Supporting International Students in Online Classes

  Design a Welcome Message

Prompt:
Imagine you're crafting the perfect welcome message for an international student taking your online class. In a few sentences:

  1. Greet your student warmly.
  2. Reassure them about time zones and internet challenges.
  3. Offer clear steps for how they can connect with you (e.g., office hours, email, or discussion boards).

Example Starter:
"Hello [Student Name], welcome to our class! I understand you might be in a different time zone or have internet challenges, and I’ll make sure recorded lectures and flexible options are available. Please feel free to reach out during office hours or via email—I’m here to support you!"

Reflection:
Once you've written your message, ask yourself: Does it make the student feel included and supported? If not, what could you add?

Why it Matters

International students face unique challenges in remote learning environments, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are practical ways to support their success:

Time Zones

Many international students are learning from vastly different time zones. While some may attend synchronous classes late at night, this is not ideal for effective learning.

Internet Challenges

Students abroad may experience issues with internet access, speed, and stability. Certain applications or websites may also be restricted or difficult to use.

  • Tip: Provide alternative ways to meet course requirements and check in regularly about technology difficulties to keep students engaged.

Syllabus Guidance

International students may not be familiar with U.S. syllabi or classroom practices.

  • Tips:
    • Include an introductory message explaining the importance of the syllabus.
    • Expand descriptions of assignments, exams, due dates, participation, and office hours to provide clarity.

Participation

Cultural differences in communication styles can impact how students participate in class.

  • Tips:
    • Clearly define your participation expectations.
    • Offer multiple participation options, such as:
      • Synchronous: Zoom discussions
      • Asynchronous: Canvas discussion boards, VoiceThread, or recorded Zoom sessions
      • One-on-one communication with the professor

Lectures

Students with unstable internet will benefit from access to recorded content.

Course Materials

Access to physical textbooks or library resources may be limited for students abroad.

  • Tip: Provide digital alternatives and assign readings that are available online whenever possible.

Office Hours

Cultural norms may make some students hesitant to request meetings outside of class.

  • Tips:
    • Proactively invite students to attend office hours.
    • Offer flexible options to accommodate different time zones.

Academic Integrity

While international students receive an introduction to the Honor Code during orientation, they may need extra guidance on U.S. academic integrity standards.

  • Tip: Clarify expectations around citations, plagiarism, and collaboration early in the course.

Building Peer Connections

New students often rely on their peers to navigate college life. Remote learning reduces these opportunities.

  • Tip: Facilitate virtual peer connections through group projects or discussion boards.

Further Reading & Resources:

The Office of Undergraduate Education offers further resources for . In addition, the International English Center works with faculty and groups to develop strategies to support international students' learning.