How STUBE Hessen Helps International Students Build Resilience and Community in Germany

The life of an international student is marked by both excitement and challenge. Arriving in a new country, Germany, brings the thrill of independence, new cultures, and endless possibilities.

But it also comes with intense pressure—balancing academics, learning the nuances of a different culture, and finding a sense of belonging.

To address these complexities, STUBE Hessen organized a weekend seminar in Wiesbaden , Germany, titled "Mental Health - How to Overcome Challenges?" This event, held from November 8th to 10th, 2024 brought together students from Africa, Asia, and Latin America who are studying in Hessen state of Germany, offering them a rare space to reflect on mental health, resilience, and the power of community.

A Space for Reflection and Respect

The organizers started with a simple yet essential framework to foster respect and focus: arrive on time, turn off phones, listen without interrupting, participate actively, and keep the space clean. These guidelines set the tone for an open and respectful environment, giving students permission to step away from daily distractions and engage fully in the experience.

Workshops with Purpose

The seminar’s agenda was carefully crafted to address the specific struggles of international students through a series of focused workshops. Each session tackled a different aspect of navigating life in a foreign country, and each was designed to offer both insight and practical support.

1. Mental Health and Migration – Navigating Cultural Shifts

Led by Prof. Dr. Samia Mohammed Nour of Fulda University, this workshop examined the mental health challenges that arise from adapting to an unfamiliar culture.

Participants shared personal stories about culture shock, homesickness, and self-doubt.

The session offered strategies for building mental resilience, focusing on ways to find balance between maintaining cultural roots and embracing new experiences.

2. Sociological Perspectives on Mental Health

Prof. Dr. Noor Masoud Hashemat from Goethe University led a session on the sociological dynamics affecting mental health among migrants.

The discussion covered themes of identity, isolation, and societal expectations. Students found solidarity in realizing that these pressures were not unique to them; they were common to the migrant experience.

This session emphasized the importance of social connections and provided strategies to create a supportive network in unfamiliar surroundings.

3. Bridging Worlds – Socioeconomic Realities and Mental Health

Dr. Ohusu Ozz from International Health Sciences in Giessen led a thought-provoking session on the economic pressures of student life abroad. From managing rent and part-time jobs to navigating financial aid systems, students discussed the financial realities that weigh on their mental health.

The workshop highlighted how financial well-being is deeply tied to overall resilience, and the group shared resources and advice to help one another manage these challenges.

Finding Connection Through Shared Experiences

Throughout the weekend, participants gathered around boards covered in words that represented their experiences: "identity," "finding family," "independence," "human connections."

These words offered a collective picture of the international student experience—learning a new language, finding friends, adjusting to the weather, managing expectations, and grappling with homesickness.

This exercise showed them that, despite different backgrounds, they were all navigating similar struggles.

A Broader Perspective on Global Responsibility

A large world map hung on the seminar room wall, captioned with "German Development Policy: Moving Forward Together!"

This visual reminder encouraged students to think beyond their individual challenges, to consider how their presence as international students contributes to a larger story of cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

The map served as a reminder that each student’s journey is part of a global movement toward interconnectedness and shared responsibility.

Reclaiming Identity and Belonging

One of the most moving sessions centered on themes of belonging and identity. Students reflected on words like "adaptation," "united in struggle," and "finding family in a foreign land."

The conversations that followed were powerful and honest, filled with reflections on the complexities of building a new life abroad. Name tags on display around the room helped foster a sense of unity and made everyone feel seen—small but significant gestures that contributed to the feeling of community.

A Lasting Impact: Building Resilience Through Community

For many of the participants, this weekend became a transformative experience. They left not only with practical strategies for handling the mental and emotional pressures of studying abroad but also with a renewed sense of belonging.

The connections made during the seminar helped them see that resilience can be about finding strength in shared experiences and community support.

Through this seminar, STUBE Hessen has created a foundation of resilience, empowerment, and connection for international students. For those looking to navigate similar journeys, STUBE Hessen offers ongoing programs that provide critical resources and a strong support network. To learn more, visit www.stube-hessen.de