Thanks to my student Kristen VanCitters for conducting an interview with Moe Orihara, an international student from Tokyo, Japan,. Moe revealed many interesting topics and challenges that one faces when traveling to the United States from another country. These cross-cultural challenges bring many opportunities for new programs and ideas to help ease the transition into our very unique culture.
Tag Archives: Study Abroad
Video Interview: International Student from Japan in Reno, NV
Filed under Higher Education, International Education
International Ph.D. Student Talks About Transition into Reno, NV
Filiz Gozenman, a Ph.D. student from Turkey shares about her transitional experience into Reno, NV.
3 short videos:
Filed under Higher Education, International Education
Study Abroad in the U.S. with HLSL Institute
Did you know that the United States continues to be a top study abroad destination for international students? There have been significant enrollment increases of international students in the U.S. higher education system over the past six years. In fact, there was a 6.5% increase in 2012 from the previous year reaching a record high of 764,495 international students studying in the United States. Overall, by 2025, more than 8 million students are projected to be studying outside their home country. The largest international student population studying in the U.S. is Chinese students. Twenty-five percent of all international students studying in the U.S. are from Mainland China and Taiwan. Research suggests that this increasing trend will continue.
But does this matter and is it this trend a good thing? Yes and yes. International students heighten global diversity awareness on campuses helping colleges and universities achieve their diversity missions, contribute to high quality research, and provide significant financing to institutions and to the U.S. economy. Did you know that international students are a foreign policy asset contributing almost $22 billion annually to the U.S. economy? Yes, I said $22 billion.
But in order to maintain status as a top study abroad destination, the U.S. needs to begin investing in intercultural and cross-cultural research as well as specialized cultural services to address international student needs.
You see, there’s a large array of transitional difficulties impacting international students’ academic, social, and professional success. These students often struggle with language barriers, transportation challenges, social relationships, cultural differences, healthcare options, work (or lack thereof), life planning skills, new living conditions, and other cultural stresses. Many international students have described their campus’s services as limited and often inconsistent in helping with their cultural adaptation. In fact, most cross-cultural competency training only begins after international students arrive to their U.S. campus during their stressful first semester.
Cultural competence training does contribute to greater intercultural sensitivity and cross-cultural adaptation. In fact, cultural preparation and training supports student academic success and their overall wellness.
In addition, earlier cross-cultural preparation and more experience with or knowledge about a foreign culture, can help international students transition into the U.S. culture faster. So, we know what needs to be done, what are some ways to implement earlier and more effective cultural preparation for this emerging student population?
There is one academic pedagogical model, grounded on cross-cultural adaptation theory and student development theories, that prepares international students for successful cross-cultural adjustment and academic success: How Leaders Should Lead Institute (HLSL Institute). HLSL Institute has studied the unique needs of international students as well as campus best practices to address their unique transitional needs. Its programs are organized in three cross-cultural phases to meet this demographics unique academic adjustment needs:
- Predeparture cross-cultural training before international students come to the U.S.
- Post-arrival cross-cultural training during their studies abroad
- Repatriation preparation and/or professional development
Becoming a significant resource to improve study abroad, HLSL Institute works with public or private, two-year or four-year, traditional or online institutions to attract, recruit, retain, and graduate successful international students. As study abroad enrollment steadily increases, so too will the demand for higher quality cross-cultural student services.
In addition to students, HLSL Institute serves all new international travelers, expatriates, or persons relocating to a new culture in the U.S. To contact a program director or learn more information about HLSL Institute, visit www.hlslinstitute.org.
Filed under Higher Education, International Education
International Graduate Student Interview: Cross-Cultural Adaptation (China)
I’d like to thank my student Sarah for her excellent final project: International Student Interview. I would also like to thank Lai Wei for sharing her story with us. Because of their hard work, we have access to the cross-cultural experiences of a UNR international student from China. I hope that this helps students coming to America as well as educators in America better prepare for study abroad’s challenges and rewards.
Many of Lai Wei’s cross-cultural adaptation and transitional challenges are shared among international students. The following key points are from the video:
- Cross-Cultural Challenges: Culture differences & the language terms and phrases.
- She copes with challenges by asking lots of questions about the culture, working hard, and by practicing English with roommates, friends, and student colleagues.
- She likes the U.S. culture, friendly people, food, education system, technology, & shopping.
- She recommends that international students know the language, be open-minded before you arrive with flexible expectations of what students will experience.
- It has been a challenge not having family living in the U.S. but she did have friends from China studying in the U.S.
- She uses Q.Q. (like Skype) and email helps to connect her to friends and family back home. (Time difference is difficult).
- Study Abroad Rewards: New language skills, professional development, access to good education systems, cultural awareness.
To provide more stories about study abroad in America, I will post a new international student interview from a different country each week for the few weeks. Check out previous interviews students from Beijing, China, Vietnam, Bangkok, Thailand, the Congo, Japan, Mexico, London, & Netherlands. Hope you find this helpful and please comment if you do. Thanks.
Also, HLSL Institute is a helpful resource for international students, travelers, expatriates and expatriate families coming to the U.S. Check it out if you want help with cultural transition, language, transportation, and acculturation development.
Filed under Higher Education, International Education
International Student Interview: Cross-Cultural Adaptation (France)
I’d like to thank my student Adriana for her excellent final project: International Student Interview. I would also like to thank Mathieu for sharing his story with us. Because of their hard work, we have access to the cross-cultural experiences of an international student from France. I hope that this helps students coming to America as well as educators in America better prepare for study abroad’s challenges and rewards.
Many of Mathieu’s cross-cultural adaptation and transitional challenges are shared among international students. The following key points are from the video:
- Cross-Cultural Challenges: Culture differences, English language terms and phrases, making friends, separation from friends/family from France.
- He coped with challenges by studying hard, working on his English accent, communicating with Americans the majority of the time. Living with American peers, playing tennis, and being in high school helped adaptation.
- Food was much different/ a challenge.
- He likes the U.S. culture/diversity
- He recommends that international students get involved with local people, groups, and culture as soon as they can. Learn the language and adapt.
- Skype and email is fast and personal communication to connect with family/friends back home.
- Study Abroad Rewards: New language skills, professional development, job opportunities, access to good education systems, cultural awareness.
To provide more stories about study abroad in America, I will post a new international student interview from a different country each week for the few weeks. Check out previous interviews students from Beijing, China, Vietnam, Bangkok, Thailand, the Congo, Japan, Mexico, London, & Netherlands. Hope you find this helpful and please comment if you do. Thanks.
Also, HLSL Institute is a helpful resource for international students, travelers, expatriates and expatriate families coming to the U.S. Check it out if you want help with cultural transition, language, transportation, and acculturation development.
Filed under Higher Education, International Education
International Interview: Cross-Cultural Adaptation (Australia)
I’d like to thank my student Elizabeth for her excellent final project: International Interview. I would also like to thank Sarah from Australia for sharing her story with us. Because of their hard work, we have access to the cross-cultural experiences of an international traveler from Australia. I hope that this helps others coming to America as well as educators in America better prepare for study abroad’s challenges and rewards.
Many of Sarah’s cross-cultural adaptation and transitional challenges are shared among international travelers. The following key points are from the video:
- Cross-Cultural Challenges: Driving transportation rules & the language/slang terms and phrases.
- She coped with challenges by asking lots of questions and by getting involved with supportive friends, work colleagues, and groups.
- She likes the U.S. culture, friendly people, patriotism, food, & shopping.
- Sarah recommends that international students be open-minded and try not to have expectations before traveling to the U.S. (be ready to try new things)
- It has been a challenge not having family or friends living in the U.S. but Skype and email help to connect to them back home. (Time difference is difficult).
To provide more stories about study abroad in America, I will post a new international student interview from a different country each week for the few weeks. Check out previous interviews students from Beijing, China, Vietnam, Bangkok, Thailand, the Congo, Japan, Mexico, London, & Netherlands. Hope you find this helpful and please comment if you do. Thanks.
Also, HLSL Institute is a helpful resource for international students, travelers, expatriates and expatriate families coming to the U.S. Check it out if you want help with cultural transition, language, transportation, and acculturation development.
Filed under Higher Education, International Education
International Student Interview: Cross-Cultural Adaptation (Netherlands)
I’d like to thank my student Danielle for her excellent final project: International Student Interview. I would also like to thank Emma for sharing her story with us. Because of their hard work, we have access to the cross-cultural experiences of a UNR international student from Netherlands. I hope that this helps students coming to America as well as educators in America better prepare for study abroad’s challenges and rewards.
Many of Emma’s cross-cultural adaptation and transitional challenges are shared among international students. The following key points are from the video:
- Cross-Cultural Challenges: Academic differences, legal challenges, language, & culture shock.
- She coped with challenges with support from her teammates, her coach, and her American boyfriend. Her class work improved by practicing speaking and writing with friends and her boyfriend. They would edit and proofread papers.
- She likes the U.S. culture, sunny weather, friendly people, and convenience for travel.
- Emma recommends that international students pick a U.S. city that will make you happy (big city verse small town), go to the U.S. alone (make American friends and get involved with the new culture).
- It has been a challenge not having family or friends living in the U.S. but email and social media helps connect to them back home.
To provide more stories about study abroad in America, I will post a new international student interview from a different country each week for the few weeks. Check out previous interviews students from Beijing, China, Vietnam, Bangkok, Thailand, the Congo, Japan, Mexico, and London. Hope you find this helpful and please comment if you do. Thanks.
Also, HLSL Institute is a helpful resource for international students, travelers, expatriates and expatriate families coming to the U.S. Check it out if you want help with cultural transition, language, transportation, and acculturation development.
Filed under Higher Education, International Education
International Student Interview: Cross-Cultural Adaptation (Beijing, China)
I’d like to thank my student Briana for her excellent final project: International Student Interview. I would also like to thank Lucy for sharing her story with us. Because of their hard work, we have access to the cross-cultural experiences of a UNR international student from Beijing, China. I hope that this helps students coming to America as well as educators in America better prepare for study abroad’s challenges and rewards.
Many of Lucy’s cross-cultural adaptation and transitional challenges are shared among international students. The following key points are from the video:
- Cross-Cultural Challenges: Transportation, language, & culture shock.
- Lucy coped with language challenges by practicing “American English” speaking and writing skills every day by taking classes, asking questions, practicing with friends.
- She struggles with missing home, family, and friends. She used social media, Q.Q. (like Facebook), email, and phone calls to connect those back home weekly.
- Church has been a support system with learning how to drive, learning about the American culture, and practicing English.
- She likes the U.S. culture, less traffic and number of people, convenience for shopping, snow skiing, and movies.
- Lucy recommends that international students and travelers learn English and driving laws. Also, make American friends in addition to friends from your own country to get involved and learn the culture.
- She had a sister living in the U.S. and has been a helpful resource.
To provide more stories about study abroad in America, I will post a new international student interview from a different country each week for the few weeks. Check out previous interviews students from Beijing, China, Vietnam, Bangkok, Thailand, the Congo, Japan, Mexico, and London. Hope you find this helpful and please comment if you do. Thanks.
Also, HLSL Institute is a helpful resource for international students, travelers, expatriates and expatriate families coming to the U.S. Check it out if you want help with cultural transition, language, transportation, and acculturation development.
Filed under Higher Education, International Education
International Student Interview: Cross-Cultural Adaptation (London, England)
I’d like to thank my student Delvonya for her excellent final project: International Student Interview. I would also like to thank Patrick Nyeko for sharing his story with us. Because of their hard work, we have access to the cross-cultural experiences of a UNR international student from London, England. I hope that this helps students coming to America as well as educators in America better prepare for study abroad’s challenges and rewards.
Many of Patrick’s cross-cultural adaptation and transitional challenges are shared among international students. The following key points are from the video:
- Cross-Cultural Challenges: Language, homesickness, culture shock.
- He coped with language challenges by practicing “American English” speaking and writing skills every day by taking classes and practicing with friends.
- It was difficult competing with student peers and teammates because he felt he was at a disadvantage by not knowing the culture as he struggled with missing home, family, and friends. He used social media and email to connect those back home.
- The basketball team was a support and the athletic scholarship was helpful.
- There was no structured cultural transition assistance.
- He likes the U.S. culture, food, cars, big roads, diversity, the “American Dream” and freedom to create himself and be an individual.
- Patrick recommends that international students and travelers “get your papers right” and follow visa or passport processes. Also, know someone in the U.S. before you move here. Having no family or friends living in the U.S. was a challenge for Patrick.
To provide more stories about study abroad in America, I will post a new international student interview from a different country each week for the few weeks. Check out previous interviews students from Beijing, China, Vietnam, Bangkok, Thailand, the Congo, Japan, and Mexico. Hope you find this helpful and please comment if you do. Thanks.
Also, HLSL Institute is a helpful resource for international students, travelers, expatriates and expatriate families coming to the U.S. Check it out if you want help with cultural transition, language, transportation, and acculturation development.
Filed under Higher Education, International Education
International Student Interview: Cross-Cultural Adaptation (China)
I’d like to thank my student Sarah for her excellent final project: International Student Interview. I would also like to thank NingXin Wang for sharing her story with us. Because of their hard work, we have access to the cross-cultural experiences of a UNR international student from China. I hope that this helps students coming to America as well as educators in America better prepare for study abroad’s challenges and rewards.
Many of NingXin Wang’s cross-cultural adaptation and transitional challenges are shared among international students. The following key points are from the video:
- Cross-Cultural Challenges: Language, making friends, and culture shock.
- She coped with language challenges by practicing English and writing skills with family and taking classes.
- It was difficult making American friends. She flew home to China a lot to cope with culture shock. She tried fitting in with American friends by helping them get better grades (cheating) and trying to be seen as popular or cool.
- American classroom culture is very different. She stated that students are rude to teachers, she got bullied, and coursework progressed slowly.
- She still feels pressure because of Asian stereotypes. Language and American phrases is still a struggle.
- Being separated from family can be very challenging but she uses Skype & WeChat to communicate often.
- She likes the U.S. culture and diversity.
- NingXin Wang recommends that international students and travelers “be open-minded” and practice English often.
- Having a family member living in the U.S. helped NingXin’s adjustment.
To provide more stories about study abroad in America, I will post a new international student interview from a different country each week for the few weeks. Check out previous interviews students from Beijing, China, Vietnam, Bangkok, Thailand, the Congo, Japan, and Mexico. Hope you find this helpful and please comment if you do. Thanks.
Also, HLSL Institute is a helpful resource for international students, travelers, expatriates and expatriate families coming to the U.S. Check it out if you want help with cultural transition, language, transportation, and acculturation development.
Filed under Higher Education, International Education
International Student Interview: Cross-Cultural Adaptation (Mexico)
I’d like to thank my student Kourtney for her excellent final project: International Student Interview. I would also like to thank Amanda for sharing her story with us. Because of their hard work, we have access to the cross-cultural experiences of a UNR international student from Mexico. I hope that this helps students coming to America as well as educators in America better prepare for study abroad’s challenges and rewards.
Many of Amanda’s cross-cultural adaptation and transitional challenges are shared among international students. The following key points are from the video:
•Cross-Cultural Challenges: Language, making friends, and transportation. She coped with language challenges by practicing with family. She has made American friends through her cousin. Until Amanda gets a drivers license, she relies on family to get around town.
•Being separated from family can be very challenging but she uses Skype and email to communicate often.
•She likes the U.S. culture and food the most.
•Amanda recommends that international students and travelers “Be proactive” by learning about where they’re moving to and to get involved with extracurricular activities. She joined a church and Cross-fit (gym exercise class).
•Having a family member living in the U.S. helped Amanda’s adjustment.
To provide more stories about study abroad in America, I will post a new international student interview from a different country each week for the few weeks. Check out previous interviews students from Beijing, China, Vietnam, Bangkok, Thailand, the Congo, Japan, El Salvador. Hope you find this helpful and please comment if you do. Thanks.
Also, HLSL Institute is a helpful resource for international students, travelers, expatriates and expatriate families coming to the U.S. Check it out if you want help with cultural transition, language, transportation, and acculturation development.
Filed under Higher Education, International Education
International Student Interview: Cross-Cultural Adaptation (El Salvador)
I’d like to thank my student Sarah Bellows for her excellent final project: International Student Interview. I would also like to thank Alex for sharing her story with us. Because of their hard work, we have access to the cross-cultural experiences of a UNR international student from El Salvador. I hope that this helps students coming to America as well as educators in America better prepare for study abroad’s challenges and rewards.
Many of Alex’s cross-cultural adaptation and transitional challenges are shared among international students. The following key points are from the video:
- Cross-Cultural Challenges: Language, making friends, and family separation. She coped with language challenges by practicing with family & Truckee Meadows Community College classes. She has made American friends through classes and work.
- Being separated from family can be very challenging but she visits home and uses Facebook, Skype, and email to communicate often.
- She likes the U.S. culture and educational system. She considers the U.S. as her home.
- Alex recommends that international students and travelers make the move to America by following all legal processes and paperwork.
- Study Abroad Rewards: Increases professional development, knowledge/experience, open-mindedness. Builds friendships, language skills, cultural competencies, international experience.
To provide more stories about study abroad in America, I will post a new international student interview from a different country each week for the few weeks. Check out previous interviews students from Beijing, China, Vietnam, Bangkok, Thailand, the Congo, and Japan. Hope you find this helpful and please comment if you do. Thanks.
Also, HLSL Institute is a helpful resource for international students, travelers, expatriates and expatriate families coming to the U.S. Check it out if you want help with cultural transition, language, transportation, and acculturation development.
Filed under Higher Education, International Education
International Student Interview: Cross-Cultural Adaptation (Japan)
I’d like to thank my student Emily Thibault for her excellent final project: International Student Interview. I would also like to thank Akane Hagiya for sharing her story with us. Because of their hard work, we have access to the cross-cultural experiences of a UNR international student from Japan. I hope that this helps students coming to America as well as educators in America better prepare for study abroad’s challenges and rewards.
Many of Akane’s cross-cultural adaptation and transitional challenges are shared among international students. The following key points are from the video:
- Cross-Cultural Challenges: Language, making friends, and family separation. She coped with language challenges by practicing with friends/teammates/family & taking English classes. She had made more friends by getting involved with sports, classmates, and roommates. Experiencing American cultural traditions (Thanksgiving dinner) with host country nationals was helpful. Being separated from family can be very challenging but she used Skype and email to stay in touch.
- Akane shares that weekly dinners with other international students and with American teachers and families are very helpful.
- She likes the U.S. culture and educational system.
- Akane recommends that that international students make new American friends and join their groups to practice English. Getting out of your comfort zone will help you fully learn about the American culture.
- Study Abroad Rewards: Increases professional development, knowledge/experience, open-mindedness. Builds friendships, language skills, cultural competencies, international experience.
To provide more stories about study abroad in America, I will post a new international student interview from a different country each week for the few weeks. Check out previous interviews students from Beijing, China, Vietnam, Bangkok, Thailand, and the Congo. Hope you find this helpful and please comment if you do. Thanks.
Also, HLSL Institute is a helpful resource for international students, travelers, expatriates and expatriate families coming to the U.S. Check it out if you want help with cultural transition, language, transportation, and acculturation development.
Filed under Higher Education, International Education
International Student Interview: Cross-Cultural Adaptation (Congo & Gabon, South Africa)
I’d like to thank my student Kayla Williams for her excellent final project: International Student Interview. I would also like to thank Mireille (Mimi) for sharing her story with us. Because of their hard work, we have access to the cross-cultural experiences of a UNR international student from Congo, Africa. I hope that this helps students coming to America as well as educators in America better prepare for study abroad’s challenges and rewards.
Many of Mimi’s cross-cultural adaptation and transitional challenges are shared among international students. The following key points are from the video:
- Cross-Cultural Challenges: Language and family separation. She coped with language challenges by practicing with friends/teammates/family & taking English classes. She had made more friends by getting involved with sports. Being separated from family can be very challenging but she used social media and phone calls to stay in touch. (Skype).
- When Mimi came to the U.S., she knew people here which is helpful.
- She likes the U.S. culture and freedom of speech.
- Study Abroad Rewards: Increases professional development, athletic opportunities, knowledge/experience, open-mindedness. Builds friendships, language skills, cultural competencies, international experience.
To provide more stories about study abroad in America, I will post a new international student interview from a different country each week for the few weeks. Check out previous interviews with Jiao Jiao from Beijing, China, Nikki from Vietnam, or Chavisa from Bangkok, Thailand. Hope you find this helpful and please comment if you do. Thanks.
Also, HLSL Institute is a helpful resource for international students, travelers, expatriates and expatriate families coming to the U.S. Check it out if you want help with cultural transition, language, transportation, and acculturation development.
Filed under Higher Education, International Education
International Student Interview: Cross-Cultural Adaptation (Bangkok, Thailand)
I’d like to thank my student Dana Moreno for her excellent final project: International Student Interview. I would also like to thank Chavisa for sharing her story with us. Because of their hard work, we have access to the cross-cultural experiences of a UNR international student from Bangkok, Thailand. I hope that this helps students coming to America as well as educators in America better prepare for study abroad’s challenges and rewards.
Many of Chavisa’s cross-cultural adaptation and transitional challenges are shared among international students. The following key points are from the video:
- Cross-Cultural Challenges: Language and family separation. She coped with language challenges by practicing with friends/teammates in addition to watching movies, listening to music, writing, and getting involved with activities to use the English language often. She had made more friends by getting involved with sports. Being separated from family can be very challenging but she used social media to stay in touch. (Skype and Facebook).
- When Chavisa came to the U.S., she knew people here which is helpful. She also had experience in Australia which helped prepare her for life in the U.S.
- She likes the U.S. culture, educational system, and diversity of people here
- Study Abroad Rewards: Increases professional development, confidence, knowledge/experience, open-mindedness. Builds friendships, language skills, cultural competencies, international experience.
To provide more stories about study abroad in America, I will post a new international student interview from a different country each week for the few weeks. Check out previous interviews with Jiao Jiao from Beijing, China or Nikki from Vietnam. Hope you find this helpful and please comment if you do. Thanks.
Also, HLSL Institute is a helpful resource for international students, travelers, expatriates and expatriate families coming to the U.S. Check it out if you want help with cultural transition, language, transportation, and acculturation development.
Filed under Higher Education, International Education
International Student Interview: Cross-Cultural Adaptation (Vietnam)
I’d like to thank my student Shirin Abboud for her excellent final project: International Student Interview. I would also like to thank Nhi (Nikki) Vuong for sharing her story with us. Because of their hard work, we have access to the cross-cultural experiences of a UNR international student from Vietnam. I hope that this helps students coming to America as well as educators in America better prepare for study abroad’s challenges and rewards.
Many of Nikki’s cross-cultural adaptation and transitional challenges are shared among international students. The following key points are from the video:
- Cross-Cultural Challenges: Language, making friends, and family separation. She coped with language challenges by practicing with friends/teammates in addition to watching movies, writing, asking questions, and getting involved with activities to use the English language often. She made friends by being more outgoing and getting involved with sports. Being separated from family can be very challenging but Nikki uses social media to stay in touch.
- Nikki came to the U.S. with her immediate family so knowing someone here is helpful but it means that there are more cross-cultural complexities that come with more people transitioning into the U.S. culture.
- She likes the U.S. culture/friendly people/diversity
- Study Abroad Rewards: Increases confidence, knowledge/experience, open-mindedness. Builds friendships, language skills, cultural competencies, international experience.
To provide more stories about study abroad in America, I will post a new international student interview from a different country each week for the three weeks. Check out last week’s interview with Jiao Jiao from Beijing, China. Hope you find this helpful and please comment if you do. Thanks.
Also, HLSL Institute is a helpful resource for international students, travelers, expatriates and expatriate families coming to the U.S. Check it out if you want help with cultural transition, language, transportation, and acculturation development.
Filed under Higher Education, International Education
International Student Interview: Cross-Cultural Adaptation (Beijing, China)
I’d like to thank my student Amanda Santos for her excellent final project: International Student Interview. I would also like to thank Mengjiao Mi “Jiao Jiao”, for sharing her story with us. Because of their hard work, we have access to the cross-cultural experiences of a UNR international student from Beijing, China. I hope that this helps students coming to America as well as educators in America better prepare for study abroad’s challenges and rewards.
Many of Jiao Jiao’s cross-cultural adaptation and transitional challenges are shared among international students. The following key points are from the video:
- Jiao Jiao just graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno this month! Congrats Jiao Jiao!
- Jiao Jiao is an accomplished UNR athlete (impressive dedication for her studies and sports commitments)
- Cross-Cultural Challenges: Language, time management, and family separation. She coped with language challenges by practicing with friends and teammates, asking questions, and getting involved with activities to use the English language often. She coped with balancing academic and athletic responsibilities by structuring time management skills. Being separated from friends and family can be very challenging but she used social media to connect and stay in touch. Time differences were an issue but staying up late or getting up early to chat was worth it.
- Jiao Jiao came to the U.S. without knowing anyone here. (That takes courage)
- She likes the U.S. food (except raw,cold vegetables) & U.S. culture/friendly people (but was shocked about dating culture).
- Jiao Jiao is planning on applying to UNR’s Public Health Masters program in 2014
- Study Abroad Rewards: Increases confidence, knowledge/experience, open-mindedness. Builds friendships, language skills, cultural competencies, international experience.
To provide more stories about study abroad in America, I will post a new international student interview from a different country each week for the next month. Hope you find this helpful and please comment if you do. Thanks.
Also, HLSL Institute is a helpful resource for international students, travelers, expatriates and expatriate families coming to the U.S. Check it out if you want help with cultural transition, language, transportation, and acculturation development.
Filed under Higher Education, International Education
New Nevada Higher Education Funding Formula: Making International Students More of a Priority
There are two aspects of the new Nevada higher education funding formula that will contribute towards a stronger demand for international students. The first involves how Nevada college and university revenue will be calculated. The traditional formula was based on student enrollment (colleges received funding based on the number of students who enrolled in courses). The new funding formula is based on student completion rates (colleges receive funding based on the number of students who pass their courses). This change means that colleges and universities only get paid if the students are successful and pass a class.
(old) Enrollment rates —> (new) weighted student course + completion rates = Pay for performance model
This is a good change if Nevada’s colleges have high performing students who pass all their classes. Unfortunately, research demonstrates that this is not always the case. Out of seven public colleges and universities and a handful of private colleges in the state, in-state (resident) students only demonstrate approximately 50% graduation rates within 6 years; whereas, non-resident aliens (out-of-state/international) students demonstrate approximately 70% graduation rates. This means that the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) will collect approximately 20% more revenue from international and out-of-state students.
The second aspect of the new NV higher education funding formula that contributes towards a stronger demand for international students includes how student tuition/fees are kept on campus. You see, in-state (resident) students pay approximately $6,500 per year whereas; non-resident aliens (out-of-state/international) students pay approximately $20,000 per year. Nevada higher education institutions will be able to keep more of their out-of-state student tuition/fees compared to the in-state student tuition/fees based on this new formula.
Remember, higher education is a business. If international students bring in more out-of-state tuition/revenue and are more likely to pass their courses (hence, more money), colleges and universities will undoubtedly favor and invest in international student recruitment, retention, and graduation. This is a significant change for Nevada since for many years institutions have under-appreciated the vast diversity and globalization benefits that international students contribute to campuses and communities. Hopefully, the unintended consequences of this new funding formula will ultimately stimulate greater research, cross-cultural support services, and international partnerships in Nevada.
Filed under Higher Education, International Education
Knock Knock…Who’s there? International Students and We Want Your Attention.
By 2025, more than 8 million students are projected to be studying abroad (outside their home country). This increasing demand for international education presupposes a growing need for student support resources to accommodate a growing international student aggregate. But as higher education systems struggle with state and federal disinvestment (funding and support), it will also struggle with providing necessary resources (staffing, space, funding, etc.) for student success. In the midst of this academic conundrum, international students will seek what other options are available. This is a problem for higher education since it already completes with public, private, online, for-profit and non-profit educational entities for quality international students. The colleges and universities who can’t provide and support their current students won’t be able to attract/recruit new ones.
Did you know that international students have different needs than domestic/traditional students? For example, the need for cross-cultural transition education directly impacts student performance. Many colleges and universities don’t provide the cross-cultural support. If it is provided, many services are often very minimal, provided long after the semester initiated, or are grant funded (which means the money can always be discontinued after the fixed contract). This is truly unfortunate for the international student body. Cultural differences between American college cultures and the norms of international students can influence academic success, social skills, psychological health, and professional development.
If students are not provided proper cross-cultural training before they arrive on American campuses and are not supported during post-induction cultural transitions, serious factors can derail their academic and professional goals (not to mention their overall wellness: psychological, emotional, financial, and physical wellbeing).
As higher education continues to feel the growing pains and pressures to enhance international student recruitment and retention, I believe there is a greater need to prioritize cross-cultural services. If international students don’t experience a healthy transition, they are not as apt to succeed and pass their classes.
Filed under Higher Education, International Education
What Makes a Successful Expatriate or Student Traveling Abroad?
As I research and develop new strategies to increase USAC student, US expatriate, and transpatriate success rates, I realize that job satisfaction and mission achievement are dependent on two things: the caliber of early training/preparation and the clear expectations of individual performance. These are the essential elements that students and employees must have in order to accomplish their learning or working objectives abroad.
Regardless of the reason for international travel, certain levels of preparation and study are required for optimal success overseas. In the last few months, through interviewing transnational companies and researching study abroad programs, I have found that intensive international training models are lacking. A successful trip overseas should include pre-travel assessments, continuous evaluation while abroad, and post-travel assessment in addition to supplemental cross-cultural sensitivity and customs training. As digital citizens, communication is made easy and bimonthly updates should be protocol for every student and employee. Dependable liaisons in both parent-country and host-country should be provided as well. Commitments to host-country relationships should be made far before the student or employee leaves the US and should be sustained while living in the host-country. Practicing the language and using local resources while participating in internships or volunteer positions can help speed through transition stages. Also, membership in community clubs, churches, and organizations should be considered to fast-track assimilation, strengthen relationships, maximize opportunities, and take advantage of time spent overseas. A clear understanding of host-country cultural dimensions should prepare the traveler for the new region’s values and customs.
Did you know that the US is known for having the highest expatriate failure rates? Research shows that this is largely due to family member cross-cultural inadaptability (not able to transition beyond culture shock stages). Often, US expatriates travel overseas with their spouse and children but companies underestimate their influence on employee performance. Companies should recognize the importance to thoroughly prepare family members as well as the employee. An unhappy family can lead to an unhappy expatriate; thus a lower return rate on company investments. Personalized training models that provide adaptation shortcuts will significantly help reduce periods of frustration and homesickness. Mentors and SykpePals (like pen-pals) will also encourage a faster transition even before the student or employee leaves America.
As we continue to notice the impact of world staffing for global operations, we witness the development of global citizens or third country nationals (TCNs). The amount of international accomplishment and job satisfaction presupposes the amount of time and money invested into overseas preparation. Increase your success rate while studying or working in a foreign country by being honest with what you are expected to achieve and what you must do in order to achieve it. Visualize yourself in the new living environment and make local mentor connections to guide your transition. Finally, dedicate sufficient time preparing for the language, cultural, and logistical differences abroad. For tricks, tips, and training, email me at tara@taramaddendent.com. We can discuss the newest model of cross-cultural adaptation I am currently researching, designing, and testing to increase student, US expatriates, and transpatriate success rates.
Filed under Higher Education, Leadership
Tara Madden-Dent, Ph.D. 