Fridays, 1:15-2:30pm ET, starting February 5th on Zoom
The International Student Support Circle (formerly called International Student Support Group) is a weekly support space for international students to discuss common issues as they adjust to the culture in the U.S. and on UVa Grounds. International students often face multiple challenges, including language difficulties, complexities of communication, navigating social relationships, feelings of isolation, and adapting to a new academic culture, among others. The uncertainties associated with COVID, travel/immigration restrictions, and U.S. political turmoil have only served to heighten international students’ sense of anxiety. This support circle provides international students with the extra support they need to strengthen their capacity for resilience and deepen their sense of belonging. The circle will provide a safe and supportive space for:
- Peer sharing and connection
- Discussing common issues of cross-cultural adaptation encountered at various stages of the student life cycle, from first arrival to graduation.
- Discussing the impact of COVID-19, the US reckoning on racial justice, and other social and political developments on international students’ life and wellbeing
- Learning about resources and coping strategies
- Discussing challenges and rewards associated with living, learning and working at UVA
The group will meet on Zoom weekly on Fridays at 1:15-2:30pm ET, February 5th through April 30th, maximum 10 students per session.
This group is open to all registered UVA undergraduate, graduate students as well as exchange students and international scholars. If you’re interested, please email Dr. Baozhen Xie at [email protected] or Dr. Caren Freeman at [email protected].
The Group is supported by UVa Student Health-CAPS and the International Studies Office.