Supporting the international student in the US: Triumphs, challenges, and possible solutions Ragea AlQahtani, Reem AlRusaiyas, Maha AlSuliman, Rehab AlZayer, Supattra Andrade, Catherine Ayantoye, Feng Chen Lin, Lewis Jackson, Rashida Banerjee

For more information contact:Rashida Banerjee at rashida.banerjee@unco.edu

Orientation to the

new education system in

the US

Lack of: *faculty and

peer interactions

*clear understanding of goals, expectations *information on available university resources

and services

*Increase social networks

to build relationships

with peers and professors*Articulate

clear goals and expectations

* Provide information of resources via

graduate handbooks,

guided tours of the university

Online courses/

programs using

computer mediated tools for learning

*Challenges with English

language combined with learning new technology;

*Lack of understanding

of cultural contexts in learning/

teaching may lead to

depression and drop-out

*Provide intense practice in

reading and writing academic

content *More time to

complete assignments and readings

*Be sensitive to cultural

differences when developing

content and designing

course

Professional tutoring , especially in English

*Difficulty in comprehendi

ng class lectures due to language barrier and

accent difficulties

*Difficulty in understandin

g assignments

leading to poor

performance*Students

review the text before class*Take active notes while

listening*Take

instruction in listening and note taking strategies

*Take advantage of

available university resources

Culture shock

*Negative stereotypes

amongst peers and

faculty members

often created due

to media portrayals and lack of information

*Home sickness

*Activities and

programs that promote cross cultural interactions

*The university

International student

offices play a big role*Active student groups

Commun-ication

challenges

*Non-native English

speakers face communication challenges

that may impede cross-

cultural communicatio

n and meaningful

social engagement

*Provide and use

resources that enhance communicati

on e.g. Writing

Centers to improve

writing skills, platform for

cross cultural

dialogues

Social interactio

n

*Socially appropriate interaction in the US –both for the

student and other

who interact with the student

*Incorporate strategies to

reduce stereotypes &

develop positive problem solving; *seek out

similarity rather than

differences amongst cultures; *separate

political views and individuals

Significant US laws

and policies

for participation in the society*Most laws and policies are new for international

students; e.g.

residence contracts, obtaining driver's license,

credit card, cell phone

etc.

*Provide orientation

to the social

policies and procedures related to

living in the US

*Active student groups

US immigration laws

*Policies of Departmen

t of Homeland Security related

visa and status; taking

courses online

*A clear understanding of

enrollment policies; *advocati

ng for change in

he policies

University policies

Unknown

university

policies; e.g.

plagiarismClear

understanding of the university

polices and procedures

at the orientation; particularly related to

understanding

plagiarism

Academic Social Policy

TO

PIC

SIS

SU

ES

SO

LU

TIO

NS