Bridging the Gap Between International Students and Mental Health Support

Global Bridges helps universities better understand why international students may not access or fully utilize the mental health services already available to them.
Cultural beliefs, stigma surrounding mental health, unfamiliarity with counseling, family expectations, language, homesickness, culture shock, and different ways of seeking emotional support can all create an invisible gap between international students and campus resources.
We work with university counseling centers, international student offices, student affairs professionals, faculty, and staff to better understand that gap from the international student’s perspective.
Through student surveys, cross-cultural education, consultation, workshops, and practical recommendations, Global Bridges helps universities identify barriers to support and develop culturally responsive ways to reach international students.
Our goal is not to replace the services universities already provide.
Our goal is to help build the bridge that allows international students to use them.

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A diverse group of students attentively participating in a lively classroom setting.

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What is Global Bridges?

Global Bridges helps universities better understand the international student experience and the cultural factors that influence how students seek support, build connections, and adjust to life in the United States.
Through research, student voice, and cross-cultural education, Global Bridges works with university professionals to help identify gaps and strengthen connections between international students and campus resources.

Smitha Dharmaraj

Founder

OUR APPROACH TO BRIDGING THE GAP

1.

CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING

Exploring the cultural, emotional, and social transitions international students experience while studying in the United States. Global Bridges helps universities better understand the challenges of adjustment, belonging, and cross-cultural transition.

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2.

MENTAL HEALTH ACCESS & UNDERSTANDING

Exploring how cultural beliefs, stigma, unfamiliarity with counseling, family expectations, and different approaches to seeking emotional support may influence how international students access mental health resources. Global Bridges helps university professionals better understand these factors and identify opportunities to strengthen connection and trust.

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3.

CAMPUS PARTNERSHIP

Working with university professionals to explore student experiences, identify gaps between available resources and student needs, and develop culturally responsive approaches that strengthen connection and support.

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BUILDING STRONGER CONNECTIONS WITH INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Partnering with universities to better understand international student experiences, identify barriers to support, and strengthen connections between students and campus resources.

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THE GLOBAL BRIDGES APPROACH

STUDENT-CENTERED UNDERSTANDING

Beginning with the voices and experiences of international students, Global Bridges helps universities better understand cultural adjustment, emotional well-being, and barriers that may influence how students seek support.

CROSS-CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE

Bringing together lived international student experience, social work knowledge, and cross-cultural understanding to explore how culture influences connection, belonging, and help-seeking.

Building Trust Through Connection

Helping universities strengthen communication and trust between international students and the campus resources designed to support them.