International students face a lot more mental health issues than Australians

"Rising numbers of students are seeking out university counselling and health

services, including students presenting with

...

mental illness, self harming

behaviour, and suicidality." Taken from 2011 National Health Summit.

International students have had to face a lot of difficulties. Some are more challenging than others. As a result International students face a lot more mental health issues as reported by Meld. These are some of the ones that they face:

1) English language barriers

Many International students come to Melbourne and they don't speak English well. This is one barrier to making some local friends in Melbourne.  But there are lots of organisations that are trying to change this by bring more opportunities for students to meet the locals.

With limited English many students may not be able to get into well paying jobs such as Marketing etc as they require someone with good English.

2) Loniliness

A lot of students do feel lonely at some point in their lives in Melbourne as they are missing family and friends back home. Melbourne is not the same without them.Friends and family usually can visit them for a limited amount of time due to the high costs and string Immigration rules about the family.

Unlike the locals International students cannot see their family as much. 

3) Cultural shock

A lot of students do feel cultural shock in their first year of study as adjusting to a new place and routine is difficult. They also have to adjust to new foods and a new lifestyle. 

Hence this can affect their mental health and wellbeing.