UHS psychologist hopes to help international students succeed

Canzi Wang knows what it’s like to travel halfway across the world and adjust to a new country, culture and university all at the same time. A native of Hunan, China, she came to the U.S. at age 22 to attend graduate school: first in New Jersey, then in Colorado.

“It was really hard and isolating when I first came to school in the U.S. There were only five international students in the entire university, and the language barrier made it hard to keep up academically,” says Wang. “On top of adjusting to a new school, I was also dealing with immigration barriers, such as getting a Social Security card to work and apply for a credit card. I always go back to a statement I once heard about being a foreigner: ‘It’s like you’re playing a game, but no one tells you the rules until you’ve broken them.”

Wang earned her doctorate in counseling psychology. Now she puts her professional and personal experience to use at University Health Services, providing counseling in English and Mandarin.

Across the United States, the number of international students has grown by 72 percent since 2000, according to the Institute of International Education. Many come from China: there are now five times more Chinese students on college campuses than there were in 2000. At UW–Madison, 12 percent of students are international – nearly half from mainland China.

International students enrich the university’s academic and social environment but may also face unique challenges adjusting to life in Madison and succeeding on campus.

Wang, an associate psychologist, provides counseling and consultation services for students, parents and staff in both individual and group settings. As her role develops, she also hopes to continue collaborating with International Student Services and other campus partners to provide more drop-in consultation and programs geared toward international students.

“There is a big need for providing services and general support on campus,” Wang says. “I definitely want to advocate for more services and help to create an environment that makes [international students] feel invited.”

While many students considering counseling may not have seen a mental health professional before, cultural differences can also play a factor in how likely students are to seek help.

In China, for example, “there is a lot of shame around letting other people know there is something difficult going on in your personal life,” Wang says. For this reason, many Chinese students wait until they are in crisis before seeking support.

International students may be unaware of the confidentiality practices in American health care, which may also deter them from getting help. “It is important to know that this is a confidential space,” Wang says. “We are legally and ethically bound to protect [the students’] privacy.”

Counseling & Consultation Services at UHS provides a non-judgmental, compassionate space for students to feel connected and make positive changes in their lives. It is a safe, friendly environment that strives to be culturally sensitive and respectful to all.

Students come to counseling for a variety of reasons, including academic difficulties and struggles adjusting to life on campus. While these transitions pose challenges to students, Wang says that by facing them, there’s also potential for growth and self-discovery.

“It’s a privilege to work with college students and join them in their journey of developing their identities, formulating their values, searching for meaning in life and building resilience to face future challenges,” she says.

To make an appointment with Canzi Wang, or another counselor, drop in at the 7th floor reception desk at 333 East Campus Mall for an access consultation.

24-hour Mental Health Crisis Hotline: 608-265-5600 (select option 9)

–Gina Nerone and Alice Coyne