Psychological Counseling
A professionally trained counselor is available to provide counseling services including confidential individual or group counseling for students experiencing personal, academic or adjustment problems. The counselor provides free psychological counseling to students through advance appointments. Students will, however, be charged if they fail to attend a scheduled meeting.
Students should consult The American University
of Rome Student
Handbook or the Student
Life Office for further information.
ADJUSTING TO CULTURE SHOCK
Adjusting to a new culture is not always easy. Living away from family and friends, language barriers and different habits of the new culture may make life seem stressful and difficult. Going through a period of culture shock – feeling lost, nervous and sad – is normal and can be tackled by taking steps in adjusting to the new culture. Here are some strategies to help combat the stress produced by culture shock.
- Be patient. Living abroad, changing cultures and adapting to new situations takes time. Do not rush things and allow yourself to feel sad about the things that you have left behind: your family, your friends, etc. Recognize the sorrow of leaving your home country, but learn to also accept the new culture you are in. Focus your power on getting through the transition.
- Maintain contact with the new culture and try to learn the language. Volunteer in community activities that allow you to practice the language that you are learning. This will help you fill your time, feel useful and stress less about the language at the same time.
- Maintain confidence in yourself. Follow your ambitions and continue your plans for the future. Learn to be constructive and find ways to live with the things that do not satisfy you 100%. If you encounter an unfavorable environment, learn from it, but at the same time be easy on yourself. Everything – including yourself – cannot, will not and does not have to be perfect.
- Maintain contact with your own ethnic group. Pay attention to relationships with your family and at work. They will serve as support for you in difficult times. This will give you a feeling of belonging and will reduce your feelings of loneliness and alienation. Do not forget the good things you already have!
- Develop a hobby. Relaxation and meditation are proven to be very positive for people who are passing through periods of stress. Learn to include a regular form of physical activity in your routine to help combat the sadness and loneliness in a constructive manner. Exercise, swim or take an aerobics class.
- Establish simple goals and evaluate your progress as time passes.
The internet provides plenty of information on anxiety, depression and related conditions. For further information you can consult some of the following websites:
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