breaking the ice
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Breaking the Ice. Connecting with International Students Karen McCullough Asst. Director of International Student Services Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS. Breaking the Ice Connecting with International Students. Why is this important? - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Breaking the IceConnecting with International Students
Karen McCullough Asst. Director of International Student Services
Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS
Breaking the IceConnecting with International Students
Why is this important? How do international students feel when
they arrive to study on your campus? Challenges int’l students face studying in
the US Barriers to friendship Let’s get started!
Why is this important? More international students are
studying in the US The world is getting smaller You may study abroad during
your time at college Your future workplace will be
diverse You can travel the world
without leaving your campus
How do international students feel when they arrive on-campus? Experiences will be different for each international student
Factors affecting experience include: What country the student is from How many other int’l students are on your campus What countries other int’l students on your campus are from Int’l student previous US study experience
Common emotions int’l students experience include: Culture shock Excitement to meet others and explore new surroundings (honeymoon phase) Confusion, frustration & dissatisfaction
Homesickness, language difficulties, cultural differences
Challenges int’l students face studying in the US
Language differences Time differences
Time zone difference, cultural differences Cultural differences
Housing & food, transportation, shopping, independence
Differences in Education System Group work, critical thinking, class discussions,
challenging professors, talking in class, academic integrity
Finances
Barriers to Friendship
Language difficulties Not a clear understanding of countries/cultures from international or
American students Many Americans get knowledge of other countries through Hollywood,
mainstream media; stereotypes To int’l students, Americans appear unfriendly, independent, already have
established groups of friends Not being open minded Not getting involved
What do college students have to say?
2012 – Chronicle of Higher Education 2012 survey of over 450 int’l students 38% of int’l students said they had no
strong American friendships 27% had three or more close US
friends 18% reported two close American
friends 17% reported one American friend
Fort Hays State University Students Brian & Crystal
Michigan State UniversityA conversation with Chinese & American studentshttp://oiss.isp.msu.edu/multimedia/
What We Can Do!Create Relationships! Welcome new int’l students to campus
Help with int’l student orientation Meet & greet students, orientation leaders Student groups can sponsor events or
dinner for int’l students Take students for tour of campus or city
Make Residence Halls welcoming Translations for signs/important info. Explain US customs or provide guides on
using restrooms, laundry rooms, water fountains, dining facilities, trash chutes, etc.
Welcome students with a smile – be friendly! Let int’l students know it’s ok if their English is not perfect Slow down when speaking – avoid slang words! Try not to raise your voice or talk too fast Use hand gestures or a translator if needed Programming – Buddy Programs, Friendship Family Program,
Conversation Tables, Student Ambassador Programs, Cultural Food Nights, Game Nights
Intramural/Pick-Up games: Soccer, Basketball, Badminton, Ping Pong
What We Can Do!Create Relationships!
Let’s Break Some Ice!
Introduce Yourself – Go around the circle and tell us your name, what school and country you are from.
Where Were You? – On January 1, 2014Go around the circle, having everyone tell where he or she was at that time, and what they were doing.
Let’s Break Some Ice!Lollipops -- For every letter that appears in the color of your lollipop,each participant has to share something about him/herself with the group.(E.g. “RED: I come from Russia, I like Eggplant, and I DANCE a lot.”)
BROWN – 5 Letters = 5 items to share with your groupBLUE – 4 Letters = 4 items to share with your groupGREEN – 5 Letters = 5 items to share with your groupORANGE – 6 Letters = 6 items to share with your groupPURPLE – 6 Letters = 6 items to share with your groupRED – 3 Letters = 3 items to share with your group
Questions?