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 Cultural or historical references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.