Image credit: Khazar international students on archaeology trip taken by Buyerlerdeqalardim under Public Domain.
With more people migrating these days, it is already a normal scene for universities or schools to host foreign students. This is a good move as it simply proves that we are now living in a borderless world. It is also good since local students have the chance to interact with foreign students and learn more about foreign culture. It could also be beneficial the other way around. The list of advantages can go on and on. Sadly, it might also lead to potential problems.
This is true especially if the foreign student begins to demonstrate behavioral problems. Some students might have attendance issues. There are also those who don’t talk inside the class at all. Some others fail their subjects. Worse, they even get in a fight with other local students. Therefore, school officials have to do something. In dealing with these students, here are some tips to remember:
• Make sure to know the family background of the students. This student might have caused problems since the parents are away all the time or they have just forced the student to study in a school where they don’t like. Some students might even be forced to move to another country due to the problem their family faced in their respective countries. Thus, they tend to be rebellious as they feel disconnected with their current environment.
• Foreign students will most likely encounter culture shock. This is just normal. It can happen to anyone who is in a different environment. Sadly, for some, it might take a much longer time to adjust. Thus, they need guidance. They need to feel that they are welcomed. There must be special activities where they can feel their importance. They must also be given the chance to learn more about the local culture so they can easily integrate with their new environment.
• Language might also be an issue. The student’s grasp of the English language might not be that good. Worse, if the local students are also not good in speaking English, they barely have any medium of communication. Thus, misunderstandings and misinterpretations are common. This is why it is important that they are given special language classes. Interpreters must also be present in the school so that someone will be there to interpret and translate for them.
• The teachers should spend time talking to the students about their learning styles and strategies. The educational system between the two countries might be the same, but the ways things are taught are different. In some countries, team learning or answering the exams as a group might fine. However, in other countries, it is considered cheating. There might also be some countries that are used to spoon feed their students while other countries focus more on independent learning. If students cannot adjust to these differences, they might end up losing interest in studying altogether.
• Be careful in scolding them or punishing them for their behaviors. In their country, they might not be used to such treatment. Thus, before thinking of any punishment, you need to be clear about school rules and policies that they have to follow. They must also understand the local culture. They need to know what is appropriate and what is not.
Foreign students are assets to any school or university in which they have decided to enroll. Thus, they must be given proper guidance so they will no longer demonstrate behavioral problems.