Support and guidance for international students at PBS
Studying abroad is an exciting adventure as well as a major life transition. For many of you this is the first time away from home. While you may be looking forward to all the opportunities that come with living in a foreign country, you may also feel apprehensive about the many unknowns.
Everything is new
Before you left your country, you may have wished to be more independent from your family. Now perhaps you find yourself left alone too much. You may encounter too many choices, too much freedom, too little direction and guidance. German values, traditions and habits may seem confusing. You may wonder how you will make friends and how to communicate with others; or you may feel uncertain about how to spend your free time especially on weekends.
Family and friends
Your parents, siblings and friends are not here. You might worry about your family at home and fear that you might become a disappointment to them.
When living at home you may have many helpful ways to deal with difficult situations, but these may not be available to you now. As a result you may feel that you are all alone with your problems and that there is no one to talk to. We would like to let you know that you can come to the Counselling Centre anytime to talk with one of the counsellors. No problem is too big or too small.
When a person talks to a counsellor (psychologist) in other countries, it may mean that a person has a ”big” mental problem. It does not mean the same thing in Germany.
Here, it is quite common that a person consults with a counsellor or psychologist. Most people actually believe it is a good thing and that to discuss personal matters with a counsellor demonstrates strength and courage rather than weakness. It is a way to take care of oneself and to prevent physical and mental health problems.
Counselling is confidential and free to students. Counselling languages are German and English.
Get in touch:
- Walk-in hours
- mon 8.30 - 10.30 a.m.
- thur 3 - 5 p.m.
- Office: room no. A12 3-310
- phone +49-(0)441-798-4400
- e-mail:
Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein.