7. Top Tips
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Design induction programmes and published materials with international students in mind.
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Clarify differences in the approach to learning and assessment in the UK early on and emphasise what is expected of students.
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Consider the need for administrative roles specific to the support of international students (e.g. a Librarian or Advisor dedicated to international students).
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Mentoring by more experienced students, or 'buddy' schemes, can help international students integrate into university life and makes it easier for them to resolve simple issues.
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Actively aim to mix international and UK students for example when creating groups for projects and presentations, and highlight to students the potential gain in complementary and transferable skills.
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When designing courses, take care to select diverse examples suitable for an international audience.
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Use terms consistently, highlight subtle differences in the meaning of key words and take care to explain Latin terms.
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International students, who tend to be reluctant to ask questions in class, are likely to benefit if teachers make themselves available for a few minutes after class.
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Diversify course assessment to balance the use of language and numeracy skills; innovative practices, such as a peer-reviewed student presentation, can motivate and harness expectations, develop key skills and build confidence.
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Provide access to support services and training opportunities, such as language support, a proof-reading service, training on how to prepare and deliver a presentation, and academic writing.
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Incorporate aspects of learning and teaching relating to international students when designing training for new staff or graduate teaching assistants.
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Actively engaging with international students can allow programmes to evolve in ways that enhance the student experience, for example offering training opportunities with local firms.
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A pre-degree foundation year, focusing in English for Academic Purposes, may be valuable for departments with very large cohorts of international students; similarly, academic English for economists might be provided in-house by departments.
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Drawing from the experiences of alumni and social events can be a valuable means of facilitating the integration of international students.
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Encouraging the creation of national student societies can offer useful networking opportunities for students with similar backgrounds who may face similar challenges.
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