Ibrahim Gardner
Asking thoughtful questions is a great way to get to know international students and help them feel welcomed and valued. Whether you're an admissions interviewer, a host family, or a fellow student, the types of questions you ask can make a big difference in the quality of your conversations and connections. This is especially important for international students, who may be navigating cultural differences, language barriers, and the challenges of being far from home. Here are some ideas for questions to ask international students to spark meaningful conversations and create a sense of community.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| English proficiency | Ask the student to describe their day, or their plans for the future. Ask about their academic proficiency with basic questions from various subjects. |
| Reading and writing skills | Send them an article and ask them to read it out loud, then ask a question about it and have them write the answer. |
| English test scores | Ask about their IELTS and TOEFL scores, as well as other standardized tests like GRE, GMAT, and SAT. |
| Financial stability | Ask for evidence of financial resources to sustain themselves in the host country, including tuition fees, accommodation costs, dining expenses, health insurance, and transportation. |
| Visa application | Ask about their F1-Visa application, and whether they have a sponsor. |
| Life goals and motivations | Ask about their aspirations, and why they want to study abroad. |
| Cultural exchange | Ask about their home country, traditions, customs, music, and food. |
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What You'll Learn
Ask about their hometown and country
Asking international students about their hometown and country is a great way to learn more about their background and culture. However, it is important to be mindful of the fact that some students may feel uncomfortable answering certain questions about their hometowns, as this may reveal hidden socioeconomic information or lead to stereotyping. With that in mind, here are some suggestions for questions to ask international students about their hometown and country:
General questions about their hometown
Asking international students about their hometown can help you understand their background and where they come from. For example, you could ask: "Tell me about your hometown." This open-ended question allows the student to share what they feel comfortable with and can give you insight into their daily life and experiences. You could also ask follow-up questions such as: "If I came to visit, where in your hometown would you take me and what would you show me?" This question shows interest in their hometown and allows the student to highlight the aspects of their hometown that they find most interesting or valuable.
Questions about their country's culture and traditions
Asking about the student's home country's culture and traditions can be a great way to learn more about their background and show respect for their heritage. Some questions you could ask include: "What are some customs and traditions in your home country?" and "What are some common family traditions or practices?" These questions can open up discussions about festivals, holidays, and rituals that are important to the student and their family. You could also ask about popular dishes or food in their home country, as food is often a source of pride for international students and a great way to learn about a different culture.
Questions about their country's lifestyle and activities
Understanding the student's home country's lifestyle and activities can provide insight into their daily routine and interests. For example, you could ask: "What is a typical school day like in your home country?" and "What are your favorite and least favorite subjects?" This can help you learn about differences in school systems and the student's academic habits. You could also ask about extracurricular activities such as sports, music, or other hobbies. For example: "What are some popular sports or musical interests in your home country?" These questions can help create a sense of connection and shared interests, and can lead to fun activities such as attending local games or sharing playlists.
Questions about their country's tourism and unique experiences
Asking about unique experiences and tourism in the student's home country can spark interesting conversations and help you learn about underrated activities and destinations. For example, you could ask: "What are some cool or underrated things to do or see in your country outside of typical tourist activities?" This question allows the student to share their personal recommendations and experiences, and can lead to exciting stories about white water rafting, cave diving, or other adventures.
Remember to be mindful of the student's comfort level and avoid questions that may lead to stereotyping or favoritism. The goal is to create an inclusive and respectful environment where the student feels valued and understood.
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Discuss their favourite food and local cuisine
Food is a great topic to discuss with international students as it is a central part of cultural identity and a wonderful way to connect with others. Asking about their favourite food and the local cuisine of their home country shows a genuine interest in the student's culture. This can lead to cooking and sharing meals together, giving both you and the student a chance to experience new flavours and culinary traditions. Preparing and tasting traditional foods can be a comforting reminder of home for the student and a delightful cultural exchange for you.
When sampling regional cuisine, it is important to keep an open mind and be willing to try new things. Don't be afraid to ask questions—many restaurants are happy to explain their dishes and provide suggestions on how to best enjoy them. Be aware of any potential allergies or dietary restrictions before trying a new dish. Take time to appreciate the unique flavours, ingredients, and spices of each region. For example, many cultures have specific dietary restrictions, such as avoiding pork or shellfish. By trying new dishes, you can gain a better understanding of the culture and people of that region.
You can ask international students about any special food-related memories they have, or about the role food plays in their culture and traditions. You could ask them to teach you a few words or phrases related to food in their language. Ask them about the popular dishes from their home country, and whether there are any similarities between those dishes and the local cuisine where they are studying.
You could also ask more general questions about their favourite food, such as how it contributes to their overall well-being, or any ethical considerations related to its production or consumption. You could ask them to imagine what they would do if they could never eat their favourite food again, or if they could only eat homemade food for the rest of their life.
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Learn some words in their native language
Learning some words in an international student's native language can be a great way to build rapport and show interest in their culture. Here are some effective ways to learn new words in a foreign language:
Immerse Yourself in the Language
Immersion is a powerful tool for language learning. Surround yourself with the language as much as possible by consuming native media such as books, podcasts, music, movies, and TV shows. This helps you absorb the language naturally and understand how words are used in context. Seek out language learning apps, online communities, and language exchange programs where you can interact with native speakers and practice your language skills.
Use Flashcards and Associations
Create flashcards with the foreign word on one side and its translation or definition on the other. Visual aids can be particularly effective, so consider drawing images or using pictures that represent the meaning of the word. You can also try associating the foreign word with a mental image or a similar-sounding word in your native language to aid recall.
Learn in Chunks and Scripts
Instead of memorizing individual words, focus on learning small phrases or "chunks" that demonstrate how the words are used in context. For example, instead of just memorizing the word "hello," learn the phrase "Hello, how are you?" which provides a script for greeting someone. This approach helps you understand how words are used in conversation and improves your ability to communicate effectively.
Understand Word Roots and Connections
Explore the etymology of words and their connections to other languages. Understanding the roots of words can help you make connections and improve your vocabulary. For example, knowing that the Italian word "potere" (meaning "to be able to") is derived from the Latin word "possum," which is also the root of the English word "power," can aid in memorization and comprehension.
Practice Speaking and Substituting
Actively use the new words you learn by incorporating them into your everyday speech. Try substituting your native language words with their foreign language equivalents when speaking. This helps you become more comfortable using the new vocabulary and improves your fluency. Record yourself speaking and listen back to track your progress and identify areas for improvement.
Learning a new language requires dedication and consistent practice. Find what methods work best for you and don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques. Enjoy the process of discovering new words and the insights they provide into another culture.
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Ask about their hobbies and pastimes
Asking about an international student's hobbies and pastimes is a great way to get to know them and find common ground. It can also help bridge any cultural or language barriers that may exist. Here are some ways you can approach this topic:
Be Open-ended and Creative
Instead of directly asking about their hobbies, try asking about what they like to do in their free time. This gives the student the freedom to interpret the question in their own way and share as much or as little as they like. It also makes the question more engaging and thought-provoking, allowing them to talk about their interests with enthusiasm.
Share Your Own Hobbies
A great way to connect with someone is to share your own hobbies and interests. Start by mentioning hobbies that genuinely interest you. This could be reading, watching movies, playing sports, collecting items, or even unique pursuits like composing music or songwriting. Sharing your passions will make the conversation more personal and inviting.
Ask About Specific Activities
If you want to make the conversation more interactive, ask about specific activities they might enjoy. For example, if they enjoy painting, you could suggest a shared painting session or a visit to a local art gallery. If they're into music, discuss musical interests, share playlists, attend live events, or learn to play an instrument together. These shared experiences will create lasting memories and strengthen your bond.
Explore Cultural Differences and Similarities
Hobbies and pastimes can provide a fascinating insight into another culture. Ask about the popular pastimes in their home country and the traditions and customs associated with them. You might discover some surprising similarities or learn about entirely new activities. For instance, international students often love talking about the amazing cuisines from their home countries, and this can be a delightful way to bond over a shared love of food.
Remember, the key is to approach these conversations with curiosity and an open mind. By asking about an international student's hobbies and pastimes, you're creating opportunities for connection, mutual understanding, and the potential for long-lasting friendships.
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Discuss their academic proficiency
When discussing an international student's academic proficiency, it is important to consider their academic background, including their test scores and grades. Ask about their GPA, standardised test scores (such as IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, or SAT), and any awards or special recognitions they have received. Inquire about their academic goals and how your program can help them achieve those goals.
To further assess their academic proficiency, you can ask questions from various subjects to test their knowledge. For example, you could ask "What is six times three?" or "Is Coca-Cola a solid, liquid, or gas?". Additionally, you can evaluate their reading and writing skills by sending them a news article and asking them to read it and then type out their answers to questions about the article.
If English is not their first language, consider their level of proficiency and whether they plan to improve their English skills during their time as an international student. Ask them to describe their day using different verb tenses or discuss their future plans to test their English language abilities.
It is also beneficial to understand their educational background and any cultural differences they may encounter in your institution. For example, you could ask, "What is one difference between education in your country and education here?". Additionally, inquire about their plans to get involved in the school and their expectations of the program to gauge their level of preparation and understanding.
Remember, the discussion should be a conversation where the student feels comfortable sharing their true thoughts and aspirations.
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Frequently asked questions
Asking about their hometown, traditions and customs from their home country, their favourite food, and their hobbies are all great ways to start a conversation and get to know an international student.
Asking "What's the time over there?" or other clichés like "So, how was your trip?" are questions to avoid as they are overused and don't invite a deeper conversation.
Asking them to teach you a few words or phrases in their native language can be fun. You can also ask about underrated things to do in their country outside of typical tourist activities.
International students often find certain aspects of American culture confusing, so asking them what they find strange about the host country can lead to interesting conversations.
Asking about their academic goals, their plans for the future, and what they are currently learning in their classes are all good ways to gauge an international student's academic proficiency.
