Integrating International Students into Your Class: 10 Ways to Smooth the Transition

Although studying abroad may be the fulfillment of a long-awaited dream International students during their first semester might encounter stress of adjustment that goes beyond the normal things that new students face. The process of adjusting to a new culture can be stressful, as we have seen from our own experiences of attending the first conference, joining the new academic department or settling in a new town for the very first time. Much like we valued those who helped us get acquainted with these new surroundings, international students turn to their advisors and instructors for assistance in navigating the academic world and expectations that are not clearly stated.

 

Share your culture

The majority of such students are eager to know more about the local culture and way of life. As an instructor, you could assist them in obtaining the experiences they've always wanted. Like excursion trips to popular places, introducing to local cuisines and culture, and helping them understand the local customs.
 

Cooperation can make it easier

It's easy to think the international student population is sociable and can easily get involved in their school and other places. But that's not always the situation. Certain students are shy or just simply overwhelmed. So it’s always a good idea to create support from the native students as well to show that the newbies are welcomed and will get through the difficulties soon.
 

Mentor them

There are certain things that should be done one on one in order to assist students to be integrated. As a teacher, you may not be able to provide students with one on single focus. Instead, you could group international students with others to provide mentoring and peer support.
 

Welcome gift

If you're able to offer the item or get help from your college, it could be helpful to provide students from abroad with an inviting package. It might include stationary to take notes and gift cards, certificates or vouchers to local eateries or shops. Anything that can help students feel comfortable and helps them work faster is an excellent option to give as a welcome gift.
 

Language will not be a problem

If a student is quite proficient in the main language used in your school, they may be at an advantage. They might have difficulty expressing their emotions in a foreign language, like. They may also miss tiny but crucial pieces of information while they interpret things through their heads when they are in class or reading.
 

The struggle can differ

It's sometimes difficult to determine whether a student is unable to comprehend the concept, and also when students are struggling to express their thoughts. One thing to bear on your mind is the fact that students struggle with writing particularly when tasks are mentally more challenging. It is possible to help students who don't speak a native language by allowing them to review their writing, and provide guidance during this.
 

Use the worldwide variety

In the same way the language gap can make it difficult for students to participate in discussions with their classmates. Be aware that although native speakers can easily talk about a thought or a story however, a person who isn't a native speaker won't be able to. They need to translate the information and worry about whether or not the example can be interpreted, etc.
 

Learn more about them

People feel at ease and welcomed when their customs and values are recognized. A simple gesture of giving a student a warm greeting on their special day could make a huge difference in how they feel. Through gaining knowledge about the culture of their students instructors are able to identify the areas where they need to be more attentive. In case it is impossible offline, feel free to try this video remote interpreting service to connect with our students anytime!
 

Visual might be quite helpful

Doctors and first responders often employ visual aids while working with patients who do not have an identical language. They can be used to help teach concepts and to ensure that everybody can comprehend certain concepts. For instance students who are not English-speaking might not be aware of the distinctions between the words sad, devastated, concerned or dejected. Use pictures to aid them in understanding the differences.
 

They should just be themselves

It's always beneficial for students when they can connect lessons with their personal experiences. They're more likely to comprehend and better communicate their ideas when they build these associations. If they are able to share their experiences during group discussions, everyone can gain a better understanding from these instances.

To aid international students ensure that they feel comfortable sharing their experiences with respect to discussions in the classroom. There could be differences in understanding and language that can cause some disconnections. It's crucial to manage those issues with care. Students who feel embarrassed by sharing could become withdrawn and not want to participate in the future.