Helping international students
Transcript of Helping international students
Helping International Students
Purpose: To aid college faculty in how to advise, assist, and support international students at our institution.
1. Explanation of the need to help this quickly growing population. a. Graphs & charts demonstrating growth.
2. Indicators of Retention:a. GPAb. The number of credit hours attempted (Heavier course load = better
odds) c. On-campus employment
3. Academic Advising = Importanta. Contacting adviseesb. Follow upc. Advising training
4. Knowing the Profile of International Studentsa. English conversational skills are not the same as their comprehensive
skills and may need extra assistance to be able to read, write, speak, and listen.
b. Do research. Know about the native culture. i. Books/internet/video
ii. Restaurantsiii. Holiday observanceiv. Intercultural communication
1. Eye contact2. Touching3. Personal distance
c. Culture shock in AND out of the classroom!i. Initial conversation surrounding classroom style
ii. Discuss methods, expectations, rules, etc. iii. Learn how to say their name. iv. Explain plagiarism
5. In the Classrooma. Explain rationale for various activities and see how students should
participate. Help students with various learning styles.b. Gradual need for participation
i. International students may not be used to class participation.ii. Ask questions with short answers
iii. Be welcoming and assure the class that their answers are appreciated.
c. Don’t embarrass international students! i. Be aware of stereotyping or microaggressions
ii. Don’t make them the spokesperson of their raced. Presentations
i. Speak clearlyii. Visuals/outline
iii. Transitional phrasese. Unfamiliar wording
i. Idiomsii. Cultural or historical references
6. Academic Accomodationsa. Testing – extra time.b. Papers – extra time.c. Writing center/tutord. Specific feedback vs. vague coments (ex. “re-write”)e. Assess text readabilityf. Ask other questions vs. “Do you understand?”g. Give extra attention in general
7. Knowing Your Resources8. Other Concerns:
a. Homesicknessb. Mental Stressc. Lack of Theories surrounding this population
References: Fischer, K. (2014, March 2). Helping Foreign Students Thrive on U.S. Campuses. New York
Times.
Loach, B. L. (2004). Helping International Students Succeed in University Programs. Cedarville University.