1. Alexa Argumedo, Intake Coordinator, University of Southern California
Stop Reinventing the Wheel: Simple Technology to Boost International Student Services
Monday, March 11, 2019 | 2:30pm-3:30pm
West Hall B
Alexa Argumedo, Intake Coordinator, University of Southern California

2. Objectives of the Research
Statement of Problem
As the international student population continues to grow in the United States, institutions of higher education need to provide a diverse range of online services in order to serve students efficiently and adequately
Objectives of the Research
Identify international students’ use of online communication channels
Understand how social media and technology-based services and programs can enhance the college experience for international students
Methodology
Review the current literature around international students and their
current use of social networking sites and other communication channels

3. Overview of International Student Population in the U.S.
Top U.S. Institutions Hosting International Students, 2017/2018
New York University 17,552 Students
University of Southern California 16,075 students
Northeastern University-Boston 14,905 students
Columbia University 14,615 students
Arizona State University 13,459 students
Top Places of Origin of International Students
China
India
South Korea
Saudi Arabia
Canada
Top 3 Selected Fields of Study
Engineering
Business and Management
Math and Computer Science
(Institute of International Education, 2018)

4. Major Findings of Literature Review
Use of Social Networking Sites (SNS)
International students use SNS to maintain and bridge relationships in host country and in their home country.
SNS are used to adapt to new social environments and to understand host country’s cultural norms
Online communication enhances social adaptation and reduces anxiety levels associated with face-to-face interactions
Information Seeking Behaviors Through Social Networking Sites (SNS)
International students use images and messages on social media sites to understand appropriate social behaviors in host country
Social media provides students with a platform to gain information without having to reveal limited language skills
Students from high power distance cultures (China, India, Middle-Eastern countries) tend to value listening and do not question authority figures. Thus, SNS allows students to interact with online programming while using passive information seeking behaviors
Instant Gratification and Dynamic Learning Environments
Millennials and Generation Z students seek instant information and answers
Constant use of search engines instead of brochures, textbooks, or print media

5. Recommendations
Institution of higher education should provide an online international student orientation
Use orientation as a platform to introduce popular social networking sites (*Facebook, Instagram, Twitter), U.S. laws and policies, and campus culture *These social networking sites may be new to students due to media restrictions in their home country
Orientation can be a live session or a self-paced online module
Online platform is low in cost and can be recorded for students
Use Facebook Live and Instagram Live for important programming around
seasonal topics (taxes, travel, work authorizations CPT/OPT)
Workshops would allow for in-person and remote student participation
Recorded programming can be viewed and shared on social networking sites at anytime

6. References
Cho, J., & Lee, S. (2016). International Students’ Proactive Behaviors in the United States: Effects of Information-Seeking Behaviors on School Life. Journal of College Student Development, 57(5), 590–603.
Forbush, E., & Foucault-Welles, B. (2016). Social media use and adaptation among Chinese students beginning to study
in the United States. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 50, 1–12. 
Hossain, M., & Veenstra, A. (2013). Online maintenance of life domains: Uses of social network sites during graduate
education among the US and international students. Computers in Human Behavior, 29(6), 2697–2702. 
Institute of International Education. (2018). ”2017/2018 Fast Facts." Open Doors Report on International Educational
Exchange. Retrieved from
International Flags (January 2019). Google Images.
Li, X., & Chen, W. (2014). Facebook or Renren? A comparative study of social networking sit use and social capital
among Chinese international students in the United States. Computers in Human Behavior, 35(C), 116–123.
Lin, J., Peng, W., Kim, M., Kim, S., & Larose, R. (2012). Social networking and adjustments among international
students. New Media & Society, 14(3), 421–440. 
Shatto, B., Erwin, K., & Shatto, B. (2017). Teaching Millennials and Generation Z: Bridging the Generational
Divide. Creative Nursing, 23(1), 24–28
Seemiller, C., & Grace, M. (2016). Generation Z goes to college. San Francisco, California: Jossey-Bass.
Zhao, C., Kuh, G., & Carini, R. (2005). A Comparison of International Student and American Student Engagement in
Effective Educational Practices. Journal of Higher Education, 76(2), 209.