Lana Oconnell
International students often face challenges when moving to a new country for their education, such as adapting to a new culture, language, and academic system. To help them settle in, it is beneficial to ask questions that will spark meaningful conversations and help them feel welcomed and supported. Asking about their home country, traditions, customs, and cuisine is a great way to show interest and build connections. Additionally, sharing information about the academic and social aspects of the university can be valuable, such as class availability, housing options, and opportunities for extracurricular activities. These conversations can help international students navigate their new environment and foster a sense of belonging.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ask about their home country | International students love to share about their culture, customs, and traditions. |
| Ask about their favourite food | Food is a universal topic and international students enjoy discussing cuisines from their home countries. |
| Ask about their hobbies and pastimes | This helps to find common ground and build friendships. |
| Ask about their reasons for choosing the school | It's a great way to discover shared ambitions and interests. |
| Ask about housing options | International students should enquire early about housing as spots fill up quickly. |
| Ask about class availability | This is important for maintaining full-time student status, especially for visa requirements. |
| Ask about application processes | International students often want to know timescales for decisions and if proficiency tests are required. |
| Ask about work opportunities | Many international students want to know about working on campus and gaining industry experience. |
| Ask about bringing dependents | Communicating dependent-related policies is important for international students with families. |
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What You'll Learn
What are some traditions and customs from your home country?
Asking international students about their home country is a great way to begin a conversation and establish shared experiences. Here are some ways to approach the topic of traditions and customs from their home country:
First, you could ask about their country's cuisine. Food is a universal topic that everyone can relate to and is a great way to start a conversation. International students are often proud of the amazing cuisines from their home countries and are happy to share their food traditions. You might learn about dishes like Korean barbeque, Anjera (sour flatbread), Murg Makhani (butter chicken), or Wali wa nazi (coconut rice). Asking about food can also lead to discussions about dining customs, such as whether people typically share dishes or eat from individual plates, as well as tipping etiquette and expectations around splitting the bill.
Second, you could inquire about unique experiences or activities their country offers beyond the typical tourist attractions. For instance, they might share stories about white water rafting, cave diving, waterfall bungee jumping, or even kissing a giraffe on a safari! These stories can provide fascinating insights into the adventurous side of their culture.
Third, you can explore the social norms and everyday customs of their home country. For example, in some countries, it is customary to greet people with a smile, while in others, this might be seen as strange or creepy. Eating during class, ordering food in a restaurant, or the pace of dining out can vary across cultures, and these are interesting topics for discussion and learning.
Lastly, you might ask about the social aspects of their culture, such as how people typically make friends or socialize. For instance, in some countries, language exchange partners or social clubs are common ways to meet people and immerse yourself in the local culture. Understanding these customs can provide valuable insights into how to connect with international students and make them feel more at home.
Remember, when asking about traditions and customs, it's essential to keep an open mind and avoid demanding specific information. Allow your conversation partner to share as much or as little as they feel comfortable with, creating a safe and welcoming space to exchange cultural experiences.
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What are some unique things to do in your home country?
Asking international students about their home country is a great way to start a conversation and build connections. Here are some ideas for questions you could ask to learn about unique things to do in their home country:
Firstly, you could ask about any unique traditions or customs from their home country. This gives international students an opportunity to share interesting aspects of their culture, and you might learn something new or find common ground. For example, you could ask about any festivals or celebrations that are unique to their country.
Another idea is to ask about the food. International students often take pride in their home country's cuisine and are happy to share their favourite dishes. You could ask what their favourite meal is, or if there are any unique foods or drinks that people might not have heard of. This can lead to interesting conversations about ingredients, cooking methods, and cultural food practices.
You could also ask about specific activities or attractions that are popular in their home country, beyond the typical tourist destinations. For example, are there any exciting outdoor adventures like white water rafting or bungee jumping that people might not know about? Are there any hidden gems or off-the-beaten-path locations that offer a unique experience?
Additionally, asking about their hobbies and pastimes can provide insight into the unique cultural practices of their home country. You might learn about popular sports, arts, or other recreational activities that are specific to their culture. This can lead to interesting conversations about how people spend their free time and the importance of certain activities in their country.
Remember, these conversations are a great opportunity to build connections and learn from each other's cultures. Keep the questions open-ended and be respectful of the student's experiences and perspectives.
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What are your favourite foods?
Food is a great topic of conversation to have with international students, who will likely take pride in the amazing cuisines of their home countries. Asking about their favourite foods is a great way to start a conversation and learn about their culture.
When preparing food for an international student, it is thoughtful to cook meals that remind them of home. For example, Chinese students may miss having rice with every meal, and students from India may be used to a diverse range of cuisines, depending on their region. Instant noodles are also a popular choice for international students, especially those from Japan, Korea, and China. However, it is also good to encourage students to eat what the host family eats, to help them feel part of the family.
Sharing meals is a great way to introduce students to new flavours and dishes. For example, international students may enjoy trying classic American dishes like apple pie, shrimp and grits, mac and cheese, cornbread, or regional specialties. Likewise, hosts can be open to trying dishes from the student's culture, allowing both sides to step out of their comfort zones and learn together.
Mealtime is about more than just food; it's about the conversations, laughter, and stories that are shared. Preparing meals together and discussing the day's events can strengthen bonds. Asking about an international student's daily routines, their life back home, and their family can help them feel supported and understood.
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What brought you to this school?
Asking an international student what brought them to their school is a great way to start a conversation and learn more about their background. It is an open-ended question that invites the speaker to share information about their ambitions, what they find attractive about the school, and their common interests with classmates. It helps build a sense of camaraderie in the classroom and establishes shared experiences between students of different cultures and nationalities.
International students often choose to study abroad due to the excitement of exploring a new place, improving their language fluency, and the prestige of studying at a foreign university. For example, US STEM programs are popular among international students, with 51.6% pursuing STEM subjects in 2018/19. Graduate assistantships are also a draw for international students, as they provide valuable industry experience that may not be available in their home countries.
Additionally, international students may be drawn to a particular school because of its location, the availability of specific programs or courses, or the opportunity to bring their dependents with them. They may also be attracted to the idea of improving their language skills by interacting with local students and joining student societies or clubs.
Understanding what brought an international student to a particular school can provide insights into their motivations, interests, and the factors that influenced their decision-making process. It is a question that encourages a deeper conversation and helps build connections with classmates, fostering a sense of community in the classroom.
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What are your plans for the future?
Asking an international student about their plans for the future is a great way to start a conversation and build connections. Here are some suggestions on how to approach this topic in a detailed and instructive manner:
Academic and Career Goals
Asking about their academic and career aspirations can provide insight into their motivations and future plans. For instance, you could inquire about the field they intend to pursue, the skills they aim to develop, and how they see their studies aligning with their career goals. This demonstrates a genuine interest in their journey and can spark meaningful discussions about their chosen path.
Life After Graduation
Discussing their vision for life after completing their studies is another angle to explore. Questions like "Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?" or "What are your short-term and long-term goals post-graduation?" can open up conversations about their aspirations, whether it's starting a career, pursuing further education, or even their personal goals. This shows that you're interested in their long-term plans and can offer an opportunity to share advice or resources.
Exploring Opportunities
International students often seek opportunities to gain experience and build their resumes. Asking about their plans to get involved on campus or in the local community can be insightful. This could include joining clubs, taking part in internships or research projects, or even studying abroad for a semester. Discussing these options can help them navigate the various paths available and make informed decisions about their future steps.
Overcoming Challenges
Navigating a new country, culture, and academic system can be challenging for international students. Showing interest in how they plan to tackle these challenges demonstrates support and can provide valuable insights. Ask about their strategies for overcoming homesickness, adapting to cultural differences, or managing the financial aspects of living and studying abroad. This can lead to meaningful conversations about resilience and adaptability.
Visa and Immigration Considerations
For international students studying in a foreign country, visa and immigration considerations are crucial. Asking about their understanding of visa requirements and their plans to maintain their student status shows that you recognize the complexities of their situation. This can lead to discussions about their long-term plans in the country, their financial stability, and any steps they need to take to ensure their visa remains valid.
Remember, when asking about their plans for the future, create a safe and non-judgmental space for them to share their thoughts and concerns. Everyone's journey is unique, and by showing genuine interest and empathy, you can foster deeper connections and offer meaningful support.
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Frequently asked questions
Asking about traditions and customs from their home country is a great way to get to know an international student and learn about their background. You can also ask about their favourite food, or what they think of the food in their new country.
It's a good idea to ask about class availability, as this can affect their student visa status. You could also ask about housing options, as these can fill up quickly. If the student is in the US, they might have questions about graduate assistantship opportunities, visa requirements for working, and English language proficiency tests.
Asking about underrated things to do in their home country outside of popular tourist activities can lead to some interesting conversations. You can also ask about any unique aspects of studying abroad in their country, such as current events that occurred during their time there.
