International Student Wellbeing
The Office of Global Engagement offers a dedicated counselling and academic support service exclusively for international students. This service promotes holistic well-being, facilitates cultural adjustment, and supports successful academic and personal integration into campus life at IIT Madras. Recognizing the complex academic, cultural, and psychosocial transitions experienced by students from diverse international contexts, OGE provides structured, confidential, and culturally responsive support aimed at strengthening resilience, self-efficacy, and overall student success.
Academic Support Framework
In addition to counselling services, OGE ensures structured academic engagement throughout the academic year. International students benefit from a comprehensive support framework that includes:
Regular Academic Communication and Strategic Guidance
Ongoing engagement to help students remain aligned with institutional expectations, academic regulations, and programme requirements.
Individualized Academic and Personal Consultation
One-on-one consultations focusing on:
Academic progression and performance monitoring
Course planning and informed academic decision-making
Personal development and skill enhancement
Long-term academic and professional goal setting
Confidential One-on-One Counselling
Students may schedule individual appointments to discuss academic, emotional, cultural, or interpersonal concerns in a safe and supportive environment.
All counselling interactions are conducted in a confidential, respectful, and culturally sensitive manner, in alignment with professional ethical standards.
Structured Engagement Throughout the Academic Year
To ensure continuity of support and academic preparedness, OGE organizes regular interactive sessions, including:
Semester Orientation Sessions
Overview of the academic calendar, coursework expectations, and institutional processes.
Mid-Semester Check-ins
Academic progress review and wellness-focused discussions.
End-Semester Preparation Guidance
Academic planning, stress management, and examination readiness support.
Break Period Consultations
Strategic planning and preparation for the upcoming semester.
These structured touchpoints promote proactive and developmental support rather than reactive intervention.
Accessing the Service
International students may book individual appointments for personalized counselling or academic consultation sessions.
Appointments can be scheduled by sending a request via email to the address provided below. Upon receiving the request, the International Student Counsellor will respond with available time slots and further details regarding the session process.
All appointments are conducted in a confidential and professional manner.
Counselling Process for International Students
Contact
Students can reach out directly to the counsellor through the provided email to request counselling support or ask questions.
Assessment
An initial assessment is conducted to understand the student’s concerns, background, and support needs.
Goal Setting
Clear and achievable counselling goals are collaboratively established with the student.
Therapy Sessions
Regular counselling sessions provide a safe and supportive space to explore challenges and develop coping strategies.
Progress Review
Progress is periodically reviewed to evaluate improvements and adjust goals or interventions if needed.
Follow-up
Follow-up support ensures continued well-being and helps maintain the progress achieved in counselling.
"Studying abroad is more than crossing borders—it is a journey of courage, growth, and self-discovery."
Contact Person
Ms. Karlin Keziah
Designation: International Student Counsellor
Email: keziah@ge.iitm.ac.in / thukaram@ge.iitm.ac.in