New online course to support international student well-being

The British Council has launched an online course to support international students in the UK with their mental health and well-being.

The British Council has partnered with the Psychological Therapies Training and Research Unit at Newcastle University to deliver the course.

The course, which will take three weeks to complete, begins in September 2023. Lessons will be delivered through a blend of videos and created by tutors and international students from Newcastle University and interactive live events.

At the end of the course, students will have the tools to navigate living in a new culture and environment, will be able to manage their stress levels and will have strategies to better manage their time.

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The course will be moderated by a combination of student mental health experts and current international students from Newcastle University. Participants will also be able to access any additional help and support they need.

Elizabeth Tresnan, Study UK director of the British Council, said: “This course aims to help students manage expectations, enhance personal resilience, and build and maintain high levels of well-being, and it encourages students to seek assistance when needed and guides them on how and where to access relevant support and services at university and beyond.”

Yinbo Yu, head of engagement and partnerships at the UK Council for International Student Affairs and long-term supporter of the Study UK campaign, said: “As a former international student, I know how challenging it can be to experience difficult feelings such as culture shock and homesickness.

“I am pleased to see the partnership between Study UK at the British Council and Newcastle University, providing valuable and accessible resources to help students navigate integrating into a new learning and living environment.”

More information on how to sign up for the course will be available from August on the following sites: Education Services British Council, Future Learn and Study UK.