Mental health concerns are an important consideration in all aspects of education abroad programming. This resource provides study abroad offices and the faculty members they support with valuable insights into recognizing and addressing the diverse mental health needs of students while they are abroad.
Through a series of case studies, this resource explores a range of mental health challenges that students may encounter during their study abroad experience. Each case study delves into the specific challenges, their potential impact, and practical strategies for faculty support.
By reviewing these scenarios, study abroad professionals (including faculty) will gain a deeper understanding of how to:
- Recognize early signs of mental health concerns.
- Provide appropriate support and resources.
- Create a supportive and inclusive environment for all students.
This resource aims to equip faculty with the knowledge and tools to ensure that students not only succeed academically but also thrive personally and emotionally during their study abroad experience.
The resource is authored by the volunteer leaders who serve on the Education Abroad Knowledge Community’s subcommittee on Health and Safety in Education Abroad (2024):
- Daniel Kampsen, Chair, Drexel University
- Derek Smallwood, Colorado State
- Kim Priebe, University Of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Nicole Trevena Flores, Southeast Community College-Lincoln
- Tonya Veltrop, University of Missouri
- Molly Roe, Susquehanna University
Other Considerations:
- Review and address students' medical/mental health concerns and medications before departure, ensuring proper management while abroad. Collaborate with on-campus Counseling Services to establish a clear plan for both students and instructors.
- Prior to departure- Health and Safety Training: Ensure that all traveling faculty members/staff/students complete mental health and safety training prior to departure. This training will better equip faculty to support students and handle any potential mental health-related concerns during the trip. This includes training in basic relaxation techniques, and in doing establish a common language for these techniques.
- Daily Check-ins: Whenever possible, check in individually with each student to assess their general experience, including their food and water intake, rest, stress