International Education Week
This section is full of timely and evidence-based practices to apply in your teaching.
In honor of International Education Week, this week’s teaching tips focus on the benefits of having international students on campus, the challenges they face, and some ways to facilitate their learning and success.
- Language. For many international students English may be their second, third, or even fourth language. There are several minor modifications instructors can make to scaffold the learning of language and core concepts for English Language Learners, and can actually help to benefit all students. Adjustments include slowing speech, using “plain English,” and limiting the use of metaphors and idiomatic expressions, which can often cause confusion when translated literally. More information about adjusting language for English Language Learners is available in this resource under “Instructor Presentation/Performance.”
- Rules of the Academic Game. Rules for academic integrity differ greatly across nations. For example, in some cultures working closely with another student, sharing information and both turning in the same essay is perfectly acceptable. Regurgitating what a professor says or writes without paraphrasing or citing is also acceptable and is a sign of respect and admiration for said professor. Faculty can help to ensure that students in their class understand expectations and integrity rules at UNCG by opening space for a discussion during class or in office hours if any of these topics are unclear. If you would like to read more here is a link to an article entitled “Academic Dishonesty: An International Student Perspective” (Simpson, 2016). We also recommend our on-demand resource for scaffolding ethical, scholarly work.
- Campus Resources. While international students receive information about campus resources, the volume of new information they receive upon arrival can be overwhelming. They may also feel reluctant or embarrassed to seek out certain resources as it may be seen as admitting failure or showing weakness in their cultural context. If you have a student that is struggling, try to have a conversation with them and listen to their perspective. This can help identify barriers to accessing different resources. The International Programs Center supports incoming and current international students and has many useful resources listed on their website including the writing center, the speaking center, the student success center (for help with academic skills, tutoring etc), counseling, health, and more.