Special Populations in the Classroom: International Students April 28, 2016 Susan Popko, Associate Provost for International Programs

Overview Who are SCU’s international students? Initial data from SCU New International Student Support Survey Pilot – Spring 2016 Quarter Challenges in the Intercultural Classroom: Faculty As Key. Darla Deardorff, Duke University. Including student recommendations to faculty and faculty perspectives and advice.

Who are SCU’s International Students? Approximately 150 Undergraduates in all majors from many countries Approximately 750 Graduate students; mostly in Engineering and Business; mostly from India and China “Global Nomads” – US citizens living abroad “International” is growing at SCU, in higher education in the US and around the world; expect more intnl. Students at SCU.

Survey Pilot #1: Student Concerns Having enough friends from my home country Making friends with Americans Understanding American values (independence, privacy, etc.) Understanding spoken American English Learning how to understand and respond to American behavior Communicating so that I am understood Spring Quarter 2016 pilot; full survey rolled out for Fall 2016 new students. 25 students total; 19 responses. <90% chose to study at SCU because of the academic quality >55% chose to study at SCU because of our location >33% chose SCU for research opportunities and/or because a friend or family member attends/has attended SCU

Survey Pilot #2: Student Challenges - Greatest Understand classroom lectures Keep up with writing assignments Participate in academic discussions Keep up with reading assignments Engage in group work with my classmates

Survey Pilot #3: Student Challenges – Next Greatest Access academic support services Understand academic rules and regulations Understand degree requirements Seek the information I need across the University

Understanding Classroom Challenges Language Expectations Classroom interactions Relationship with professor Workload Challenges may overlap categories presenting complexities

Student Perspectives: Recommendations to Faculty Focus on professor-student relationship Understand what students are used to in their home country and don’t assume that we understand the US culture Be very clear on expectations and provide examples Pay attention to underperforming students Be intentional about connecting domestic and international students in the classroom Challenges in the Intercultural Classroom: Faculty As Key. Darla Deardorff, Duke University. AIEA. 2016.

Student Perspectives: Recommendations to Faculty Don’t single out international students Connect students to campus resources, e.g., HUB, Library, Cowell Health Center, etc. Use examples from students’ home countries

Faculty Perspectives and Advice Really get to know your students Provide a welcoming classroom environment Don’t make any assumptions about your students Be willing to adapt your communication style Use visuals and non-verbal cues Challenges in the Intercultural Classroom: Faculty As Key. Darla Deardorff, Duke University. AIEA. 2016.

Faculty Perspectives: Lessons Learned Learn a few basic words in other languages Clearly state what is expected and provide many details Honor the cultural backgrounds of all students in your class Be okay with not knowing Continue learning about yourself and building your own intercultural knowledge, skills and attitudes