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Yesterday I ran into a desperate student from Nigerian who just arrived at campus. He was lost, did not wear enough layers and without a functional phone. As we see more international students arriving this year due to relieved travel ban, here are some helpful tips to help them-
1. International students are often shy, so it is important to be proactive in offering help. Ask them specific questions like “Do you have a way to go to groceries?” “Are you able to keep up with the class and TA assignments?”
2. If you are a PI, please give international students extra time in picking up pace in research because they will need to adjust to language barrier, cultural differences and other challenges in the first year.
3. If you are teaching a class, don’t be afraid of asking international students to answer questions. They are often shy and will not raise hands. Speaking in front of people will greatly boost their confidence, and make them feel be seen.
4. When you are in a conversation with international students, try not to refer to too many things specific to American culture (pop culture, celebrities, politics, etc), because international students will get lost and feel like they are not part of the conversation.
If you have to use some cultural references or slangs, explain them for international students even if they don’t ask (they typically won’t interrupt the conversation and ask for those terms but they do get lost).
5. Those are only my own suggestions. It might differ for each international students. The most important thing is to be sincere, and have genuine interest for the life of international students. Talk with them and understand their thoughts and feelings.
Meanwhile be humble, admitting that we don’t really understand their situation and we are all awkward in offering help. Considering this as an opportunity for us to grow with the students, and treat each other as a holistic person. The students will feel your heart~
As an international student myself, I know how it feels to be invisible, to feel not belong. When I first came to US five years ago, I was so clumsy and nervous, just like the Nigeria student.
International students are often underrepresented because not many of us are vocal. If you are an international student like me, I encourage you to speak up. Share your thoughts and feelings with others. There are so many caring people who are willing to learn about our world.
Apologize for the typo. Student from Nigeria
