As more international studies come to the United States, universities will need to amend their services and programs to ensure their needs are met. Unfortunately, this has been a slow process, and international students do face a number of challenges when they enroll in an American university. Obviously, the cultural and language differences can be a barrier, but it often extends well past that.
An article posted in the Harvard Crimson Review discussed some of the culture shock foreign students face and how these differences could interfere with their studies. For example, one student cited how, in his country, he was taught to be more modest and not speak up. In many university classes, participation is a percentage of the grade. Other students discussed how they were afraid to ask for help as this wasn't the norm in their home country.
Issues like these could cause the student to do poorly in school or deject them to the point where they drop out. Yet, there are ways colleges can do more to help these students succeed in their new environment. Here are four challenges foreign students face and ways colleges can help:
Different Tests: There is no one criteria for grading in American universities. Students may be asked to take a multitude of tests, give a speech, write a research paper, etc. International students may not be used to some of these grading items, which could affect their grade. Writing Center programs that cater to international students and other initiatives could help students better acclimate to new assignments.
Application Evaluation: Many universities are still behind the curve when it comes to transcript evaluation. They simply don't have the budget to hire evaluators to judge whether or not an international student should be accepted and where they should be placed. Hiring outsourced education evaluation services can help expedite the process.
Difference in Professors: Many international students come from countries where the professor is hands-off and is viewed as a superior. Although professors in the United States are treated with high levels of respect, many are more willing to help and welcome the idea of being a partner in your education. International students must be encouraged to seek help when they need it.
Strange Food: Food can be a comfort for someone in a new environment. However, it can also be another obstacle if an individual isn't used to the new cuisine. There also may be dietary restrictions due to religion or another belief system that creates challenges for international students not used to American food. Colleges can do more to include international foods in their dining options to provide international students with something they're comfortable with as they learn the nuances of an education in America.
An article posted in the Harvard Crimson Review discussed some of the culture shock foreign students face and how these differences could interfere with their studies. For example, one student cited how, in his country, he was taught to be more modest and not speak up. In many university classes, participation is a percentage of the grade. Other students discussed how they were afraid to ask for help as this wasn't the norm in their home country.
Issues like these could cause the student to do poorly in school or deject them to the point where they drop out. Yet, there are ways colleges can do more to help these students succeed in their new environment. Here are four challenges foreign students face and ways colleges can help:
Different Tests: There is no one criteria for grading in American universities. Students may be asked to take a multitude of tests, give a speech, write a research paper, etc. International students may not be used to some of these grading items, which could affect their grade. Writing Center programs that cater to international students and other initiatives could help students better acclimate to new assignments.
Application Evaluation: Many universities are still behind the curve when it comes to transcript evaluation. They simply don't have the budget to hire evaluators to judge whether or not an international student should be accepted and where they should be placed. Hiring outsourced education evaluation services can help expedite the process.
Difference in Professors: Many international students come from countries where the professor is hands-off and is viewed as a superior. Although professors in the United States are treated with high levels of respect, many are more willing to help and welcome the idea of being a partner in your education. International students must be encouraged to seek help when they need it.
Strange Food: Food can be a comfort for someone in a new environment. However, it can also be another obstacle if an individual isn't used to the new cuisine. There also may be dietary restrictions due to religion or another belief system that creates challenges for international students not used to American food. Colleges can do more to include international foods in their dining options to provide international students with something they're comfortable with as they learn the nuances of an education in America.