Lana Oconnell
International students bring cultural, political, and historical perspectives that enrich campus communities. However, cultural differences and language barriers can make interactions challenging. To enhance the international student experience, it is important to foster a diverse and inclusive environment, where students feel welcomed and engaged. This involves being mindful of communication styles and providing support for academic and cultural integration. By creating a supportive campus community, we can ensure that international students not only succeed academically but also gain meaningful cross-cultural experiences and skills that will benefit them beyond their time in the United States.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Communication barriers | Avoid using acronyms, abbreviations, jargon, colloquialisms, idioms, and verb phrases |
| Avoid filler words and speak clearly and slowly | |
| Be patient and repeat yourself if necessary | |
| Ask open-ended questions | |
| Check for understanding by asking the student to explain in their own words | |
| Learn to say students' names correctly | |
| Cultural differences | Be mindful of potential cultural differences and indicators, such as frustration or taking offense |
| Help students understand U.S. customs and how things are done, but do not pressure them to change their behavior or viewpoints unless necessary | |
| Expose students to diversity and create an inclusive campus community | |
| Work experience | Offer employers engagement options such as internships or consulting assignments |
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What You'll Learn
Understanding cultural differences and expectations
To navigate these challenges, advisors should develop an advising syllabus, outlining the roles and expectations of both parties. This is particularly important as academic advising systems vary across countries. For example, students from India may be unfamiliar with the concept of academic advising, as they typically follow a preset curriculum without the involvement of an advisor. By explaining the advising process and your role as an advisor, you can set clear expectations and help international students understand the support available to them.
When communicating with international students, be mindful of your language and speaking style. Avoid using acronyms, abbreviations, jargon, colloquialisms, and idioms that may be unique to US culture and confusing for international students. Instead, use clear and concise language, and speak at a comfortable volume and pace. Ensure that the student can see your mouth when you speak, as this can help them understand you better. Additionally, avoid verb phrases and filler words or phrases like "um", "like", or "you know", as these can be challenging for non-native speakers to interpret.
Encourage open communication and actively check for understanding. After explaining a concept or procedure, ask the student to explain it back in their own words, rather than simply asking if they understood. This approach helps to verify their comprehension and provides an opportunity for clarification if needed. Be patient and prepared to repeat yourself or provide additional explanations using different wording. Remember that cultural differences may influence communication styles, so be mindful of non-verbal cues and adjust your approach if necessary.
By embracing cultural differences and providing clear and supportive communication, you can effectively interact with international students and foster a positive and inclusive learning environment.
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Navigating language barriers
When interacting with international students, it is important to be mindful of language barriers and cultural differences that may exist. Here are some strategies to navigate these challenges effectively:
- Speak Clearly and Enunciate: Be mindful of your volume and articulation. Speak at a comfortable pace, clearly enunciating your words. Avoid raising your voice unconsciously, as it may not aid understanding. Ensure your mouth is visible to help with lip-reading.
- Limit Acronyms and Jargon: Refrain from using acronyms, abbreviations, jargon, colloquialisms, and idioms. Terms like "ASAP" or "home run" may be commonplace in your culture but could be unfamiliar to international students.
- Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage students to elaborate and practice their English by asking open-ended questions. For instance, if a student says, "I didn't do my homework," you can explore the reasons behind it by asking, "What challenges did you face with the homework?"
- Check for Understanding: After explaining a concept or procedure, don't just ask if they understood. Instead, invite them to explain it back to you in their own words. This ensures they truly comprehended the information and didn't simply provide a polite "Yes" out of courtesy.
- Avoid Verb Phrases and Filler Words: Verb phrases like "look out for" or "look up to" can be confusing for non-native speakers. Similarly, avoid filler words like "um," "so," or "you know," as they serve no conversational purpose and can complicate the translation process.
- Repeat Verbatim: When asked to repeat something, refrain from simplifying or paraphrasing. Repeat the exact phrase or explanation to ensure no change in meaning.
- Be Patient and Provide Support: Understand that language learning takes time, and be prepared to repeat yourself. Assist students in understanding cultural nuances and customs without forcing them to change their own behaviors or viewpoints unless necessary for academic or social harmony.
- Learn Names and Pronunciation: Make an effort to learn the correct pronunciation of students' names. This simple act of respect can foster a more inclusive environment and help students feel valued.
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Creating inclusive campus communities
Orientation and Ongoing Support:
International student orientation programmes are crucial in helping new students adjust to the university and their new country. These programmes should go beyond a single day and include academic, social, cultural, and well-being elements. Utilise tools like Zoom meetings, social media videos, and in-person sessions to deliver welcome messages, introduce campus resources, and provide insights into the host country's culture and language.
Information and Connection:
Provide detailed and specialised information in advance of their arrival, using various formats like brochures, webpages, apps, and podcasts in multiple languages. Connect incoming international students with current students or other internationals to offer support and share experiences. Use email, apps, Skype, Q&A sessions, or social media platforms to facilitate these connections.
Academic Advising and Counselling:
Encourage international students to meet with academic advisers regularly to assist with course selection, registration, and progress monitoring. Promote the use of counselling services to address challenges like stress, homesickness, anxiety, and cultural shock. Ensure confidentiality in these meetings to create a safe space for students to seek help.
Extracurricular Activities and Social Events:
Offer a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including social events, sporting activities, cultural celebrations, and film screenings to encourage active participation and community building. Invite students to share their unique cultures through dinners, festivals, and holiday celebrations, fostering an inclusive environment.
Career Development and Internships:
Provide career services specifically tailored to international students, helping them navigate the local job market, understand visa requirements, and develop essential skills for employment. Offer resume and cover letter assistance, interview preparation, and information on cross-cultural business norms. Encourage internships and networking opportunities to enhance their professional development.
By implementing these strategies, universities can create a supportive and inclusive campus community that values the diverse experiences and backgrounds of international students, fostering a sense of belonging and a positive academic experience.
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Providing work experience opportunities
Understand the Value of International Students:
International students bring unique strengths and diverse cultural backgrounds to the workplace. They can offer fresh perspectives, adaptability, and a global mindset. Recognising and valuing these strengths will help you create a welcoming environment and leverage the benefits of cultural diversity in the workplace.
Offer Varied Work Experience Opportunities:
Provide a range of work experience options, including internships, practicums, part-time jobs, and volunteer work. Some international students may seek paid opportunities to support their expenses, while others may prioritise exploring their field of interest through short-term internships or volunteering. Offering a variety of options ensures that students can align their work experience with their goals and financial needs.
Navigate Work Authorisation:
Familiarise yourself with work authorisation regulations and visa requirements for international students. In some countries, international students may have restrictions on working off-campus. Understand the specific rules and requirements to ensure that both your organisation and the students are compliant. This may involve consulting legal counsel or partnering with career centres that specialise in international student placement.
Collaborate with Career Centres and Student Services:
Career centres and international student services within educational institutions are excellent resources for connecting with international students. They can help you understand the unique challenges faced by international students and provide guidance on employment regulations. Additionally, they can promote your work experience opportunities to their students, facilitating a direct connection between your organisation and interested candidates.
Tailor Your Application Process:
When advertising work experience positions, ensure that your application process is accessible and inclusive for international students. Consider providing guidance on resume and cover letter preparation, especially regarding how to highlight their unique experiences and skills effectively. If English is not the student's first language, encourage them to have a native speaker proofread their application.
Embrace Cultural Sensitivity:
When interacting with international students, be mindful of cultural differences and sensitivities. Educate yourself and your staff on cultural etiquette and avoid asking illegal interview questions related to visa type, nationality, or citizenship. Instead, focus on creating a comfortable environment where students can share their experiences and showcase their strengths.
By following these guidelines, you will be well on your way to successfully interacting with and providing work experience opportunities for international students, fostering a diverse and enriching environment for all involved.
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Developing an advising syllabus
When developing the syllabus, it is important to limit the use of acronyms, abbreviations, jargon, colloquialisms, and idioms. Terms like "ASAP" or "home run" are US culture-based and may have little to no meaning to international students. Be mindful of potential cultural differences and their indicators, such as frustration, taking offence, repetition, no response, or inappropriate responses. These indicators should remind you to take a step back and find a different approach.
In addition, be clear in your message and ensure that the student has understood what you have said. Ask for an explanation in their own words instead of simply asking if they understood. Be prepared to repeat yourself and emphasize that there are no exceptions to the policy or procedure. Assist students in understanding US customs and how "things are done" in the country, but do not pressure them to change their behaviour or viewpoints unless it is necessary for their academic or social success or to avoid serious conflict.
When speaking, maintain a reasonable volume and enunciate your words clearly. Be mindful of verb phrases and filler words or phrases, as these can be confusing for non-native speakers. If asked to repeat something, do so verbatim. Encourage open-ended questions to give students more opportunities to practice their English and provide meaningful interactions that go beyond small talk.
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Frequently asked questions
Building a campus community where international students are fully integrated into the learning process and social environment can benefit everyone. Domestic students may have their only meaningful cross-cultural experience while interacting with international students on their campus. Research shows that when students are exposed to individuals from other groups, this can lead to cognitive growth and lower levels of prejudice.
Here are some tips to help improve interactions with international students:
- Be clear in your message and be certain the student has understood what you've said.
- Limit the use of acronyms, abbreviations, jargon, colloquialisms, and idioms.
- Avoid verb phrases and filler words.
- Ask open-ended questions.
- Be mindful of cultural differences and communication barriers.
Here are some strategies to improve communication:
- Enunciate your words clearly and speak at a reasonable volume.
- Make sure the student can see your mouth when you speak.
- Be patient and repeat yourself if necessary.
- Learn to say the names of international students correctly.
