A topic that I've not seen raised very often is how to educate students about sexual mores and expectations in the environment where they study. A recent essay by Sharla Reid and Jill Dunlap encourages educators to consider what should be modified in the approach with international students in order to be effective.
Although Reid and Dunlap write in ways that reflect a U.S. context, the issue of sexual education is relevant regardless of the cultural/national context. They advise that the "lack of understanding of what domestic students consider to be social norms and sexual cues - like "no means no" - can lead to confusing or awkward situations. Or worse, those misunderstandings can make international students vulnerable to victimization."
Having worked in an environment (Middle East) where physical contact of any type was forbidden, students of other cultures sometimes struggled mightily to figure out what they could or should do in relation to any show of affection. In this situation, missteps of any kind could lead not only to confusing or awkward situations but to disciplinary or legal action. I am also sadly aware of international students from the Middle East who were sexually assaulted while studying in the U.S.; naiveté was a significant contributor to their vulnerability. In both of these examples, sexual education and candor could have prevented the very negative experiences that arose primarily from a lack of awareness. Beyond awareness, international students need guidance on protective measures to keep them from exploitation and abuse.
Although Reid and Dunlap write in ways that reflect a U.S. context, the issue of sexual education is relevant regardless of the cultural/national context. They advise that the "lack of understanding of what domestic students consider to be social norms and sexual cues - like "no means no" - can lead to confusing or awkward situations. Or worse, those misunderstandings can make international students vulnerable to victimization."
Having worked in an environment (Middle East) where physical contact of any type was forbidden, students of other cultures sometimes struggled mightily to figure out what they could or should do in relation to any show of affection. In this situation, missteps of any kind could lead not only to confusing or awkward situations but to disciplinary or legal action. I am also sadly aware of international students from the Middle East who were sexually assaulted while studying in the U.S.; naiveté was a significant contributor to their vulnerability. In both of these examples, sexual education and candor could have prevented the very negative experiences that arose primarily from a lack of awareness. Beyond awareness, international students need guidance on protective measures to keep them from exploitation and abuse.
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