How can you encourage international students to engage in school life?

This seems a bit reductive to represent international students entering local schools but it has an impact far outside of it. Giving students who enter a new program partners who are in the same entering group or giving students in transition within local schools a partner who is also doing the same can help establish ties that go even beyond assigning somebody to be their friend.

Collaborating with local students can always help International students feel at home and learn the social ethics, language and culture of the place. Knowing the people and local language will help the students to bond well and learn things easily.

Implementing a buddy system pairs international students with local mentors, providing practical assistance in navigating the school environment and fostering a personal connection. Buddies help newcomers understand campus layout, locate facilities, and grasp school procedures. This initiative not only aids in adapting to the social and academic landscape, but also promotes the exchange of cultural perspectives, boosting the overall educational experience for both international and local students.

Ensuring that information and communication are accessible in multiple languages is a vital step towards creating an inclusive and supportive environment for international students. By offering essential messages and updates in a variety of languages, schools actively work to diminish language barriers that international students may encounter. This approach goes beyond mere translation, acknowledging the diversity of languages within the student body and affirming the value of every student's linguistic background. As a result, international students can stay well-informed about school activities, policies and important announcements, fostering a sense of inclusion and engagement.

Language support should be available in every sort of class. Even within people that speak the same language, levels of literacy very wildly and textbooks and educational materials are often not at all optimized to the typical reading level of a class. I taught in numerous situations within the US where Spanish was the only offered ESL support and the students could be from anywhere. Now that I work internationally, the people who are against language support in English language programs frustrate me intensely.

Recognising and celebrating the significant cultural holidays of international students within the school community is a meaningful gesture that fosters inclusivity. By acknowledging these cultural observances, schools not only honor the backgrounds of their diverse student body, but also contribute to a more culturally aware and informed environment. This practice goes beyond mere acknowledgment; it serves as an educational opportunity for the broader student community, promoting understanding, tolerance, and respect for different cultures. In doing so, schools cultivate a sense of unity and appreciation for diversity, fostering a more harmonious and enriching educational atmosphere for everyone.

These should be organized constantly even if you do not have international students present. One of the best functions of education is context for an ever-broadening world with an ever-shrinking amount of globalization.

Provide a means of communication and a system that acknowledges that communication. Provide dedicated events and sessions that represent one particular cultural strength and what that looks like from another perspective. Have bilingual support for families at school events. Translate import educational documents and school policies into different languages.

The people who somehow seem afraid of parent communication also seem to have the most trouble with parents from any culture. Educational leadership is a sales job as we promote and raise funds for institutions but it is also a customer service job. For people from another culture, a strong base of communication makes them feel acknowledged and accepted.

International students usually want to build an academic profile to get to the best school they possibly can. Feedback is critical for that to happen. Academic feedback, language feedback, extracurricular feedback, and attempts to bridge the knowledge gaps that students and their families have for how you get to those places and thrive once you do.

Regular check-ins with international students are essential for assessing their wellbeing, addressing any concerns, and offering additional support when needed. These check-ins establish open communication channels, creating a positive and supportive environment within the school community. By actively engaging with the experiences and needs of international students, schools demonstrate a commitment to their welfare and contribute to a sense of belonging, ensuring that every student feels heard, valued, and supported throughout their educational journey.

To encourage international students to engage more in the university, it is imperative that the campus provides them with not just academic support but also mental health support. International students are susceptible to decline in mental health due to home sickness, cultural and language barriers, and other stressors. If we take care of their mental health, then they would have the mental capacity to become more engaged with the campus community. Mental health challenges affect one's motivation and confidence. If an international student who struggles with his/her mental health feels demotivated and worthless, then he/she would not want to engage with the campus community because he/she would be focused on surviving instead of thriving.