An Afternoon For International Students

Sip and Celebrate: International Day at Connections

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

What to Expect

Navigating college life while carrying your own cultural background and identity comes with unique experiences and expectations – and sometimes, it just helps to be around people who get it. Whether you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stressed, or simply anticipating the new school year, this gathering offers a warm, welcoming space to connect, de-stress, and be understood. Facilitated by trained mental health professionals, we’ll create a relaxed environment to connect over open conversation, fun activities and food, and shared resources.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Matcha-making activity
Study snacks to take home with you
New book giveaways centered on multicultural narratives
Guidance on managing anxiety and pressures, and accessing support in the upcoming school year
An opportunity to meet our team and explore the Connections Health space

This group is open to all students who are looking for a community of support. Even if you cannot make the event, please feel free to stop by for a study snack!

If you or someone you know could benefit from this afternoon of care and connection, we encourage you to sign up and share the invitation with others.

About The Facilitators

Yuzhen Lin, LPC, provides individual, family, and group therapy for individuals navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, and academic, work, and interpersonal challenges. Her thoughtful, culturally responsive, and pragmatic approach provides support for the stressors of balancing multiple identities and expectations. She has a special focus on working with LGBTQ+, BIPOC, immigrant, and international student communities. Yuzhen brings her own experience of living and working in the U.S. and China as a former international student at Northwestern University.

Joyce Zhao, LCSW, works with individuals, couples, families, and groups across diverse age groups and socio-cultural backgrounds from a growth-oriented and strength-based perspective. Her areas of focus include anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, life transitions, relationship issues, intergenerational challenges, and chronic illness coping. Joyce has a special interest in supporting clients to navigate the impacts of multi-cultural influences and transitions in their identity formation, as she brings in her own experience of living, attending school, and working in the U.S., China and Japan.