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 here 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 concerns and problems 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
These are just a few of the possible concerns that a counselor could help you with. Please feel free to discuss other concerns when you meet a counselor.
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 in a one-on-one private setting, individual counseling is available. A counselor will meet with you on a regular basis and listen to you and help you with your concerns.
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), group counseling is available. Group counseling involves having several students meet regularly to talk about their concerns and learn from each other and group facilitators. Several different types of group counseling are available. Please see the link for more information about group counseling.
Consultation and Crisis Services:If you are concerned or worried about yourself, your family members, roommates, or friends, you can contact us at 716-645-2720 or in an emergency situation you can come to 120 Richmond Quad to talk with a counselor without making an appointment in advance. If our office is closed for the day, you can call 716-645-2222 to ask to speak with a counselor-on-call.
Mentoring Program:If you are interested in interacting with an American or a senior international student to learn more about American culture, Buffalo, and UB, this mentoring program might be a good resource for you. Counseling Services, together with International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS), invites you to participate in this program where you will be matched with a mentor (e.g., student, professor, staff), so that you can meet each other for activities and conversations.
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:
- Spanish
- Gujarati
- Hindi
- Hiligaynon
- Japanese
- Bulgarian
- Korean
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:
