The Silent Struggles of In-Country University Reps: Mental Health and Burnout

A collaborative article by Harish Menon and Megha Srivastav

Are you an in-country university rep who’s constantly told, “You have the dream job?” Jetting across cities and countries, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures - it sounds thrilling, right??

But beneath that shiny facade lies a darker truth few dare to acknowledge - the relentless emotional and physical toll that slowly consumes you. Some stress is helpful - it springs you to action or to face challenges head on. But when that stress lingers and becomes a part of your daily life, it stops becoming a motivator and becomes something far more draining. At that point, it becomes a real concern, which is exactly what we are attempting to address in this article.

Behind the Scenes: What You Don’t See

The life of an in-country university representative often looks exciting from the outside, but the day to day reality is far more demanding. Constant travel, back-to-back events, and the strain of balancing work with personal life take their toll. Days often blur together as reps juggle multiple responsibilities while on the road.

Palak Behl, a rep for a leading UK university, captures the sentiment perfectly: “I love my job, but it feels like I am living in two worlds - one full of excitement and travel, and another that craves stability at home. Balancing the two is an ongoing challenge.”?

The Quiet Toll of Burnout

Every year, student recruitment events ramp up, and so does the travel. In-country reps often face the pressure to meet targets without a moment’s pause. Savi Aggarwal from Durham University reflects, “At first, I thrived on the chaos - the travel, the connections, the buzz. But over time, I felt the toll on my body and mind. Fortunately, my manager was supportive, but not everyone has that safety net. Many reps suffer in silence.”

Management at institution levels are aware and some are mindful of the demands of the profession. William Ho, Director of International Relations and Recruitment ?at Auckland University of Technology, shares, “We are mindful of the mental demands on our in-country reps. Building a support network around them is key. Regular check-ins, fostering a family culture within the team, making time to talk about life and sharing a good laugh - it’s crucial for their well-being.”

Jasminder Khanna, Co-founder and CEO at Gresham Global, adds to this conversation: “Being an in-country rep is an incredible journey, but it can be daunting. We must foster a supportive environment where reps feel safe discussing burnout. It’s not just about hitting targets; it’s about their well-being. We should encourage them to take time off and engage in activities that bring joy - whether that’s family time, new hobbies, or just recharging. When our reps feel valued, it shows in their work.”?

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Why Mental Health Matters in the Education Sector—Now More Than Ever

The World Health Organization’s theme this year - "It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace" - is a timely reminder for the education sector. In-country reps operate behind the scenes, balancing recruitment targets, navigating cultural differences, and juggling multiple roles. The emotional strain is real, yet it’s often overlooked

Yukta Singh, HR and Recruitment Manager at In-Country, states, “Mental health is not just an individual issue; it's a collective responsibility. If we expect our in-country reps to effectively guide students through important life decisions, we must ensure they are supported and in a healthy headspace themselves. We need to start acknowledging the unique stressors reps face.”

The Warning Signs

Mental health stressors do not hit all at once - they creep in. Here are the signs to watch for:

• Constant fatigue: Either too little sleep or too much sleep.
• Emotional numbness: You start to disengage from work and life.
• Physical symptoms: Headaches, body aches, and digestive issues.
• Social withdrawal: Feeling disconnected from friends, family, or even colleagues.
• Trouble focusing: Struggling to keep up with tasks or make decisions.

If these signs persist for more than two weeks, it’s generally a red flag that the issue may go beyond normal stress and could be a sign of a chronic mental health issue. Afshana Hoque from the University of Rochester shares, “I ignored my signs for months - tiredness, headaches, emotional detachment. One day, my body just gave out, and that was my wake-up call. Burnout doesn’t just affect your mind; it hits your body too.”

Gabriella Nazareth from Newcastle University highlights a similar experience: “I thought I could push through the exhaustion, believing it was part of my job. I lost track of ‘me time’ and missed important milestones. Despite doing well professionally, I felt disconnected from my personal life, and that’s when I knew burnout had taken over.”

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Building a Community-Driven Mental Health Care Model in India

With just 0.75 mental health professionals per 100,000 population (ideal number is 3 per 100,000 population), access to mental health experts and facilities is very limited or out of reach. Given this shortage, we need a community-based mental healthcare model where colleagues, friends, and even family members can offer basic emotional support and awareness.

Of course, this isn’t about turning people into therapists. It’s about reducing stigma and creating a culture where we can talk openly about mental health, recognize the signs of distress, and offer help when needed. As Jimmi Hemmenbach, Regional Operations Manager, Middle East and South Asia at the University of Guelph, emphasizes, “It’s crucial to create a platform for honest conversations with regional reps, considering cultural differences. Many reps have family responsibilities, and these roles aren't just for young, single people with a travel bug. Clear travel goals, focused on sustainability, boundaries, and personal health, can make these positions both enjoyable and highly productive.”?

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Small Steps, Big Impact

Managing mental health as an in-country rep is no easy feat, but many find ways to cope. Small, consistent habits can make a big difference:

• Prioritize Sleep: Rest is non-negotiable. Even during travel, making sleep a priority can improve your well-being.
• Set Boundaries: It’s easy to be “always on,” but it’s crucial to switch off at times. Take evenings to unwind, away from work emails and calls.
• Stay Connected: Traveling can feel isolating. Reach out to colleagues or friends who understand the challenges.
• Stay Active: Even a short walk or mindfulness exercise can relieve stress.
• Pursue Your Passions: Outside of work, find time for hobbies or activities that bring joy and balance.

Samreen Khan from Imperial College London outlines, “Twelve-hour workdays and constant travel can make finding balance a real challenge. But small things like organizing your time, staying hydrated, and taking quick breaks can make all the difference. Knowing someone’s got your back, whether it’s family or a colleague, keeps you grounded.”

Donna Haynes, Regional Head of International Recruitment and Partnerships at the University of Southampton, adds, “Planning is essential, both for travel and downtime. Avoid getting pulled into late-night calls and use your TOIL days. De-stressing isn’t one-size-fits-all; find what works for you.”

Habits play a crucial role in our well-being. Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, a British physician, author, television presenter and podcaster, has evidence to show that even dedicating just five minutes a day to activities that nurture our emotional or mental health, whether it's stretching, singing, or simply pausing to breathe, can set us on the path to meaningful change. Starting small can be the key to lasting improvement.

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Wrapping Up: Putting Mental Health First

Being an in-country rep can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with challenges. Constant travel, relentless schedules, and performance pressures can take a toll on mental health. Burnout often develops over time, so recognising the signs early is crucial. Prioritising sleep, setting boundaries, and leaning on your support system are essential for protecting your well-being.

As Ben Barth, Managing Director at Grok Global Services, states, "The well-being of in-country reps is a shared responsibility. Reps need to be open with their institutions and themselves about boundaries and health concerns. Institutions must create an environment that welcomes and acts on this feedback, while managing workloads. Third parties also play a key role, ensuring effective communication between reps and institutions and fostering a supportive culture. A healthy workforce is essential for our industry's sustainability, and we aim to lead by example."

Taking care of yourself is about thriving in both your professional and personal life. So, take that break, say no when necessary, and remember your well-being is a priority.

If you or anyone you know is suffering from stress, anxiety, depression or any other mental health struggles, please reach out for support to Ankahee Helpline at https://www.ankaheehelpline.org/ - +91 86554 86966

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