Name: Sherazi
Country of Origin: Iran
Program: MBA
Date: April 30, 2025
Duration: Approx. 40 minutes
Okay, thank you for taking the time. Before we start the interview, are you willing? Means are
you giving the interview of your own free will?
Participant:
Yes, No problem, I am absolutely fine, we can start.
Question 1: Tell me a little about yourself, like where are you from, what are you studying here?
Participant:
Yes… My name is Sherazi, I come from Iran, from Tehran. I am doing MBA here at the
University of Lahore, it is the second semester now. It is my first time coming to Pakistan, it was
a little difficult but now I have gotten used to it.
Question 2: Why did you decide to study in Pakistan?
Participant:
That is a good question. Actually… the situation in Iran had become a little difficult, and there
were not many options in studies. A friend of mine praised Lahore University, so I thought let’s
try it. The fees are a bit low here, and the culture is Islamic, so it felt like home.
Question 3: How has your experience of living here in Pakistan been so far?
Participant:
It felt a bit strange at first. The language was a bit different, I understand Urdu but I had a
problem speaking. But people are very helpful, and the food is a bit spicy, but it tastes good.
Slowly everything is getting better.
Question 4: Did you feel stressed or anxious here?
Participant:
Yes… quite a few times. Especially when you were new. There was no one to know, you didn’t
understand the classes, and you couldn’t sleep at night. You felt lonely.
Question 5: What do you think was the reason for this stress?
Participant:
Just… everything was new, loneliness, language difference, and the pressure of studying.
Sometimes I felt like going back to Iran. But now I have learned to handle it a little.
Question 6: How did the stress of studying affect your mental state?
Participant:
A lot. Sometimes I would stay up at night, the stress of assignments and presentations was
always on my mind. Once I didn’t understand anything in a group work, I was very embarrassed.
Question 7: Did you have any difficulty adjusting to the Pakistani education system?
Participant:
Yes… quite a lot. There are more presentations here, which wasn’t the case in Iran. The lectures
here are also fast-paced, so it was very confusing at first. It’s a little better now, but I still don’t
understand everything.
Question 8: What kind of support did you get here?
Participant:
There is a counseling center at the university, but I haven’t yet. I have two Pakistani friends, they
help a lot. And there is also an Iranian guy in the hostel, we cook together.
Question 9: Have you ever used mental health services here?
Participant:
No… Honestly, I’m shy. We don’t talk like that in Iran. I just think I’ll get better on my own.
Question 10: When you’re stressed, what do you do?
Participant:
I go for a walk… or listen to music, especially Persian sad songs, which calm the heart.
Sometimes I call my family, especially my mother.
Question 11: Did you learn any new coping methods after coming here?
Participant:
Yes, I started writing. Whatever’s on my mind, I write in a diary. And I also tried breathing
exercises, I watched them on YouTube.
Question 12: When a stressful situation comes up, what is your reaction?
Participant:
First, I panic. I become silent, I don’t talk to anyone. Then I think a little, sometimes I sit alone
in the room, and finally I become calm.
Question 13: Do you think you have become resilient?
Participant:
Yes… I used to get nervous about every little thing, now I have become a little stronger. Now
even if something bad happens, I just say, “Okay, next time it will be better.”
Question 14: What does “resilience” mean to you?
Participant:
In my opinion… it means that a person falls and gets up again. Even when difficult times come,
don’t give up.
Question 15: Is there any cultural or religious belief that affects your mental health?
Participant:
Yes, In Iran we always say “Khoda bozorg ast”—God is great. We believe in prayer. My mother
says, “Pray, everything will be fine.” Sometimes I do that too, it gives me peace of mind.
Question 16: How has this mental health journey changed you?
Participant:
I have become a little more mature. I used to be unable to control my emotions, but now I
understand that time heals everything. And I have learned that self-care is also important.
Question 17: What would you suggest about how the university can provide better support?
Participant:
I wish there was an orientation specifically for international students. And counseling was more
accessible, or peer support, where we could talk to students like us.
Question 18: Is there anything else you would like to say?
Participant:
Just that… if a new student comes from Iran, I want the environment to be a little easier for
them. It was difficult for me, but not for others. Thank you for listening to me.