Mental Health Support Services at global universities: What's new in 2026 on wellbeing?

Studying abroad is not just about “studying your discipline”, it is also about studying yourself, your emotional state and the new and ambiguous environment surrounding you. Sometimes this can put the student into a dilemma of choosing between fitting in and juggling coursework. One can face extreme distress, anxiety, burnout as well as nauseating homesickness in this scenario. After all, it is human to feel weak; it doesn’t make you a loser. 

Effects of studying abroad on mental well-being 

With a growing open discussion on the topics relevant to mental health, several discussions regarding why students face such extreme levels of depression and anxiety have emerged. These discussions have brought light upon following reasons:

• Acculturative and Cultural Stress: Cultural shock, homesickness, discrimination - both real and perceived, and identity struggles result in a high level of cultural stress.

• Language barriers: Although international programs are designed for international students, the entire country will not necessarily be friendly to them. Language barriers may especially exist in non - English speaking countries. This makes engaging with locals an almost impossible task.

• Diet - related issues: It has been scientifically proven that there exists a connection between your gut and your mind. Changes in diet can result in mental fog, irritability, and fatigue.

Measures taken by global universities

The good news is - you are not alone. The University you have trusted with your dreams can be trusted with your mental health, too. Universities abroad, especially in the UK, Europe, Australia, and North America are expanding services designed for international students’ unique needs (cultural transition, homesickness, academic stress).

The following are some measures taken by Universities abroad through which you can acquire mental support and learn to adjust better to the foreign environment:

Support services:

Universities offer counselling, group therapy, and workshops tailored to the specific needs of international students. 

An example of this is the use of intake interviews for needs assessments, which enables collaborative service planning with counseling staff to deliver client-centered care to international students at Kent State University. 

Harvard University offers TimelyCare, featuring 24/7 on-demand video calls for emotional support, ideal for both on-campus and remote or online international learners. This initiative makes mental health services more accessible for students, thus simplifying the process of getting emotional help. 

Building cultural competence and helping in adaptation:

Cultural competence means having the ability to understand and interact with people from cultures different from one's own.

Orygen, Australia's Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, supports peer mentoring programs like CROCS, where established international students guide the newcomers as trained mentors. Orygen is extending similar peer-to-peer mentoring to partners like RMIT University and Melbourne Polytechnic. The evaluations available on Orygen’s website show that 94% of students reported improved mental health. Thus, it can be easily concluded that it is making a difference.

University of New Mexico's Cultural Counseling Center (CCC) trains professionals in cultural competence, addressing racism and inequalities so that they can help international clients better.

Increase in discussions:

More and more workshops are being arranged to help international students settle in and feel more confident in their identity.

On 26th February 2026, Universities UK is hosting “Student Experience: Mental Health and Wellbeing Conference 2026”, it's a one-day event that can be attended in person in London or online via livestream. It will bring together university leaders, wellbeing professionals, and researchers to discuss topics like early intervention, inclusive community building, evidence-led strategies, and embedding wellbeing across university systems.

More awareness = Bliss

No matter what people tend to say, ignorance is not always bliss. Especially in matters of your own mental health, there is a need to be more careful. One should thus know all the facilities available to them for strengthening their mental health. Nobody deserves to have their own feelings, emotions, and behaviors neglected or ignored by themselves. To know more about how you can maintain your mental health while conquering your study abroad dreams, check out this blog on "Mental Health & Academic Success: A Complete Wellness Guide for International Students."

Studying abroad can be overwhelming, and putting in efforts to get there in itself can take a mental toll. But you needn't worry though. Hello Study Global has got your back! We are here to help you in your journey to study abroad and guide you through every step of your journey towards your dream university.

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How can I access counselling services at foreign universities?

Most universities offer counselling through their own student health or wellness centres. One can usually book appointments through the university website, email, or just by visiting the counselling office. Orientation programs and student portals also provide information about available services, including online and 24/7 support options.

What should I do if my university does not provide enough mental health support?

One can seek help from local therapists, community support groups, national mental health helplines, or online counselling platforms. You can also connect with student clubs, cultural communities, mentors, or trusted faculty members for additional emotional support.

Is it normal to feel anxious or homesick while studying abroad?

Yes, feeling anxious or homesick while studying abroad is completely normal. Moving to a new country means leaving behind familiar surroundings, family, and social support systems. Many international students experience emotional ups and downs during the initial transition period. These feelings usually reduce as one adapts to their new environment, builds friendships, and develops routines.

When should I consider seeking professional mental health support?

One should consider professional support if the stress, anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, or feelings of isolation that affect daily functioning are persistent. Seeking help early can prevent challenges from becoming more serious and help one adjust more comfortably.