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 UniversityA conversation with Chinese & American studentshttp://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?