What are the best ways to support international students during enrollment?

Enrolling in a higher education institution can be a daunting and exciting experience, especially for international students who have to navigate different academic, cultural, and linguistic expectations. How can you support these students and make them feel welcome and prepared for their studies? Here are some best practices to consider.

1 Pre-arrival communication

Before international students arrive on campus, you can help them prepare by providing clear and timely information about the admission process, visa requirements, health insurance, housing options, orientation programs, and academic expectations. You can also create a dedicated website, email newsletter, or social media group for international students, where they can access useful resources, ask questions, and connect with peers and staff. Additionally, you can offer online webinars, workshops, or mentoring sessions to address common concerns and introduce them to the campus culture.

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Thorsten Wilhelm
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Provide detailed admission information and dedicated staff for continuous visa guidance. Offer comprehensive pre-arrival details, covering orientation, accommodation, and cultural insights. Provide language assistance & proficiency tests.Tailor programs for academic and cultural adjustments, including healthcare information. Facilitate cultural exchange events & mentorship programs. Clearly outline fees, payment methods, and deadlines. Offer guidance on health insurance and mental health services, including counseling. Provide clear information on visas, work regulations, and legal obligations. Organize social events to foster connections and support clubs for networking.

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2 Orientation and induction

Once international students arrive on campus, you can support them by offering a comprehensive and inclusive orientation and induction program that covers both academic and non-academic aspects of their transition. You can include sessions on academic skills, policies, and resources, as well as on cultural adjustment, campus safety, student services, and extracurricular activities. You can also organize social events, tours, and icebreakers to help international students meet and interact with other students, faculty, and staff. Furthermore, you can assign a buddy, mentor, or advisor to each international student, who can provide ongoing guidance and support throughout their enrollment.

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3 Language and academic support

International students may face language and academic challenges, such as understanding lectures, writing assignments, participating in discussions, or referencing sources. You can support them by providing language and academic support services, such as tutoring, workshops, online modules, feedback, or peer review. You can also encourage them to use the library, the writing center, the learning center, or other campus resources that can help them improve their skills and performance. Moreover, you can foster a supportive and respectful learning environment, where international students can express their opinions, ask questions, and collaborate with others.

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4 Cultural and social support

International students may also experience cultural and social difficulties, such as homesickness, loneliness, culture shock, or discrimination. You can support them by providing cultural and social support services, such as counseling, health and wellness, diversity and inclusion, or student clubs and organizations. You can also promote intercultural awareness and sensitivity among the campus community, by organizing events, activities, or campaigns that celebrate and respect the diversity of international students. Additionally, you can facilitate opportunities for international students to engage with the local community, such as volunteering, internships, or cultural exchanges.

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Albena R. Ivanova

Professor of Operations Management
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Make that the international students know the cycle of the cultural shock. At the beginning everything is new and exciting. After a few months, they would start feeling homesick. Within six months, they would start feeling very lonely and unattached from the environment. It is important to explain to them that this is a normal transition period and it should pass within few months.

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5 Feedback and evaluation

Finally, you can support international students by soliciting and responding to their feedback and evaluation of their enrollment experience. You can use surveys, focus groups, interviews, or suggestion boxes to collect their opinions, suggestions, or complaints. You can also use data and analytics to monitor their progress, satisfaction, retention, or outcomes. Based on their feedback and evaluation, you can identify the strengths and weaknesses of your support services, and make improvements or adjustments accordingly.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Olayide Adejumobi

Experienced Healthcare Professional | Specializing in Medical Nutrition Therapy, Public Health, and SDOH-Focused Project Management
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One can help international students by assigning dedicated staff to guide them through paperwork, housing, and campus life. Be clear about scholarships, explaining how to apply, who's eligible, and when funds are available. Offer money management workshops so students can handle expenses confidently. Ask for feedback to improve support. Arrange cultural events and mentorship programs to help them feel at home. Making things clear and offering ongoing help makes a big difference.

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What are the best ways to support international students during enrollment?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Pre-arrival communication

2 Orientation and induction

3 Language and academic support

4 Cultural and social support

5 Feedback and evaluation

6 Here’s what else to consider

Higher Education

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What are the best ways to support international students during enrollment?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Pre-arrival communication

2 Orientation and induction

3 Language and academic support

4 Cultural and social support

5 Feedback and evaluation

6 Here’s what else to consider

Higher Education

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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