As a Korean international student navigating doctoral studies in the United States, I vividly recall the mix of excitement and fear upon arrival. Despite the convenience of modern technology and accessibility to familiar comforts like Korean TV shows and cuisine, the challenges of cultural adaptation and the ache of separation from loved ones persist. Amidst the existential loneliness and uncertainty, seeking therapy, whether through on-campus counseling services or off-campus referrals, offers a path to mental resilience and a reminder that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness, especially in the journey of an international student.
Read MoreA study conducted in 2009 on 20 Korean American adolescents aged 11 to 14 and their parents gives us a glimpse as to why Korean American children are stressed. The study found that the main sources of stress for them were: 1) peer relationships, 2) being treated differently or unfairly, 3) pressure to perform well academically, and 4) strained parent-child relationships.
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