UMass Boston is home to a vibrant community of students from all walks of life, representing diverse cultures, experiences and perspectives. Among them are students from war-torn regions, where conflict and instability have shaped their everyday realities. For these students, attending university is an academic journey and a deeply personal challenge as they navigate the complex and emotional terrain of living between two worlds.

As someone born and raised in Lebanon, a country that has seen more than its share of conflict, I understand this experience intimately. While I have built a life and career in the U.S., my connection to my homeland remains strong. I often find myself living in two realities: one in the stability of Boston, and the other tethered to the ongoing struggles in Lebanon.

For students from countries like Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen and Sudan, this duality presents immense challenges, both emotionally and academically. Imagine trying to focus on your studies, exams, or extracurricular activities while worrying about your family’s safety back home. Imagine navigating the complexities of university life while constantly checking the news for updates on bombings, conflicts, or political crises in your homeland. For many immigrant students at UMass Boston, this is not a hypothetical scenario — it is their daily reality.

Living between two worlds means that, while these students may be physically present in Boston, their hearts and minds are often elsewhere, burdened by the fear, anxiety and guilt of being far from loved ones who are still living in danger. The pressure to succeed academically, build a future and integrate into a new culture is compounded by the emotional burden of knowing that the situation in their homeland may not improve anytime soon.

So, how can UMass Boston as a community — students, faculty and leadership — better support immigrant students from war-torn countries as they navigate these dual realities?

First and foremost, we need to cultivate empathy and understanding. It is easy to see students excelling in class or participating in campus activities and assume they are fully integrated into their new life. However, many immigrant students are quietly carrying the heavy emotional weight of ongoing conflicts in their homelands. Recognizing that their struggles are not just academic, but deeply personal, is a crucial first step. Colleagues, faculty and university staff can offer support by simply being mindful of these challenges and offering a compassionate ear.

Faculty and staff can consider providing flexibility where possible. Deadlines, assignments, and exams are part of academic life. Still, being accommodating can make all the difference for students who are dealing with the mental and emotional toll of crises back home. Offering extensions, alternative assignments, or the ability to take time off when needed can alleviate some of the pressure these students face. Being understanding when their productivity fluctuates due to ongoing concerns about their families or communities is a simple but impactful way to support them.

UMass Boston can also expand access to mental health services that are specifically designed to address the unique needs of immigrant students. Many students from war-torn regions are dealing with trauma, anxiety and depression that stem from their experiences of conflict, displacement and separation from loved ones.

While mental health services are available on campus, there is a need for culturally sensitive care that considers the specific experiences of these students. Offering counseling in multiple languages, creating support groups for immigrant students, and promoting mental health resources in a way that reduces stigma are avenues the university can take to ensure these students have the support they need.

Practical support is also vital. Many immigrant students are balancing their studies and the financial strain of supporting family members back home. Financial aid, scholarships, and work-study opportunities can help ease this burden. Additionally, offering guidance on how to navigate immigration processes, financial aid systems, and career planning for international students can make a world of difference for those who may be unfamiliar with the U.S. education system.

Another way UMass Boston can support these students is by fostering a sense of community and belonging. Many immigrant students feel isolated or disconnected, not only from their peers but also from campus itself. Creating spaces where these students can share their realities, connect with others who understand their challenges, and feel a sense of solidarity is crucial.

Finally, UMass Boston’s leadership can continue proactively supporting these students by advocating for policies and initiatives that protect and uplift immigrant communities. This includes advocating for international student rights, supporting DACA recipients, and ensuring that the university remains a welcoming and inclusive space for all students, regardless of their background.

At UMass Boston, we pride ourselves on being a diverse and inclusive community. But for that inclusion to be meaningful, we must recognize the unique challenges faced by immigrant students from war-torn countries. These students are not just navigating the typical pressures of university life — they are grappling with the emotional, mental, and financial toll of living between two worlds.

By offering empathy, flexibility, mental health support, financial assistance and a strong sense of community, we can help these students succeed academically and thrive personally. As we continue to build a campus culture that values diversity and inclusion, let us ensure that we do everything we can to support those who come to us from conflict regions. These students bring incredible resilience, strength and perspective to our campus, and it is our responsibility to ensure that they have the resources, understanding and care that they need to flourish.

Together, we can make UMass Boston a place where immigrant students feel supported, empowered, and truly at home, no matter their background.