Assisting Students in Need:
International Students' Concerns
- Experiencing Academic Difficulty -

Identifying the Problem:

Sometimes international students experience academic difficulties, even though in their home countries they have been highly successful academically. They may face the same types of academic difficulties that U.S. students face, such as test anxiety, difficulty with concentration, time management and also different challenges, such as language and/or reading difficulties, unfamiliarity with American teaching methods. (See also Academic Difficulty).

Type of Difficulties Specific to International Students:

1. Differences in the education system in the U.S. compared to their home country's education system: for example, academic writing style, test formats, amount of student participation expected in the classroom, large and small group discussions, and note-taking practices.

2. Differences in academic relationships: instructor-student, GSI-student, advisor-student, administrative staff-student, and student-student.

3. Differences in help-seeking behaviors: for example, in many countries, it is not the individual student's responsibility to ask for help, but rather it is the responsibility of the instructor to offer assistance.

4. Immigration requirements: in order to maintain their legal status in the U.S., international students must maintain a full-course of study each semester and make continuous academic progress. Please note, however, that there are some circumstances in which an international student may be able to study part-time for a limited period of time provided that he or she has received permission in advance from the International Center. Documented medical conditions, for example, which can include mental health issues, may be the basis for a “reduced course load authorization.” See the “Resources for International Students’ Concerns” section for more information.
   

5. Most international students are away from their usual support systems, including family and friends.

How to Respond:

• Let the student know that you are concerned and would like to help. Sometimes just having the opportunity to talk about the situation will be great relief to the student.

• Ask the student what he or she thinks is the cause of the difficulty.

• Help normalize the situation and feel that they are not alone by letting them know that other students experience similar difficulties.

• Explain to the student that it is OK to ask for help.

• Explain the role of the instructor and the GSI in assisting students with difficulties, and tell them how to reach and meet with the instructor or GSI.

• You can call the International Center to consult with an advisor about how to handle the situation.

• Make a personal referral for the student (see Resources). Call ahead to get information so that you can help the student know what to expect when they arrive at the referral office. If possible, refer the student to a specific person.