Peer Support Groups

We are a peer group program that is completely free of charge to students. We particularly focus on students with immigrant, undocumented, or minority backgrounds.

Help us refer a student (their names and emails needed). We will reach out to them within a week!

What is it?

The Nunchi Fellowship is a peer support group program, evidence-based, free-of-charge, and focused on mental healing for immigrant-background and international students. Nunchi believes in the value of connection and shared experiences to enhance treatment and help individuals feel less alone. Guided by our trained facilitators, group members will come together, listen to each other, and craft leadership strategies to overcome both personal and professional challenges. We make it clear to participants that we are not a clinical service but can be a complement to existing services. 

Format

Our program runs for 7 weeks based on the school semester system. Every weekday evening, peer groups will meet online for a 2-hour workshop. Each group has 6-8 peers of similar age, but in most cases, different schools. Our curriculum is designed for persons from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds who wish to find solidarity in their mental health journey. All content discussed in groups will be treated with strict confidentiality. All content discussed in groups will be treated with strict confidentiality.

  • We accept applications from students who are:

    • Currently enrolled in a high school, college, or graduate program,

    • Of immigrant background or heritage (this would include overseas/international students, first- or second-generation Americans, and DACA students), and

    • Not currently receiving treatment in an inpatient hospital service, a partial hospitalization program, and/or intensive outpatient program.

  • Our goal is for students to better understand their mental health journeys and the power in their stories at the end of our semester-long program. Our participants have consistently found a community of support through this program. Many have come back to become trained facilitators or mental health advocates/professionals in their communities.

  • "This Fellowship is great for a student that may currently be seeking mental health services but is not sure where to start or does not have the financial resources to do so."

    — Spring 2023 Fellowship Participant

  • "I would recommend this Fellowship to anyone who identifies as first generation, BIPOC, women, non-binary, LGBTQ+."

    — Summer 2023 Fellowship Participant

  • "This is better than any school counseling."

    — Spring 2023 Fellowship Participant

Results from Our Previous Cohorts

Participant Rating (NPS)

On a scale of 0-10, how likely are you to recommend the Nunchi Fellowship to a friend or colleague?

9.8 (highly recommended)

Nunchi Target Areas

What do you feel like the Nunchi Fellowship has helped you improve and/or better understand?

Self-Rated Overall Mental Health

Anxiety and Depression (PHQ-4)

Psychological Distress (KESSLER)