International Student Support: University Guidance And Resources

International students are vital contributors to the knowledge and innovation agenda of universities. They bring diverse perspectives to the classroom and enrich the campus community. In recognition of the challenges that international students face, universities offer a range of support services to help them adjust to life in a new country. This includes practical assistance with visas, orientation activities, academic counselling, and help with navigating cultural differences.

Social and cultural activities

One approach is to establish "Friendship Families" or mentorship programs that pair international students with local students, faculty members, or even community members. These mentors can guide international students through the academic and social aspects of university life, offering practical advice and helping them navigate their new environment. Mentorship programs can also facilitate the formation of support networks, which are invaluable for international students' emotional well-being and adjustment.

Universities can also encourage social interaction and cultural exchange through various events and activities. These may include international festivals, coffee hours, dance classes, film screenings, sports activities, and themed parties. Some universities organize cultural outings to historical sites, museums, and national parks, fostering both education and camaraderie among international students.

Additionally, universities can facilitate the creation of clubs and associations specifically for international students, providing spaces for meetings, cultural activities, and social events. These clubs can be safe spaces for international students to connect, share experiences, and support each other.

To help international students overcome language barriers, universities may offer English language courses or workshops alongside their academic programs. These courses can improve international students' language skills and enhance their overall engagement in university life.

Furthermore, universities can promote intercultural learning through academic programs or workshops. For example, some universities require undergraduate students to complete modules related to cultural diversity, such as world music, intercultural communication, or post-colonial literature.

Ultimately, the goal of these social and cultural activities is to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for international students, helping them integrate into the university community and feel a sense of belonging despite their cultural differences.

Visa advice and support

International students can expect to receive a certain level of visa advice and support from their host universities. For instance, universities can provide pre-arrival courses that cover topics such as what documents to bring to the airport, finding accommodation, and preparing finances. This can help put international students at ease and reduce their anxiety before they even leave their home countries.

In the United States, there are three primary types of student visas: F, J, and M. The type of visa a student requires depends on the nature of their studies. For instance, an F-1 Student Visa is for those studying at an accredited U.S. college or university, while a J-1 Exchange Visa is for those participating in an exchange program. The U.S. Department of State is responsible for the initial visa application process and issuance, while the Department of Homeland Security manages entry into the country and enforces immigration regulations affecting international students.

Universities in the U.S. must be certified by the Department of Homeland Security's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to issue I-20 documents, which are required for F and M visas. The institution's accreditation is linked to the recognition of course credits and degrees by other institutions and employers.

However, it is important to note that the political climate in the U.S. has led to concerns among international students about their visa status and freedom of expression. The Trump administration has targeted foreign-born students, revoking visas and detaining students with little warning, causing uncertainty for international students considering studying in the U.S.

Academic counselling

International students often experience culture shock and loneliness when starting a new course in a different academic environment, with a new language and culture to adapt to. This can be challenging, but universities offer plenty of help and support to help international students adjust to their studies.

One of the key ways universities help international students is through academic counselling. Academic counselling services are typically offered by qualified and experienced counsellors who provide international students with free and confidential advice on personal, social, and academic matters. Counselling services follow strict confidentiality practices to ensure students have a safe and private space to share their concerns. These services can help students deal with issues such as culture shock, homesickness, and difficulty adjusting to lifestyle and cultural differences.

Some universities offer pre-arrival courses to help international students prepare before they arrive on campus. These courses can include information on what documents to bring, finding accommodation, and preparing finances. Universities may also provide orientation during the start of the programme to help students settle in.

Additionally, international student support units or offices can answer students' questions and direct them to the services they need. These units often include international student advisors who are trained and experienced in dealing with students from diverse backgrounds. They can provide advice on visas, academic counselling, and other support services.

Universities may also offer individual tutoring and workshops to help international students with their studies and language skills. English language conversation groups can be particularly helpful for international students to improve their language skills while also learning about other cultures and connecting with local students.

Mental health support is another crucial aspect of academic counselling for international students. Counselling services can help students deal with emotional issues and mental health concerns, promoting their overall well-being and academic success. These services can be offered face-to-face or virtually, and students may opt for individual or group counselling sessions.

Career preparation

International students often feel a lot of pressure to secure a job upon graduation, with many facing pressure from their families to find a respected position that earns a good salary. This, coupled with the fact that the marketplace is becoming more competitive, means that universities need to provide adequate career preparation for international students.

Universities can help international students prepare for their careers in several ways. Firstly, they can offer career services and resources to help students with their job searches. This may include providing advice on specific skills that employers are looking for and helping students adjust their resumes to fit the requirements. Additionally, universities can organise career programs and workshops where students can get their questions answered and gain valuable information about the job market.

Another way universities can assist international students in their career preparation is by providing mentorship opportunities. This could involve partnering students with a local mentor or buddy during their first semester, as suggested by Ali Najaf, a recent graduate of the Beedie School of Business at Simon Fraser University. This mentor can help students adjust to their new surroundings and introduce them to the local culture, which can be especially beneficial for international students navigating a new country and job market.

Furthermore, universities can offer training and awareness-raising courses to their staff, including teachers, to ensure they are equipped to support international students adequately. This training can cover topics such as cultural norms and inclusive practices, helping staff understand the unique challenges and pressures faced by international students in their career pursuits.

Lastly, universities can facilitate social connections and networking opportunities for international students. This can be done through organising informal gatherings, such as "coffee chats" and field trips, where students can meet and connect with their peers, potential employers, and alumni. These connections can be invaluable for career preparation, as they can provide insights into the job market, offer mentorship, and even lead to future job opportunities.

Overall, universities play a crucial role in helping international students prepare for their careers by offering various resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. By providing these supports, universities can empower international students to navigate the job market effectively and achieve their career goals.

Diversity and inclusion training

Training for Staff and Faculty:

International student advisors and staff are often trained to support students from diverse backgrounds. However, universities should also offer optional training and workshops to all staff, faculty, and professors who interact with international students. This training can focus on raising awareness of cultural norms and sensitivities, helping staff understand how to support international students effectively, and making them aware of their own potential cultural biases. By doing so, staff can create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for international students, ensuring they feel comfortable in conversations and interactions.

Peer Mentorship Programs:

Implementing a peer mentorship or "buddy" program can be incredibly beneficial for international students. These programs pair current local or international students with incoming international students, preferably from the same country or similar cultural backgrounds. This allows new students to ask questions, seek advice, and gain a sense of community and belonging. Mentors can provide practical support and guidance on adjusting to life in a new country, including navigating cultural differences, university systems, and local services.

Orientation and Pre-Arrival Support:

Universities can reduce anxiety and uncertainty for incoming international students by providing comprehensive pre-arrival support and orientation activities. This can include online webinars, pre-arrival courses, or even airport pickups. These initiatives help international students prepare for their new life in a foreign country by offering practical information on accommodation, finances, transportation, phone and internet setup, and other essential topics.

Social Activities and Community Engagement:

Organising social activities, cultural events, and community gatherings can help international students connect with their peers, build friendships, and feel included in the university community. These activities could include international festivals, coffee hours, film screenings, cultural exchange workshops, or outings such as city tours and day trips. Additionally, universities can establish a "Global Community Centre" or similar spaces where international students can meet, socialise, and seek support from international counsellors or advisors.

Academic Advising and Career Services:

International students often face unique challenges when navigating academic and career paths. Universities can provide dedicated academic advising services to help international students with course selection, registration, and understanding degree requirements. Additionally, career services can assist international students with resume and cover letter writing, job searches, networking, and interview preparation, taking into account cross-cultural business norms and practices.

By implementing these diversity and inclusion training initiatives, universities can create a more welcoming and supportive environment for international students, fostering a sense of belonging and helping them succeed academically, socially, and professionally.

Frequently asked questions