ANU student Yuki Teng felt isolated during a cold Canberra winter
Yuki Teng, one of 6,496 ANU international students, felt isolated during a cold Canberra winter.
Yuki Teng arrived in Canberra in July to study anthropology and lived alone in a studio apartment. Ms Teng said the winter was very cold, and she could barely see anyone.
At first, all her connections were online, with daily WeChat calls to family and friends in China. Yuki Teng's story is common among the estimated 690,000 international students studying in Australia.
ANU offers counselling for isolated or lonely students. The University of Canberra runs UC Thrive, a program with peer mentoring and international student events.
After two months, Ms Teng started part-time jobs, joined clubs and went hiking. Mr He, who came 15 years ago, says staying connected means continuing to reach out.
Mr He suggests joining clubs, talking to people after class, and accepting invitations.
- 6,496
- International students at ANU
- 8000 kilometres
- Distance from home
- Estimated 690,000
- International students in Australia
- July
- Arrival month
Why it mattersStudents far from home can find support through university counselling and peer mentoring programs, if they know where to look.
AustraliaAn estimated 690,000 international students in Australia may share this isolation, so campus support matters.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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