Veda Mahambrey, a UQ postgraduate student from India, explores how her placement made a world of difference while studying the Master of Counselling – both for herself and for other international students.
Studying at university can be both exciting and challenging, especially for international students who face unique hurdles as they adjust to a new culture, environment, and academic expectations.
As an international student studying counselling, I understand these challenges deeply, which is why my placement at UQ Counsellor Connect was such a transformative experience. I had the unique opportunity to work closely with fellow international students, providing them with crucial support and empathy. UQ Counsellor Connect is a student-led service where, as final-year UQ Master of Counselling students, we offer professional counselling to those in need.
If you’re an international student at UQ or considering studying, know that you're not alone. Support is available, and sharing your experiences can make a big difference.
Working with international students: a shared journey
During my placement, I found myself connecting with students who were navigating many of the same challenges I had faced when I first arrived in Australia from India. These students were dealing with cultural differences, homesickness, social isolation, and the pressure to succeed academically – all while trying to find their place in a new country. My role at UQ Counsellor Connect was to provide a compassionate ear and help them feel heard and understood.
Being an international student myself, I was able to draw from my own experiences to offer empathetic and practical support. I knew first-hand how overwhelming it could be to adjust to a new culture while managing academic responsibilities. This perspective allowed me to offer genuine advice and coping strategies, such as:
- building a support network
- staying connected with home
- engaging in activities that reduce stress and anxiety.
Reflecting on my own experience
This placement also gave me the chance to reflect on my own journey as an international student. The sense of isolation I had once felt was something I frequently saw in the students I worked with. This experience reminded me of how essential a support system is and how powerful a simple, empathetic conversation can be in lightening someone's emotional load.
When I was navigating social anxiety and academic stress, I felt alone in my struggles. But through my placement, I realised that these feelings are more common than I had thought, and there are ways to manage them. My experience has come full circle – from being the one in need of support to being able to provide that support to others.
A transformative experience
My placement at UQ Counsellor Connect was more than just a requirement for my Master of Counselling – it was a journey of personal growth and transformation. Working with clients from diverse backgrounds, especially international students, taught me the importance of active listening, effective communication, and empathy.
Every interaction was an opportunity to build rapport and improve my interpersonal skills, whether helping a student cope with homesickness or guiding them through academic stress. Supporting students who were navigating the same challenges I once faced deepened my understanding of the power of shared experiences.
As I continue my journey studying counselling, I carry with me the invaluable lessons and connections from this experience, ready to support others facing their own challenges, whether related to studying abroad or other life hurdles.
If you’re an international student at UQ or considering studying, know that you're not alone. Support is available, and sharing your experiences can make a big difference. Remember, a simple conversation can go a long way in easing the journey.
Author: Veda Mahambrey
Veda Mahambrey is currently pursuing the Master of Counselling at UQ. She is also a Student Representative for HABS Teaching and Learning Committee and Advocacy Head for the UQ Union International Collective. Outside of her studies, she enjoys trying different cuisines, volunteering, and listening to music.
