Language
Currently WCU has an ESL (English as a Second Language) program at Western. Note
Link to Program. However, regular international degree-seeking students entering WCU have
to pass the TOEFL (or Test of English Fluency Language) which indicates their present understanding
of the English language. This does not, however, mean that their speaking ability
matches their level of understanding. Don’t assume that since a student has a hard
time speaking that they don’t understand what you are saying. Actually, it will be
rare that you will encounter an international student who doesn’t speak English fluently.
Most of our students either come from English speaking countries, or have attended
an English speaking school prior to attending WCU.
Educational Background
The American classroom setting might be a bit odd to the international student. Here
students engage in open conversation with their professors, can speak candidly and
openly, and sometimes can talk without having to hold up their hand first. In many
other countries, students don’t have that luxury. Many of our students come from
places where the classroom is simply a lecture and the information given must be memorized
and repeated for the exam. Critical thinking and creativity are not a part of their
classroom experience. Many students adjust to this quickly though and actually find
the ability to give their opinions very refreshing.
Religion
In most countries, religion is as much a part of their culture as flour is to bread.
People from India especially might be defensive if you say they are Hindu. Theologians
consider Hinduism a religion, but the people of India consider their religious acts,
beliefs, and rituals a part of their lifestyle and culture. There are other countries
that are similar to this. It is also important to remember that in some countries,
there is no freedom of religion. To most international students, religion is very
private and it is probably not a good idea to get into a discussion with them about
it. Actually, just like here in the U.S.
General Attitudes
We in the U.S. tend to be frank, outspoken, and opinionated compared to other countries
in the world. Some international student might find this obnoxious, while others
will find a sort of freedom with it. Also, our ideas of “independence” and “individuality”
could be confusing to some students. They may be coming from a country where dependence
and conformity are viewed as virtues! As with anyone who is different from you, it
is best to learn from them and their life story and try to understand where they are
coming from. The old “walk a mile in their shoes” idea.
Gestures and Communication
We have the luxury here to be able to speak freely about what we think and believe.
Some international students will need some time to adjust to this. It is best to
be open with these students and let them know it is okay for them to tell you when
they are uncomfortable with something you may be doing. Example: Say you are with
an international student and a bug lands on their shoulder. If it were me, I’d brush
it off. But with an international student, you might want to say, “Hey, you have
a bug on your shoulder. Do you want me to get it?” If they get it themselves, assume
that they are not comfortable with you touching them and that their comfort zone is
larger than yours. Also, when in conversation, it is always a good idea to ask an
international student what they think of the topic you are discussing. They will
not always openly share their opinions unless they are asked.
Campus Involvement
I bet if you asked students from this campus how have studied abroad who they became
friends with while they were abroad, they would say other international students.
Unfortunately, this is the same at WCU. Most of our international students either
hang out with each other or keep to themselves. So, if you have an international
student in your class or living on your hall, invite them to hang out with you, go
have dinner with you, or go to a club/campus organization meeting with you. This
way the international student will truly get a more holistic look at college life
in the U.S. And you might learn something from them too!
Diet and Eating
I’ll get right to it. Americans eat out more than they eat at home. This means that
junk food and fast food are at the core of our diets. This is a huge problem for
our international students! For many incoming students, they will never get used
to this. (Especially since the on campus options include food court type eateries
and buffet style cafeterias!) The best thing to do is to encourage international
students to cook for themselves (if a kitchen is available to them), find offerings
on campus that will work for them, or to speak with Dining Services about making a
change to the offerings on campus.
Transportation
This is probably the number one most important issue for our international students
here at WCU. Imagine not having family to go home to over breaks. Imagine not being
able to run to the store if you have something you need to get for class. Imagine
having to depend on someone else every single time you want to leave campus. This
is the situation roughly 96% of our international students are in. There are two
things you can do to help our international students out with this major issue: 1.)
if you have a car, extend an offer to take a student somewhere if they ever need it.
2.) advocate for extended transportation to off campus locations.
Measurements and Math
There are those who say that math is the universal language. Let me tell you, this
is not the truth. An obvious difference between the U.S. and other countries is the
use of the metric system. A not so obvious difference is how math is done. In some
countries basic numbering is done differently. For instance, in the U.S. the number
34 is said as “thirty-four”. In other countries 34 would be said as four and thirty.
Can you imagine doing math like that? So if there is an international student in
one of your math or economics classes, ask how they’re doing!
Health
Not only is healthcare given freely to citizens of some countries, but alternative
medicine is also available to them. All students at WCU must have health insurance
and this includes our international students. The student health insurance policy
covers only basic medical needs. So if a student is used to, say, acupuncture therapy
or herbal therapy, they’re out of luck. A good way to help them is to ask if they
would like accompaniment to their appointments! That way if they feel uncomfortable
about anything or have questions, you can be their support.
If you have any questions or would like some help working with an international student, please contact me! I would be happy to help you!
Christopher Pedo
International Student Advisor
Cordelia Camp Bldg. 109
828-227-2557
mailto:copedo@wcu.edu