WHAT IS COUNSELING?

Counseling is a process of exploring issues, learning new ways of coping, and increasing satisfaction with life. The counselor can assist you in clarifying goals and finding solutions to problems through careful listening, guiding self-exploration, suggesting new perspectives for consideration, and providing new information. Counseling is not telling you what to do, how to feel, or who to be. Your initial interview with a counselor will help you identify which resources and programs may best meet your needs.

Individual Counseling is provided for the student who wishes to discuss particular issues relative to his/her personal life. Sessions usually last about forty -five minutes and may be scheduled on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. The number of sessions varies depending on the issues involved, however most clients meet with a counselor eight times or less.

Workshops and Group Counseling are provided on both a short-term and ongoing basis. Often a workshop or group is the preferred way of exploring and coping with particular concerns. A variety of workshops, classes, skill-building groups, support groups, and therapy groups are offered throughout the year to help students enhance personal effectiveness and cope with the demands of college life. The workshops that we do offer are developed to enhance a students' personal and/or academic development.

MISSION

The mission of the Counseling and Testing Center is to assist students with defining as well as accomplishing personal and academic goals while achieving balance in their lives.

LOCATION AND OFFICE HOURS

The Counseling and Testing Center is found in Room 243 of the James B. Chavis University Center.

Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Sessions are by appointment only.

For more information, contact us by phone at 910.521.6202.

A SPECIAL NOTE FOR OUR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

By Katherine Schneider
University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

All new students’ first days are ones of adjustment. However, for international students this is even more true. You will be experiencing many different changes when entering college. There are usually four phases that you may experience.

• Honeymoon: Everything is great, nothing is wrong, you’re having a wonderful time.
• Shock: There are so many differences in this country that you don’t know how to deal with them. You didn’t think things would be like this.
• Negotiation: You learn to deal with the problems set before you and try to integrate them with your own beliefs.
• Acceptance: You are able to live well in the environment with the differences you are experiencing.

Some cultural differences you may experience due to change in customs are:

1. Friendship: Most people you will come in contact with will be friendly. They will talk about current events, politics, hobbies, and sports. However, personal matters are often not spoken about such as financial or family problems.
2. Dress: The attire worn is usually informal, unless otherwise told to wear formal clothing. It is not necessary to wear Western-style clothing. Clothing you have brought from home is acceptable.
3. Greetings: When Americans greet each other, whether male or female, a handshake is gender-ally the custom. Spatial distance is a very important aspect of nonverbal communication. Most Americans stand 3 feet apart when talking.
4. Schedules: Americans place a high priority on being punctual. The phrase “time is money” is very common. You will be expected to be on time to events that have specific starting times, such as class, dinner arrangements, appointments, etc.
5. Professors: The relationship between student and professor is usually open and informal. Most professors want their students to talk directly to them about any questions they have, in order to resolve them quickly.

Symptoms of Culture Shock

1. Feeling very angry over minor inconveniences
2. Irritability
3. Withdrawal from people who are different from you
4. Extreme homesickness
5. Sudden intense feeling of loyalty to own culture
6. Overeating or loss of appetite
7. Boredom
8. A need for excessive sleep
9. Headaches
10. Upset stomach
11. Small pains really hurt
12. Depression
13. Loss of ability to work or study effectively
14. Unexplainable crying
15. Marital or relationship stress
16. Exaggerated cleanliness
17. Feeling sick much of the time

In order to have culture shock, you need not have every symptom on the list. It is possible that only a few may apply to you. These symptoms may also appear at any given time. However, those such as headache and upset stomach should be checked by a physician before you decide it’s only culture shock (Student Health Services, 521-6219).

Solutions for Culture Shock

Even though some people may not be able to eliminate culture shock, there are ways to ease the stress. Some of these activities are listed below:

1. Keep Active. By getting out of your room or outside of your apartment, you are able to experience first-hand what Americans are doing. If you visit public places, such as a shopping mall or sporting events, you will be able to watch and learn how American customs are practiced. Contact the Student Life office (521-6207) to find out about all the campus organizations and campus events.
2. Make American Friends. By having friends you can talk to, you are able to ask them questions about what you do not understand.
3. Read. At the end of this brochure there is a list of possible websites that you may wish to read to gain more knowledge of the culture you are being introduced to. Accessing the Internet is of no cost to you if used on campus.
4. Exercise. By finding an activity that you can enjoy, you will be able to reduce stress and depression. Americans like to run and walk on paths. They also like organized games. By contacting the Intramurals office (521-6586), you will be able to find out what programs are available.
5. Community Activities. Talk with your host family, Resident Assistant, or other Americans about community activities, religious services, or volunteer opportunities to help you become a member of the community while you are here.
6. Work on Your English. This is an extremely important concept. It is much easier to understand a culture when you can understand the language being used. Ask about any slang terms that you do not understand.
7. Introduce Yourself to Other International Students. Other international students may be experiencing the same problems that you are. By talking to them, you may be able to find out ways they are coping with problems.
8. BE PATIENT. Many international students experience culture shock in some way while they are here. Just recognize the problem and give yourself time to get over it. If you need to, keep reminding yourself that this is not permanent. If culture shock continues, you may contact International Programs Office (775-4095) and/or Counseling Services (521-6202).