Internationalizing Campus Partners

Abstract

The available discourse on how international students’ needs and expectations are accommodated in U.S. higher education institutions is extensive while the corresponding research on how International Services’ Staff (ISS) are prepared for the challenge is limited. The purpose of this essay was to research the personal, academic, and professional background of individuals working in International Services Offices (ISOs) nationwide and identify issues that are not sufficiently addressed. The survey allowed for the collection of data on the training and experience of International Services Staff as well as the methods and strategies used to effectively communicate with international students. Upon discussion of the findings and their significance, the author proposes future recommendations through the implementation of a practical training module.

Anything Students Can Learn, Staff and Faculty Can Learn Too: Intercultural Learning in Staff and Faculty Study Abroad

“…While institutions make an effort to teach or train intercultural competence in a traditional classroom or workshop setting, direct experience or contact with cultural difference, often through study abroad, continues to be the foremost vehicle for intercultural learning and assessment in post-secondary institutions (Koseva, 2017). As a result, there is greater urgency to increase the numbers of students studying abroad (Institute of International Education, 2019b).…”

“…As a result, there is greater urgency to increase the numbers of students studying abroad (Institute of International Education, 2019b). This urgency, along with the need to expand options for students in demanding majors have led to an expansion of short programs that include assessment of participant growth in intercultural competence (Koseva, 2017).…”