To effectively safeguard the mental health of international students and help them adapt to study and life in China, the International College launched a series of themed mental health activities titled “2026 LOVE YOU, LOVE ME” from May 21 to 23, ahead of the National College Students' Mental Health Day (May 25).
The activities featured three immersive relaxation sessions: Tactile Breathing Therapy, Drum Circle Stress Relief, and Breath Flow, Spine Flow. In a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere, international students eased emotions, relieved stress and learned to embrace themselves.
Adopting immersive, experiential and interactive forms, this campaign has built a platform for international students to release emotions and heal their minds, and further enriched the approaches to mental health education for overseas students.
Activity 1: Tactile Breathing Therapy — Embrace Yourself Through Mindful Breathing
Touch is humanity’s most primitive and authentic language for emotional communication. The warmth of palms and gentle touches of fingertips convey pure warmth and strength, effectively easing strangeness and estrangement.
Guided by professional instructors, international students took part in healing rituals including palm breathing and butterfly hugs. Soft tactile interactions and steady breathing rhythms soothed negative emotions. Through silent physical and mental engagement, they let go of weariness from studies and anxieties over cross-cultural adaptation. Accompanied by peers and surrounded by tender interactions, they gradually lowered their guards, learned to accept all emotions and embrace their true selves.
This immersive healing experience restored inner peace and strength, bridged gaps between students from diverse countries, and fostered closer cross-cultural emotional bonds.
Activity 2: Drum Circle Stress Relief— Unleash Emotions to Free Beats
The drum circle stress-relief activity is fun and inclusive. It requires no prior skills and sets no national boundaries, serving as a great way to relax the body and mind and enhance communication. At the start, teachers and students sat in a circle, got to know various percussion instruments such as hand drums, djembe and shakers, and freely explored different rhythms, quickly settling into a laid-back vibe.
During the session, participants began with tentative beats and gradually played freely to let out their feelings. Breaking down language and cultural barriers, they shifted from individual performance to harmonious ensemble. To the lively, varied rhythms, they cast aside fatigue and released pent-up stress and emotions.
The event was filled with warmth and joy. All international students engaged fully and felt the healing power of music. Many shared their thoughts afterward:
"Though we barely knew each other, we became a united team the moment we struck the drums together."
"Music transcends borders. The cheerful rhythms helped me unwind completely and experience sheer joy."
"It was a wonderful experience. Everyone here is a one-of-a-kind musician."
Activity 3: Breath Flow, Spine Flow — Connect with Your Body in Gentle Movement
Mind and body are interconnected. Tensed emotions often lead to physical stiffness. Centered on mindful breathing, this activity was accompanied by soft background music and gentle instructions. Following steady, gentle breaths, international students stretched and moved their spines and bodies in fluid motions, relieving physical fatigue and deep tension caused by long hours of study and research, and awakening the body’s self-healing ability and inner vitality.
Throughout the session, participants focused on the connection between breath and movement. As they inhaled and exhaled, they communicated with themselves and reconciled mind and body, easing anxiety and restlessness and regaining inner balance. The activity also let them feel the care and warmth from the college, enhancing their sense of happiness and belonging while studying in China.
This series of activities for the Mental Health Month adopts diverse and innovative forms with thoughtful and professional guidance, building a sound platform for international students to receive psychological counseling and communicate with one another. It effectively helps them relieve mental stress and adjust their physical and mental state.
Going forward, International College ill continue to advance mental health education and cross-cultural integration for international students. We will regularly organize activities related to mental health, cultural exchange and one-on-one assistance. A dedicated mental health space will be maintained to offer private and convenient channels for students in need to share their feelings. Targeted psychological and academic lectures will be launched for senior international students to address their academic pressure, helping them overcome difficulties and ease mental exhaustion.
By effectively resolving international students’ psychological troubles and adaptation challenges, we will fully safeguard their physical and mental health, academic progress and all-round development. We support every international student to pursue their dreams and thrive in China.
(Written by: Di Mengying
Edited by: Sun Shuqi
Preliminary Review: Di Mengying
Second Review: Zhang Xi
Final Review: Li Ziwei
Translators: Lu Ruijin, Mei Leyun)
