Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity, but it also comes with its unique set of challenges. One of the toughest situations you may face is being far from home during a crisis — whether it's a natural disaster, political unrest, or personal family difficulties. The emotional weight of wanting to be there for loved ones while also feeling physically and mentally distant can take a toll on your well-being.

Spending the holidays away from home can be challenging, especially for students studying abroad who might feel lonely or disconnected from family traditions. And those challenges also offer opportunity to practice flexibility, grow skills, and build relationships – three elements of optimal mental health. Some practical tips to share with students…

Many of us and the learners we serve may experience trauma: acute violence or loss or the transgenerational trauma of displacement or erasure. As supporters, we may be feeling vicarious trauma or compassion fatigue. We thought some information on what trauma is and how we can support each other (as humans, not therapists) might be helpful right now.