Comparison often makes us feel like the grass is greener on the other side or that others have it better or easier than us. The truth is that comparison leads us to devalue what we have and how we see ourselves. Social comparison theory was developed in 1954 by… read more
counseling
Five Ways to Overcome Impostor Phenomenon
Have you heard of impostor syndrome? The psychology world has deviated from that term because the experience is not a disorder or an illness. A more accepting term is “impostorism” or simply “impostor phenomenon.” What is impostor phenomenon? Impostor phenomenon was identified in 1978 by Pauline Rose Clark and… read more
Truths of International Study that Nobody Talks About
Moving from your own country to study in the United States can seem like a journey of a million steps. So once you’ve done the hard work of gaining admission to The University of Texas at Austin, you might be surprised by this fact when you arrive on campus: The… read more
Addressing Perfectionism
You may have heard people say something like, “Perfect is the enemy of good.” But what does that mean? It’s a common response to the way that many people focus on perfection in every area, keeping themselves from improving or finishing a project. Although it’s good to strive for quality,… read more
Self-Care for Staying Safe, Healthy and Productive
It is two months into the spring semester, and by now, you possibly have a better understanding of how demanding the rest of your semester will be. Some of you might be feeling overwhelmed by all you have to do this semester, from classes and assignments to work (for those… read more
Thoughtful Thursdays Offer Counsel to Students Staying Home
Social distancing has significantly altered the way we work, live and communicate. Navigating all the lifestyle changes we have to make now may seem difficult or overwhelming. That’s why the ISSS virtual community is organizing Thoughtful Thursdays, a series of events open to international students and scholars, periodically hosted in… read more
Tips To Tackle Homesickness
It’s okay to express yourself, so give writing a shot! If you’re currently feeling homesick, remember that you’re not alone. Feelings of homesickness are a completely normal part of adjusting to a new environment. In a recent ISSS blog post, international student Nabiol Afrooz shared his feelings about his homesickness.… read more