As a foreigner in this country, you feel lonely. You do not have many friends. You are facing difficulties adapting to the strange culture. There is an undercurrent of tension between you and your family ever since you came here. Sounds familiar?
In order to help students to vocalise their experiences, student psychologist at the UT, Alina Heuvel-Ploszaj is starting a support group for foreign students. She says, 'we would like to encourage students to talk about their personal experiences and learn from each other. We are not proposing miracle solutions to their problems, but a platform for them to give vent to their feelings. Other than missing family and adjusting to a foreign culture, sometimes students may feel disappointed with their studies, the very reason they came here. Maybe the programme/subject is not what they hoped it would be, they may not be happy with their teachers...sense of disillusionment is what they may be experiencing. Our role is that of moderators to help them to discuss these issues and learn from one another's experience.'
The group will meet once a week. If you are interested in participating, please call 2035, or visit the Red Desk in the Bastille.
