Breaking the IceConnecting with International Students

Karen McCullough Asst. Director of International Student Services

Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS

Breaking the IceConnecting with International Students

Why is this important?

How do international students feel when they arrive to study on your campus?

Challenges int’l students face studying in the US

Barriers to friendship

Let’s get started!

Why is this important?

More international students are studying in the US

The world is getting smaller

You may study abroad during your time at college

Your future workplace will be diverse

You can travel the world without leaving your campus

How do international students feel when they arrive on-campus?

Experiences will be different for each international student Factors affecting experience include:

What country the student is from

How many other int’l students are on your campus

What countries other int’l students on your campus are from

Int’l student previous US study experience

Common emotions int’l students experience include:

Culture shock

Excitement to meet others and explore new surroundings (honeymoon phase)

Confusion, frustration & dissatisfaction

Homesickness, language difficulties, cultural differences

Challenges int’l students face studying in the US

Language differences

Time differences

Time zone difference, cultural differences

Cultural differences

Housing & food, transportation, shopping, independence

Differences in Education System

Group work, critical thinking, class discussions, challenging professors, talking in class, academic integrity

Finances

Barriers to Friendship

Language difficulties

Not a clear understanding of countries/cultures from international or American students

Many Americans get knowledge of other countries through Hollywood, mainstream media; stereotypes

To int’l students, Americans appear unfriendly, independent, already have established groups of friends

Not being open minded

Not getting involved

What do college students have to say?

2012 – Chronicle of Higher Education

2012 survey of over 450 int’l students

38% of int’l students said they had no strong American friendships

27% had three or more close US friends

18% reported two close American friends

17% reported one American friend

Fort Hays State University Students

Brian & Crystal

Michigan State University

A conversation with Chinese & American students

http://oiss.isp.msu.edu/multimedia/

What We Can Do!

Create Relationships! Welcome new int’l students to campus

Help with int’l student orientation

Meet & greet students, orientation leaders

Student groups can sponsor events or dinner for int’l students

Take students for tour of campus or city

Make Residence Halls welcoming

Translations for signs/important info.

Explain US customs or provide guides on using restrooms, laundry rooms, water fountains, dining facilities, trash chutes, etc.

Welcome students with a smile – be friendly!

Let int’l students know it’s ok if their English is not perfect

Slow down when speaking – avoid slang words!

Try not to raise your voice or talk too fast

Use hand gestures or a translator if needed

Programming – Buddy Programs, Friendship Family Program, Conversation Tables, Student Ambassador Programs, Cultural Food Nights, Game Nights

Intramural/Pick-Up games: Soccer, Basketball, Badminton, Ping Pong

What We Can Do!Create Relationships!

Let’s Break Some Ice!

Introduce Yourself – Go around the circle and tell us your name, what school and country you are from.

Where Were You? – On January 1, 2014Go around the circle, having everyone tell where he or she was at that time, and what they were doing.

Let’s Break Some Ice!

Lollipops -- For every letter that appears in the color of your lollipop,each participant has to share something about him/herself with the group.(E.g. “RED: I come from Russia, I like Eggplant, and I DANCE a lot.”)

BROWN – 5 Letters = 5 items to share with your groupBLUE – 4 Letters = 4 items to share with your groupGREEN – 5 Letters = 5 items to share with your groupORANGE – 6 Letters = 6 items to share with your groupPURPLE – 6 Letters = 6 items to share with your groupRED – 3 Letters = 3 items to share with your group

Questions?