Psychosocial support of International students

Psychosocial support of International students

Nowadays sustainability of psychological well-being is tested permanently by the challenges of the world. There are the certain risks of development of the symptoms of anxiety and depression in each age group. Young age affiliation, those representatives usually have a state «trainee», doesn’t make exclusion. Students face the different kind of difficulties, which can impact negatively the life quality. There are mentioned various personal problems, partnership, financial issues, study-associated issues etc. If there is said about the situation, when the person chooses the place for getting study far from home, he/she faces lots of other challenges, regarding to adaptation to new medium, which increases the list of the risk factors of development of anxiety and depression.

“Semey Medical University”, NCJSC, has been realizing the educational service for international students for 25 years. Despite the University applies friendly attitude to all students, there is a need to provide support to students for fast and comfortable adaptation to the alien social medium. Therefore, it has been organized the Club of Psychosocial Welfare in the structure of International Students Government of SMU, which started its work in November 2023. The purpose of the Club is early diagnostics of anxiety and depression and prevention of their development in foreign students. Club activity is under the management of Sir Nursultan Zh. Seksenbayev, professor of the Department of Psychiatry and Narcology, and Madam Natalya A. Balashkevich, dean of the School of Foreign Students. The executives are Mr. Abdul Rehman and Ms. Anoosha Maqsood, the 5th year international students.

Meetings are arranged regularly with different groups of students. The essence of those classes is explanation of specific terms, manifestations of anxiety and depression, algorithm of actions in troubles, also how to care for mental health. Confidentiality, reliability and trust-based relationship are the principles, which regulate the work of Club.

Valid questionnaires are applied for recognition of anxiety and depression and expressiveness of their manifestations. Analyzing of data base as well as recommendations according to taken results is strictly under the management of a specialist. Among the problems, which the students face with and which tense them, the most prevalent are following: financial issues, personal problems, linguistic barrier. During practical classes various cases for assessment of emotional reactions discussed and therapeutic exercises implemented. Participants learn how to recognize the person who has difficulties in social adaptation. It’s important to underline that each and every student came to the Club will get the absolute acceptance, understanding and empathy, without fear to be judged. Kind feedback was taken from the participants on the results of Club activities.

If international student faces any kind of problems including psychological and social issues, he/she can come easily to the School of Foreign Students, room #220.