My name Adelia Sharapadin, and this interview was created by me to explore mental health among international students. For this interview project, I decided to talk about mental and physical health among students, especially international students. I chose this topic because studying at university is not only about grades, deadlines, and academic success. It is also about adapting to a new environment, dealing with stress, homesickness, pressure, and learning how to take care of yourself while being far from home.
As international students, many of us experience similar challenges but do not always talk about them openly. I wanted to understand how students from different countries feel, what helps them stay mentally and physically healthy, and what advice they would give to others. I believe these conversations are important because they remind students that they are not alone in their experiences.”
Interview 1 — Ayana (Kyrgyzstan), Visual and Communication Design Faculty
1.What has been the most difficult part of adapting to student life another country?
The most difficult part was getting used to a completely new environment and being away from my family. In the beginning, everything felt unfamiliar — the education system, daily routines, and even small things. But over time, I started meeting new people, understanding how things work, and now I feel more comfortable. I think adaptation takes time for everyone.
2. Do you think being far away from home affects students mentally or emotionally? In what ways?
Yes, I think it can affect students emotionally, especially during the first months. Sometimes people miss their family, friends, or feel homesick. There can also be stress because everything is new. However, studying abroad also helps students become more independent and learn how to deal with challenges, which can make them stronger emotionally.
3.How do international students usually deal with stress and academic pressure?
I think students deal with stress in different ways. Some spend time with friends, call their family, exercise, or try to organize their study schedule better. Personally, talking with close people and taking short breaks helps me feel less stressed. University activities and meeting other students can also improve your mood.
4.Have you ever felt lonely while studying abroad? What helped you during that period?
Yes, I think feeling lonely sometimes is normal when you move to another country. I experienced it in the beginning because everything was new. What helped me was communicating more with other students, staying in contact with my family, and slowly becoming involved in university life. After some time, it became easier.
5.What advice would you give to new international students about protecting their mental and physical health?
I would advise new students not to put too much pressure on themselves and remember that adapting takes time. It is important to rest, eat properly, sleep enough, and communicate with other people instead of staying alone. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Taking care of both mental and physical health makes studying abroad much easier.
Interview 2 – Marvine, Computer Engineering Faculty
1.What helps students avoid burnout during busy academic periods?
I think one important thing is learning how to balance studying and rest. Many students feel pressure during exams or deadlines, but taking short breaks, sleeping enough, and spending time with friends can help. Personally, I try not to focus only on academics all the time because mental rest is also important for productivity.
2.How important is friendship and communication for international students’ mental health?
I believe friendship is very important, especially for international students who are far from home. Having people to talk to or spend time with can make students feel supported and less isolated. Good communication helps reduce stress and creates a sense of belonging in a new environment.
3.Do you think students openly talk about mental health problems, or do many prefer to hide them?
I think it depends on the person and their background. Some students are open about mental health and seek support, while others prefer to keep their feelings private. In some cultures, people are not used to discussing these topics openly. However, I think awareness is improving and more students understand that asking for help is normal.
4.How has university life affected your physical health, sleeping habits, or daily routine?
University life definitely changes daily routines. Sometimes there are late study sessions or busy schedules, which can affect sleep. I have learned that managing time is important because poor sleep and stress can influence both physical and mental health. Over time, I tried to build a healthier routine and balance my responsibilities better.
5.Is it easy for international students to access healthcare services here? Why or why not?
I think healthcare services are available, but for international students it can sometimes be confusing at first because of language differences or not knowing where to go. After understanding the system better, it becomes easier. Universities can also help students by providing information about available health services.
Interview 3 – Ilan, architecture and design faculty
1.What helps you relax the most?
What helps me relax the most is listening to music and spending time alone after busy days. Architecture can sometimes be stressful because of projects and deadlines, so I also enjoy drawing or just taking a break from screens. Sometimes even talking with friends helps me feel better.
2.What helps your mental health the most?
I think keeping a balance between studying and rest helps my mental health the most. Also, staying connected with family and friends is important, especially when studying abroad. Getting enough sleep and having time for yourself can really improve your mood.
3.What advice would you give to students right now?
I would advise students not to compare themselves too much with others because everyone adapts and studies at their own pace. It is important to work hard, but also remember to rest. Taking care of yourself is just as important as academic success.
4.Have you ever experienced burnout?
I think I have experienced moments of feeling very tired or overwhelmed, especially during periods with many assignments. But I learned that taking breaks and organizing my time better can help prevent burnout. I believe many students experience this at some point, and it is important to recognize it early.
Interview 4- Shukrona, New media and Communication Faculty
1.Do you think students take their mental health seriously enough?
I think many students do not take mental health seriously until they experience strong stress or burnout. Usually students focus more on grades and deadlines and forget about their emotional condition. I believe mental health is as important as physical health because stress affects everything, including motivation and studies.
2.What affects students’ mental health the most: studies, finances, or loneliness?
For international students, I think all three are important, but loneliness and academic pressure affect mental health the most. Being far from family and adapting to another country can be difficult. Sometimes students feel pressure to succeed while also dealing with homesickness.
3.When you feel stressed, what is the first thing you usually do?
When I feel stressed, I usually try to rest for some time, listen to music, watch something relaxing, or talk to friends. Sometimes I need to be alone to organize my thoughts before continuing my work.
4.Do you think talking to someone helps with stress and anxiety?
Yes, I think talking helps a lot. Sharing feelings with friends or family can reduce stress because you do not feel alone with your problems. Even simple conversations sometimes improve emotional condition.
5.What small habit helps you protect your mental health as a student?
I think taking breaks during studying and trying to sleep enough helps my mental health. Also keeping
communication with close people is important because emotional support makes difficult periods easier.
Interview 5 — Anonymous student, Electrical & Electronics Engineering
1.What stresses students the most?
I think what stresses students the most is balancing academic work with personal life. In engineering, there are many assignments, labs, and deadlines, so sometimes it feels difficult to manage everything at once. For international students, being away from family can also add extra pressure.
2.Do social media help mental health?
I think social media can help and also have negative effects, depending on how people use it. It can help students stay connected with family and friends, especially when studying abroad. But spending too much time on social media or comparing yourself to others can sometimes increase stress.
3.What helps you survive difficult weeks?
During difficult weeks, I try to stay organized and focus on one task at a time. Talking with friends, listening to music, and taking short breaks helps me avoid feeling overwhelmed. I also remind myself that stressful periods are temporary.
4. What advice would you give to students right now?
I would advise students not to ignore their mental or physical health while focusing on academics. Working hard is important, but resting and asking for support when needed is also important. University life can be challenging, but learning how to manage pressure is part of personal growth.
Conclusion
After speaking with students from different backgrounds and faculties, I realized that experiences can be different, but many challenges are actually shared. Stress, adaptation, homesickness, and academic pressure affect many students, yet support, friendship, and healthy routines can make a big difference.
I hope this interview encourages students to take their mental and physical health seriously, communicate more openly, and remember that asking for support is normal. University life can be difficult, but it is also a period of growth, learning, and discovering how to take care of yourself and others. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences.
