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Breaking the Ice

Breaking the Ice. Connecting with International Students Karen McCullough Asst. Director of International Student Services Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS. Breaking the Ice Connecting with International Students. Why is this important?

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Breaking the Ice

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  1. Breaking the Ice Connecting with International Students Karen McCullough Asst. Director of International Student ServicesFort Hays State University, Hays, KS

  2. Breaking the IceConnecting with International Students • Why is this important? • How do international students feel when they arrive to study on your campus? • Challenges int’l students face studying in the US • Barriers to friendship • Let’s get started!

  3. Why is this important? • More international students are studying in the US • The world is getting smaller • You may study abroad during your time at college • Your future workplace will be diverse • You can travel the world without leaving your campus

  4. How do international students feel when they arrive on-campus? • Experiences will be different for each international student • Factors affecting experience include: • What country the student is from • How many other int’l students are on your campus • What countries other int’l students on your campus are from • Int’l student previous US study experience • Common emotions int’l students experience include: • Culture shock • Excitement to meet others and explore new surroundings (honeymoon phase) • Confusion, frustration & dissatisfaction • Homesickness, language difficulties, cultural differences

  5. Challenges int’l students face studying in the US • Language differences • Time differences • Time zone difference, cultural differences • Cultural differences • Housing & food, transportation, shopping, independence • Differences in Education System • Group work, critical thinking, class discussions, challenging professors, talking in class, academic integrity • Finances

  6. Barriers to Friendship • Language difficulties • Not a clear understanding of countries/cultures from international or American students • Many Americans get knowledge of other countries through Hollywood, mainstream media; stereotypes • To int’l students, Americans appear unfriendly, independent, already have established groups of friends • Not being open minded • Not getting involved

  7. 2012 – Chronicle of Higher Education • 2012 survey of over 450 int’l students • 38% of int’l students said they had no strong American friendships • 27% had three or more close US friends • 18% reported two close American friends • 17% reported one American friend • Fort Hays State University Students • Brian & Crystal • Michigan State University A conversation with Chinese & American students http://oiss.isp.msu.edu/multimedia/ What do college students have to say?

  8. What We Can Do! Create Relationships! • Welcome new int’l students to campus • Help with int’l student orientation • Meet & greet students, orientation leaders • Student groups can sponsor events or dinner for int’l students • Take students for tour of campus or city • Make Residence Halls welcoming • Translations for signs/important info. • Explain US customs or provide guides on using restrooms, laundry rooms, water fountains, dining facilities, trash chutes, etc.

  9. What We Can Do! Create Relationships! • Welcome students with a smile – be friendly! • Let int’l students know it’s ok if their English is not perfect • Slow down when speaking – avoid slang words! • Try not to raise your voice or talk too fast • Use hand gestures or a translator if needed • Programming – Buddy Programs, Friendship Family Program, Conversation Tables, Student Ambassador Programs, Cultural Food Nights, Game Nights • Intramural/Pick-Up games: Soccer, Basketball, Badminton, Ping Pong

  10. Introduce Yourself – Go around the circleand tell us your name, what school and country you are from. Let’s Break Some Ice! Where Were You? – On January 1, 2014Go around the circle, having everyone tell where he or she was at that time, and what they were doing.

  11. Let’s Break Some Ice! Lollipops -- For every letter that appears in the color of your lollipop, each participant has to share something about him/herself with the group.(E.g. “RED: I come from Russia, I like Eggplant, and I DANCE a lot.”) BROWN – 5 Letters = 5 items to share with your group BLUE – 4 Letters = 4 items to share with your group GREEN – 5 Letters = 5 items to share with your group ORANGE – 6 Letters = 6 items to share with your group PURPLE – 6 Letters = 6 items to share with your group RED – 3 Letters = 3 items to share with your group

  12. Questions?

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