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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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