Job losses and loneliness have been some of the main challenges for international students during the pandemic.
''It has been a very difficult time for international students especially for those who arrived in Australia during the beginning of 2020'', says Sakshi Patankar, who arrived in February to undertake a post-graduate degree in Wildlife Health and Conservation at Murdoch University in Perth.
Learning moved to online due to Covid-19 restrictions and students didn't get the opportunity to see their professors face-to-face, she added.
"Spending most of the time inside the house has not been easy and we cannot share all problems with friends and family," Sakshi added. 
Yoga training during the health camp Source: Supplied
Sakshi was among many international students who attended the health camp intended to provide support for international students.
"Yoga training and support from psychiatrists for relieving stress was helpful," says Sakshi.
The camp aimed at giving students awareness about mental health issues and to provide ways to manage their problems; it was organised at the Indian Consulate in Perth by the Hindu Council of Australia along with other associated organisations.
'Holistic approach for the challenges students are facing'
"The sessions led by psychiatrists, yoga trainers and Ayurveda expert provided a holistic management approach for the challenges students are facing," said Dr Sadhana Bose, WA State COVID 19 Co-Ordinator of the Hindu Council of Australia.
Loneliness, uncertainty about courses and job losses during these challenging times are some of the most troubling aspects for international students, says Dr Mathew Samuel who is one of the psychiatrists providing support in the camp.
"The uncertainty about when one could travel back to the homeland and also daily news about the increasing number of coronavirus cases in India and other countries added to the worries of most students," he added.
"Many students find it hard to come forward to seek help for mental health issues, but how the camp is organised made it easy for students to address their problems," says Dr Sadhana.
For some students, yoga was a new experience.
Mental health experts and Yoga trainers provided support for students Source: Supplied
The camp, conducted at the Indian consulate turned out to be a very useful event for many students who are feeling stranded in these circumstances, says Ms Dantu Charandasi, the Consul General of India (Perth).
The free health camp, which requires pre-registration, allowed students to interact with mental health experts, an Ayurveda expert and also to be introduced to various yoga activities such as pranayama and suryanamaskar while still maintaining social distancing measures. All students also had access to confidential one to one clinical consultation with a male or female psychiatrist.
The coordinators of the health camp believe that there is more support needed for international students, especially in current circumstances.
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