<p>Thanks for the insights, RacinReaver. My condolences to you and the Cal Tech community on the loss of your fellow students. </p>
<p>I wonder if Cal Tech will address the fact that two of the students were internationals. When Cornell’s Asian-American task force released its report in 2004, it talked about how students from Asia often felt under great pressure to succeed, not only because of parents, but because many were on government scholarships that were conditional on “stringent academic performance standards.” They had a great fear of failure, and when they ran into difficulties–whether with advisers, coursework, or social problems–they often felt trapped because they felt they had fewer options to turn to for help. </p>
<p>While there’s a stereotype that Asian internationals are strong students, some struggle academically because of problems with English. Furthermore, the report said many internationals felt homesick, isolated or discriminated against. If they spent long hours in the lab or library, they didn’t have a lot of time to make friends and adjust to the U.S. </p>
<p>Interestingly, Cornell found that many students of Asian descent were reluctant to seek counseling and didn’t follow through on suggestions to go because of the stigma. Instead, professors or staff were helping them with their problems. Not sure that solves everything, but maybe that felt more culturally acceptable?</p>