Posted on by Gareth Furber

Mental Health Challenges for International Students: The Perspective of a Chinese Student

In her first post for BetterU, Abby, a Chinese international student shares her personal journey through the mental health challenges of studying abroad, offering insight, hope, and support to others navigating similar experiences.

Hello everyone, I’m a Chinese student currently studying Social Work at Flinders University and interning at BetterU. I’d like to discuss a topic that’s often overlooked by international students: mental health.

Studying abroad is a huge challenge for many of us. When I first arrived in Australia, I felt like a beginner every day, having to relearn everything: the language, study methods, how to make friends, even how to order food and take public transportation. On the surface, it seemed like a change of learning environment, but the psychological impact can come from many things, not just the academic side.

Many Chinese students face several common challenges at first:

Language stress: I struggle to understand in class, I hesitate to speak up in discussions, and I’m always afraid of making mistakes when writing. Over time, this can lead to doubts about whether I’m “good enough.”

Cultural differences: In China, we’re used to being reserved and working in a group setting, while in Australia, people emphasize expression and individual opinions. Sometimes, I feel out of place.

Homesickness and loneliness: Being away from family, with no one to immediately turn to when faced with difficulties, this feeling of loneliness can slowly build up.

When I first arrived, I often suffered from insomnia at night. During the day, I pretended to be fine, but I was deeply anxious. What helped me gradually overcome this was connecting with friends (including making new ones), participating in school activities, and being willing to talk about my struggles. While it wasn’t easy, each step helped me become stronger. I found that I was not only adapting to the new environment, but also learning to better understand others’ feelings, which was a significant growth for me.

Of course, studying abroad also brought many positive aspects. For example, cross-cultural learning broadened my horizons and allowed me to consider problems from different perspectives. During my studies, I observed that some students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, myself included, often behaved quietly during group activities. Initially, I thought they might be shy about expressing themselves. However, through cross-cultural learning and reflecting on my own experiences as an international student, I realized that these behaviours might be influenced by cultural values, such as respect for authority, unfamiliarity with Australian classroom norms, or, most importantly, language barriers. This understanding prompted me to consider their cultural perspective and adjust my approach, for example, giving myself and them more time to express themselves and fostering a more inclusive environment.

Many Chinese students possess resilience and diligence, which are advantages when facing pressure. Furthermore, Chinese culture emphasizes community and mutual assistance, making it easier for us to build supportive networks abroad. According to Australian government reports, Chinese international students make up approximately 23% of the international student population (Australian Government, 2025), a significant number. It’s easy to find our compatriots and make friends.

I want to tell everyone (including my fellow Chinese students): Mental health isn’t just about illness. It is about how we’re coping, adapting, and responding to the challenges life throws at us. Everyone has mental health, just like we all have physical health. When we struggle, it is often a sign that our body and mind need some care, just like resting when you have a cold. If you’re feeling stressed or down, talk to a friend, make an appointment with a Student Success and Wellbeing Advisor or Counsellor. BetterU also offers many resources and activities to help you find support and companionship.

Here are some of the specific supports Flinders provides to students:

Finally, here are some simple wellbeing tips to consider whilst you are adapting to life in Australia:

  • Maintain a regular sleep schedule and get enough sleep every day.
  • Exercise regularly – walking, running, or playing sport can help you feel more relaxed.
  • Talk to others; don’t be afraid to speak up and find people who understand you.
  • Take advantage of uni resources by joining clubs and activities or seeking psychological support.
  • Maintaining cultural connections, such as cooking Chinese food or video chatting with friends back home, can also help you feel more connected.

I hope everyone reading this will remember mental health is just as important as academic performance. Only by taking good care of ourselves can we truly enjoy our study abroad experience and thrive.

Studying abroad has truly broadened my horizons and helped me see things from different cultural perspectives. I’ve learned that people’s backgrounds influence how they feel and how they respond to challenges. I used to see things from a one-sided perspective, but now I try to understand different perspectives and experiences.

I’d love to hear from other international students. What factors have helped you adapt to studying in Australia? Let me know in the comments below. If we share our stories, we can support each other and make our community a more welcoming and inclusive place.

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CALD Community Culture Flinders services and programs International Students Interpersonal skills Life Skills Recommended Reading Social Student post Well-being at Flinders

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