Crisis Care
For Life Threatening Emergencies:
Call 911
Or go to your nearest Emergency Room
_________________________________
For other crisis needs 24/7:
- Call UCI Counseling Center at (949) 824-6457
- Crisis Text Line
♦ Text “Home” to 741741
- Call or text 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8
- Call UCI Campus Police at
(949) 824-5223
Tips for International Student Parents
If you have specific or general questions or concerns about your student’s experience at UCI, please encourage your student to visit UCI International Center for assistance. You can also contact the UCI International Center for additional assistance.
Stay in touch with your student
Staying in touch with your student during their stay in the United States can help your student feel supported and help you stay engaged in your student’s experiences. This website (https://educationusa.state.gov/experience-studying-usa/information-parents) provides general information about the experience of studying in the United States to help you have a general understanding of your student’s experience.
Establish healthy boundaries
Staying in touch with your student is important, but healthy boundaries matter too. Excessive contact can hinder their adjustment, independence, and overall US experience. Consider setting a regular communication schedule (e.g., weekly or bi-weekly) to manage expectations, reduce frustration, and help your student balance their home and US connections.
Become familiar with the culture shock cycle
Culture shock refers to the adjustment challenges a person faces when moving to a new culture, including changes in environment, language, academics, food, and climate. It is a common experience for those studying or living abroad and is part of “cultural adaptation,” which involves both acculturation (adjusting to the new culture) and enculturation (maintaining one’s original culture).
As a family member, you play a key role in helping your student through this process. Research shows that balancing integration into the new culture while preserving their original culture supports a healthier adjustment. Visit this site for more information on culture shock and adjustment.
Be informed about the host country
Keep informed about what is happening in the United States and in your student’s specific state, county, or city. Check out credible news outlets (e.g., Associated Press, New York Times, local news outlet, etc.) for specific information pertaining to your student’s local region and general information about travel and safety.
Reach out to UCI for support of your student
If you are concerned about your student’s mental health, please encourage your student to visit the UCI Counseling Center. You can also reach out to the UCI Counseling Center for a consultation during business hours but please note there are limits to what information can be shared about your student (please refer to the Parent and Family FAQ page for details regarding limits to confidentiality). We have a few bilingual staff that may be able to speak your language and additional translation assistance may be available.