Ibrahim Gardner
International students face a unique set of challenges when studying abroad, and colleges have a responsibility to help them cope with these difficulties. The transition to a new country can be stressful, and students may struggle with language barriers, cultural differences, academic pressures, financial concerns, and mental health issues. Colleges can assist international students in various ways, such as providing specialized orientations, peer mentorship programs, English language courses, cross-cultural activities, financial aid, mental health resources, and inclusive curriculum offerings. These initiatives aim to help international students feel welcomed, supported, and integrated into the campus community, ultimately enhancing their overall success and well-being during their time abroad.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Specialized orientation | 73% of students say it's helpful |
| Welcome and social events | 63% of students say it's helpful |
| Additional cultural and cross-cultural activities | 45% of international students want this |
| Peer guidance | N/A |
| English language courses | N/A |
| Host families | N/A |
| Financial aid | 68% of students cite it as important |
| Career preparation | 42% of students want support |
| Confronting assumptions about other cultures | N/A |
| Safe spaces to discuss concerns and experiences of discrimination | N/A |
| Mental health services | N/A |
| Access to college resources | N/A |
| Global understanding, competence, skills, and mindsets | N/A |
| Cross-disciplinary teaching approaches | N/A |
| Digital citizenship | N/A |
| Global communications | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
Financial aid
International students are typically ineligible for federal financial aid in the US and are required to pay out of pocket. However, there are still ways for them to receive financial aid and reduce the total cost of attendance.
Firstly, international students may qualify for merit or need-based aid. States often offer need-based scholarships and grants, tuition waivers, and, in some cases, state aid to DACA recipients and other undocumented students. Additionally, some public and private universities offer financial incentives for students to attend their institution. Most institutional aid available to international students is reserved for graduate studies in the form of assistantships and fellowships. However, undergraduate international students can pursue on-campus employment after their first year of study.
International students can also take out private loans, although financial aid experts advise against taking on too much debt. Instead, it may be better to study in a country with lower tuition rates. To apply for financial aid, international students may need to fill out the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) or the CSS Profile, depending on the university.
There are also scholarships specifically for international students. For example, the Wells Scholars Program offers full-time merit-based scholarships to students with an outstanding record of accomplishment. The Lincoln Scholars Program at Centre College offers full-ride scholarships to 10 students each year, with the opportunity for individual mentoring and career-building experiences. The Watson Institute offers three-year bachelor's degrees or four-year degree programs with a project incubator for social entrepreneurs. St. Lawrence University offers two full scholarships to qualifying Kenyan students annually, covering tuition, fees, room, and board. Yale Young African Scholars provides full scholarships for citizens and permanent residents of Africa's 54 countries to study at Wesleyan.
To avoid dishonest scholarship offers, do not send money or financial information to any organization promising a scholarship in return. Consult the admissions office or international student office at your university to verify scholarship sources. The U.S. Department of Education also offers tips and resources to protect students from such organizations.
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Social support
Colleges can also encourage international students to connect with each other and create spaces for them to do so. Sharing experiences and working through issues with other international students can be beneficial and provide a sense of community. Additionally, colleges can create "Friendship Families" or host family programs to support international students and help guide them through their time on campus. These families can be matched based on countries of origin or serve as informal mentors to international students.
Furthermore, colleges should advocate for safe spaces on campus where international students can freely discuss their concerns, experiences of discrimination, and cultural differences. They can also promote cultural and cross-cultural activities to help international students integrate and encourage them to participate in student activities to foster a sense of belonging.
Colleges can also assist international students in adjusting to college life by offering English language courses and using technology like YouTube and TED Talks to introduce and discuss cultural and social issues, as well as ethical concerns that may be unfamiliar to international students. Additionally, colleges can provide specialized orientation programs and welcome events to help international students feel more at home and address any logistical needs.
It is important for colleges to recognize the unique challenges international students face, such as high living expenses, cultural shock, and language barriers, and to offer comprehensive support to help them thrive in their new environment.
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Academic support
International students face a unique set of challenges when it comes to academics. They must navigate language barriers, adapt to new educational systems and standards, and cope with cultural differences that can impact their learning experience. Here are some ways colleges can provide academic support to help international students thrive:
Language Support:
- Offering English language courses: Colleges can assist international students in improving their English language skills by providing dedicated language courses. This can help students overcome language barriers and better express themselves in academic and social settings.
- Encouraging conversation groups: International students often need support in adapting to the pace and slang of English as spoken in their host country. Colleges can facilitate conversation groups or clubs where students can practice speaking English in a casual setting, improving their fluency and familiarity with colloquialisms.
Academic System Navigation:
- Writing and learning centers: Institutions should provide resources to help international students navigate the academic system. Writing centers can offer guidance on research methods and academic writing styles, which may differ significantly from their home countries. Learning centers can assist with understanding course material and provide study strategies.
- Mentorship programs: Formal mentorship programs can pair international students with faculty or peers who can guide them through the academic system. Mentors can offer advice on course selection, explain academic policies and procedures, and provide valuable insights into academic culture.
Cultural Sensitivity:
- Cross-cultural understanding: Colleges should promote cross-cultural understanding and sensitivity among both students and staff. This includes recognizing that international students may have different norms and expectations, especially regarding classroom interactions and relationships with authority figures. Encouraging an open dialogue about cultural differences can create a more inclusive environment.
- Specialized orientation: A specialized orientation program can help international students transition to the academic and cultural environment of their host country. This can include logistical support, social events, and information sessions about available resources and support services.
Academic Pressure Management:
- Mental health support: International students may face unique mental health challenges due to cultural differences, homesickness, and academic pressure. Colleges should ensure that mental health services are accessible and encourage their utilization. This can include counseling services, meditation or prayer rooms, and community activities that promote well-being.
- Self-evaluation and lesson planning: Colleges can utilize self-evaluation techniques to identify areas where international students may be struggling. This information can then be used to improve lesson planning and design, helping students cope with academic pressure and ultimately improving their performance.
By implementing these academic support strategies, colleges can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for international students, enabling them to succeed academically and have a positive overall experience.
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Mental health services
Mental health is a significant issue for college students, with many experiencing stress, anxiety, and substance use challenges, which can negatively affect their academic performance and retention. International students, in particular, face barriers in accessing resources and are less likely than domestic students to address mental health problems or be aware of available services. They also have to navigate additional challenges, such as adjusting to a new academic system, culture shock, language barriers, prejudice, and the absence of their usual support network.
Colleges can play a crucial role in helping international students cope with these challenges and promoting their mental well-being. This can be achieved through various measures, such as providing inclusive mental health support services tailored to the unique needs of international students. For example, some colleges offer website pages specifically for international students, providing information about the mental health support services available on campus. These services can include mindfulness resources, health pages, and other wellness-focused initiatives.
Faculty involvement is also vital in providing effective mental health support to international students. This involves training and supervising faculty members to ensure they are equipped to support international students' mental health needs. By creating a culture of support and empathy, colleges can encourage students to seek help without fear of stigma.
Additionally, colleges can conduct surveys, hold focus groups, listening sessions, and forums to understand better and address the mental health concerns of international students. These initiatives can target specific student populations, ensuring that the services provided meet the diverse needs of international students, who may face unique challenges due to cultural, linguistic, or other differences.
Colleges can also promote mental well-being by encouraging students to spend time in nature or around city greenery, as this can positively impact their mental health. Furthermore, with the COVID-19 pandemic bringing mental health into sharp focus, colleges have an opportune time to prioritize mental health and implement targeted interventions to support international students through their social and academic experiences.
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Cultural and cross-cultural activities
Culture shock is a common experience for international students studying in a new country. It can be challenging, but with the right support, cultural education, and a positive mindset, international students can overcome it and thrive in their new environment. Colleges can help international students cope with culture shock by organizing cultural and cross-cultural activities that facilitate interaction between students from different backgrounds. Here are some ways to do this:
Organizing cultural events and festivals: Colleges can organize cultural events and festivals that celebrate the diverse cultures and traditions represented on campus. These events can include cultural performances, food festivals, art exhibitions, and movie screenings that showcase the unique aspects of different cultures. International students can participate in these events by sharing their cultural traditions, performing traditional dances or music, or preparing and serving traditional dishes. These activities will help international students feel valued and appreciated for their cultural heritage.
Facilitating cultural exchange programs: Colleges can facilitate cultural exchange programs where domestic students are paired with international students. These programs can involve cultural mentoring, where domestic students help international students navigate cultural differences and provide them with social and emotional support. In return, international students can share their cultural knowledge and experiences, fostering a mutual learning environment. These programs can include regular meetings, social activities, and cultural outings organized by the college to ensure a meaningful exchange between participants.
Encouraging cross-cultural dialogue and discussions: Colleges can create safe and inclusive spaces for cross-cultural dialogue and discussions. This can take the form of weekly or monthly cultural cafes, where students from different backgrounds come together to share their experiences, challenges, and insights about their respective cultures. These conversations can be facilitated by cultural mentors or student leaders who ensure a respectful and open environment. Colleges can also invite guest speakers, cultural experts, or alumni who have studied abroad to lead these discussions and share their experiences in navigating cultural differences.
Providing cultural sensitivity training: Colleges can offer cultural sensitivity training to all students to promote cultural awareness and understanding. These training sessions can cover topics such as cultural humility, unconscious biases, and cross-cultural communication. By enhancing students' cultural knowledge and sensitivity, they will be better equipped to interact with their peers from different backgrounds and support each other during their cultural transition. Cultural sensitivity training can be integrated into orientation programs or offered as standalone workshops throughout the academic year.
Offering cultural field trips and excursions: Colleges can organize cultural field trips and excursions to help international students explore their host country and gain a deeper understanding of the local culture. These trips can include visits to museums, historical sites, cultural landmarks, and traditional festivals or events. By providing structured opportunities for cultural immersion, international students can gain first-hand experiences and create meaningful connections with their host culture. These excursions can be led by faculty members or cultural ambassadors who can provide context and facilitate reflections on these cultural experiences.
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Frequently asked questions
Colleges can help international students deal with culture shock by creating a welcoming environment that celebrates diversity. They can also provide specialized orientation and social events to help students feel at home and settle in.
Colleges can ensure international students have access to mental health services and encourage them to seek support. They can also provide free remote mental health services and link students with local hosts or peer mentors.
Colleges can provide financial aid packages that take into account the unique needs and expenses of international students. They can also offer low-cost housing at subsidized rates and free meals and healthcare.
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