Feeling stressed, overwhelmed or anxious due to Fall 2021 uncertainties? You’re not alone.
We know that you and your fellow international students may be experiencing extra challenges right now. Your mental health and overall well-being are extremely important to us, so we’re checking in to let you know that we’re here to help.
Here’s how you can access support right now, whether you’re living in Canada or your home country.
Get wellness and mental health support
RealCampus offers a 24/7 helpline and connects undergraduate students with therapy and counselling from professionals who care. Services are accessible in multiple countries and available in multiple languages. Based on your situation, you can select your preferred contact method when you sign up (email, phone, text).
Graduate students have access to 24/7 counselling services through Empower Me. Request support for depression, anxiety, grief, relationship problems, adjusting to life in a new country, addiction, mild substance abuse, educational conflict, disordered eating and more. Services are accessible in 20+ countries.
Connect with peers who understand
Sometimes, when you’re not feeling the best, it can help to just chat with others to know that you’re not alone. The Student Wellness Centre (SWC) hosts Meet Your Neighbours, a weekly drop-in social program where you can meet and connect with other McMaster international students from around the world. This weekly event happens every Wednesday at 12:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
Stay up to date on current information
Having access to the most recent information regarding your academic experience will help you feel more at ease. As of April 30, Ontario, Canada, where McMaster University is located, continues to welcome international students.
If you’re living outside of Canada right now, check the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website and your local government website frequently for updates on your ability to come to Canada and other mobility updates. Additionally, we’ll post updates to the COVID-19 readiness plan for students coming to Canada as new information becomes available.
Visit the Student Success Centre International Student Services web pages for ways to get support. You can also join the McMaster International Students Facebook group for updates, programming and resources.
If you have questions, email iese@mcmaster.ca, and the international student support team will be happy to help. If you have immigration questions, email immigration@mcmaster.ca.
If you’re a graduate student, visit the International Grad Students page on the Graduate Studies website.
Sincerely,
International Student Services, Student Success Centre