COASIS
Cultural Orientation and Support for International Students
Our mission
To support international students in their adjustment to the many challenges of leaving home and living in the United States.
Have you been:
Feeling lonely?
Losing sleep?
Feeling sad?
Anxious?
Losing your appetite?
Low on energy?
Having relationship problems?
You are not alone.
While moving to and living in a new country can be a very exciting experience, it can also bring numerous challenges. Many students who move to the U.S. experience difficulties in adjusting. This happens in different ways for different people. Many students believe that they are the only ones experiencing such difficulties and feel ashamed or embarrassed. COASIS programs offer the opportunity to express these difficulties and discover ways to deal with and better manage this difficult adjustment process.
What COASIS offers:
COASIS offers the following programs and services to meet the needs of international students.
Support and Discussion Groups
These groups are an opportunity for students to share their similar experiences and concerns. It is a place where people are able to see that they are not alone in their struggle to adjust to a new place. A wide range of topics are covered such as acculturation, identity, problems arising from language difficulties, discrimination, and other adjustment-related issues. Small in size, these confidential groups are informative and enjoyable. They start at different times in the semester. Contact COASIS to find out more about the groups.
Family Counseling
With all the changes involved in moving, it is very common for families to experience relationship problems. While it may seem difficult to share your family problems with a stranger, COASIS family counseling can help your family manage this transition. Having an "outsider's" assistance during this challenging time can make a significant difference. Again, this is a private and confidential service. It can be started at any time during the semester. Contact COASIS for an appointment.
Individual Counseling
Some people prefer talking one-on-one instead of in a group. Individual counseling is a meeting with an experienced counselor to talk about issues of concern and find ways to build on the strengths you already have and improve ways of adjusting and coping to your new life here. This individual service can be helpful for many people - from those who wish to work on personal growth to those experiencing a crisis in their life. The problem may have started before or after moving to the U.S. This is a confidential service and can be started at any time of the semester. There is no long-term commitment and each person is treated according to his or her own needs and strengths. Contact COASIS for a first appointment.
Educational Presentations and Consultation
Student organizations or other groups organized by the University may benefit from knowing more about the adjustment process that many international students go through. We offer educational presentations designed to cover topics such as "Understanding the Acculturation Process," and "Managing Your Stress." We also consult with programs or groups on how to better support students in this process.
This is a free service. Contact us to see if we can be of assistance to your group or organization.
Myths about counseling
- "Counseling is only for crazy people."
All kinds of people seek counseling. Even the most adaptable and mentally healthy people sometimes experience periods in their life when they can benefit from additional help. People use counseling in various ways - to obtain an outside opinion, for personal growth, and to deal with life crises.
- "Counseling is only for Americans."
Every country has someone in the community that performs a counseling role, including religious leaders, elders, a shaman, or a valued community member. A professional counselor embodies the core values of listening, understanding, compassion, and positive change. A counselor is a resource that people from any culture can use.
- "Seeing a counselor is a sign of weakness."
Sometimes even the strongest and most adaptable people need some support. Knowing how to find and use available resources and asking for help are signs of strength rather than weakness. You don't have to struggle on your own.
- "People will know I am seeing a counselor and think bad things about me."
For many people, there is a concern that others find out that they are having problems. They have difficulty talking about their struggles with family or school officials. COASIS provides services that do not involve others (such as the school or family) and where information is not shared unless the person using the service gives their permission. For more information on this and to understand exceptions to this statement, please feel free to contact us.
About our staff:
Our staff is comprised of experienced master's and doctoral level students, supervised by Dr. Kimberly Wagner, the Interim Director of the Center for Human Growth. The counselors receive significant training in the techniques, issues and theories concerned with delivering a professional and expert service that meets the unique needs of international students.
How to contact us:
COASIS
Leann Terry, Program Coordinator
Email: coasis@indiana.edu
Phone: 812-856-8302 (ask for the COASIS voice mailbox)
Center for Human Growth
Kimberly Wagner, PhD, Interim Director
Email: centgrow@indiana.edu
Phone: 812-856-8302
International Services
Christopher Viers, Associate Dean and Director of International Services
Email: intlserv@indiana.edu
Phone: 812-855-9086
Gonzalo Isidro-Bruno, Coordinator of the International Center
Email: intlcent@indiana.edu
Phone: 812-855-7133
W. W. Wright School of Education
Dept. of Counseling & Educational Psychology
201 N. Rose Ave. Rm. 0001
Bloomington, IN 47405
Email: cep@indiana.edu
Phone: 812-856-8300
Coasis is Co-sponsored by:
Indiana University Center for Human Growth
And
Indiana University International Services
Helping International Students Adjust to Life in the United States