
Peer-Peer Relationships
Communication Style
LINGUISTIC
Difficulty With Learning Approaches
Different Academic Structure
ACADEMIC
Away From Family (maybe for the first time)
Different Social Norms
Feelings of Isolation
SOCIAL
Culture Shock Phases:
Honeymoon
Frustration
Adjustment
Mastery

9. Cornell University
“Let’s Talk” (off-site walk-in model) has been touted for its leadership and innovative programming to meet the needs of students who may not present in the traditional counseling and wellness centers across campus
It’s premise is that international students (and students from underrepresented groups) may not utilize the counseling centers services. Instead “Let’s Talk” staff set up at different places around campus, such as other offices, departments, divisions, and places that are highly trafficked by students
This is a high level of outreach with no paperwork or commitment required, and maintenance of confidentiality. As a result there has been an increase in the number of international students engaging with counseling center staff
At least 17 other colleges and universities have currently implemented their own “Let’s Talk” program
This post is from Northern Illinois University
Tea and Chat sessions can be a one time informal session or ongoing with the goal in mind of introducing international students to one another and discussing specific issues
International students are more likely to attend events that do NOT contain the words counseling or mental health due to the stigma associated with these words

10. Morneau Shepell - a Canadian based Employee Assistance Program (EAP) company developed the International Student Support Program (ISSP).
Currently provides International Student Support to 26 institutions across Canada. Assistance also provided to parents of international students. Launched in the spring of Cost is $44 per student per year.
Campus Counseling Center Survey is from the Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors 2014 Survey

12. ) PewResearchCenter- Teens, Social Media & Technology Overview 2015
2) ComScore- ComScoreMedia Metrix Multi-Platform, US, Dec 2014*

13. 63% wouldn’t have reached out if not for alternative methods

14. NYIT FIRST TIME Student Enrollment

15. NYIT International Student Outreach
NYIT International Students
RES LIFE
Community Development Assistant – Global Programming
Thanksgiving Dinner
CAREER SERVICES
“NYIT on Tour”
American Career Education Program
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
Student Ambassadors
Foreign Fridays
Speed Friending
COUNSELING AND WELLNESS
Wellness Walks
Translation of the “Just in Case” App
Guest Therapists
Res Life: About 450 students live in the residence halls of whom 80% are international students
Career Services: “NYIT on Tour” where international students learn about companies culture in the U.S.
American Career Education Program: Series of workshops meant to teach US career skills to international students. Global Consultants for the Public Good – Advise international students to seek meaningful off-campus experiences through internships or as a volunteer for a non-profit
International Student Job Lottery
Boot Camp – job fair preparation
InternationalEducation : International Student Ambassadors – help with SEVIS Check-in, Orientation, and engage the international student community throughout the year through programming, group work, and by acting as resources throughout the year
- 8 core members
- 3-5 volunteers
Training provided in august a week before orientation starts
International Education – Student Ambassador training includes:
Ambassador roles and responsibilities
Communication
Homesickness
Culture shock
Common issues international students face
Training by the counseling and wellness center staff
Ambassadors are carefully selected and maintain a strong social media presence. Also have an internal whatsap group used to communicate. Fosters a “home away from home” feeling.
Due to the increasing number of international students a new position was created – International Student Program Coordinator whose role is to promote IS programming, develop new initiatives, and oversee the international student ambassadors
Counseling and Wellness: Wellness Walks
Translation of the “just in case app” into Hindi and Mandarin
Talk at orientation
Have therapists come in during orientation and talk to students in their native language.
Collaborate with the IE office throughout the year

17. International Education
Foreign Fridays
International Education Week
Fair Trade Festival
Tea Ceremony
Movie Nights
Speed Friending
Nutrition Workshop
Winter/Spring Intersession Sightseeing Events
Foreign Fridays: (twice per month). Informal. Topics vary. Point is to engage students and allow them to guide the conversation. IS ambassadors lead the discussions. (usually 6-12 students in attendance).

18. GROUP DISCUSSION
How does your department/institution currently engage international students?
What has been effective in reaching out to international students?
What has NOT been as effective in reaching out to international students?
What mental health concerns do international students present at your institution?
What additional mental health programming or services would you like to see offered?

19. Resource Name
Website
Information Provided
NAFSA (National Association of International Educators)
NAFSA.org
Professional resource for those working with International Students
Institute of International Education
IIE.org
Provides consulting services, and best practice recommendations to colleges
Morneau Shepell
Morneaushepell.com
International Student Support Program
World Education Services (WES)
WES.org
Offers trainings and workshops on the International Student Process
Jed Foundation
Jedfoundation.org
Promotes emotional health and prevention suicide. Helps colleges develop mental health prevention and intervention strategies
Best Practices Registry
Sprc.org/bpr
Online library of best practices for mental health and suicide prevention
National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE)
Nsse.indiana.edu
Conducts annual surveys on student engagement across college campuses in the US and provides information on high impact practices
The Community Toolbox
Ctb.ku.edu
Toolkits that help develop, assess, and evaluate programs
Healthy Minds
Healthymindsnetwork.org
Conducts research and annual surveys examining mental health and service utilization of college students
Reynol Junco
blog.reyjunco.com
Author of “Engaging Students Through Social Media: Evidence Based Practices”

20. Michael Schneider mschne01@nyit. edu 212. 261
Michael Schneider Tiffany Ciprian