Every four years, the federal election season gives international students at U.S. colleges and universities a unique window into American life, culture, and politics. But recent elections have been increasingly contentious, and it’s important to be aware of the potential impact on international students’ mental health. Let’s take a look at how election season may trigger or exacerbate culture shock, and what you can do to support your international students.
Culture Shock During Election Season
We know culture shock manifests in many ways, and can stem from feelings of pressure to assimilate, struggles with identity, or the desire for community. The tone of political discourse or a lack of familiarity with the U.S. political landscape may also make a student’s sense of isolation more intense. As election day grows closer, students may encounter situations that further exacerbate or trigger these feelings.
Some of these triggers may exist on campus. Class discussions of current events during an election can naturally turn increasingly political. Topics such as immigration or specific global conflicts are often points of focus. International students may be called on to engage in ways that make them feel uncomfortable, as though they must speak on behalf of their entire nationality, ethnic group, or religion. This can escalate pressure students already feel to simultaneously assimilate on campus and maintain their own cultural identity.
Some campuses may have free speech zones where student debates take place, and others may even host formal debates for local or state elections. International students may hear inflammatory language related to their race or religion, or grow anxious if there are on-campus demonstrations or protests.
Beyond campus, there can be rhetoric used by candidates or parties that targets or stereotypes specific nationalities, ethnicities, cultural groups, or other identities. Students may be fearful of the impact of such rhetoric on their daily lives. Heated discussions around topics such as education and immigration may cause students to worry about the future of their status in the U.S. And because international students cannot vote, they may feel particularly helpless.
Supporting Your Students
The good news is, there are likely many resources for your students already on campus, and you can help make sure they are available, visible and accessible.
–Connect your campus: Know who your mental health care partners are on and around campus. These may include the student health or counseling center, nearby mental health providers, your school’s Title IX officer, and your campus security department. It’s also important to know where to go for your school’s policies regarding hate speech, discrimination, or participating in demonstrations. Some of these partners may have specific guidance for election season, too.
–Build a resource library: In addition to your partnerships, it’s a good idea to have your own toolkit of resources for supporting your students. ISI’s Mental Health and Emotional Wellness Training is a great place to start. The training includes videos, student handouts, presentation slides, and a facilitation guide. The program focuses on normalizing mental health concepts for students and breaking down stigmas that may prevent them from seeking help. This content can be easily modified to fit your campus’ needs.
–Knowledge is power: Certain departments or campus organizations may offer election information sessions for domestic students or first-time voters that could benefit international students as well. You could also partner with a faculty member to host a session specifically for international students. Learning more about the electoral process and how students can be meaningfully engaged on campus may help relieve confusion and anxiety.
While election season may present its own challenges for international student mental health, it’s also a unique opportunity to remind your students just how much their perspectives matter, and that their presence on campus has value. By connecting your campus, building a resource library and giving students opportunities to grow their knowledge, you can help them feel truly empowered by their own experiences during election season and beyond.
For free access to ISI’s Mental Health and Emotional Wellness Training, submit your request here.
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