The Cultural Adjustment of the Spouse. The newly arrived spouse of a student has some particular adjustment needs in addition to those experienced by the student, especially a feeling of isolation. Many times, spouses are in a situation without close family members for the first time in their lives, and may feel that there is no one to talk to or to listen. Spouses who come with graduate students who have assistantships may feel neglected, due to the many demands and pressures on the student. Unfortunately, every year spouses return home early in the student's program of study because they do not feel comfortable in the United States.
Special attention needs to be placed on the adjustment needs of dependents who accompany students.
Be aware of the inevitable pressures and anxieties. Spouse Abuse . An issue which unfortunately comes up with a few students each year is spouse abuse. Regardless of different cultural views of the relationship between a husband and wife, recognize that if you hit or otherwise physically or emotionally harm your wife or husband you face severe penalties. If there is tension in your relationship that you feel may cause you to do things that are abusive, seek help.