Supporting international students in "speaking up"

Andy Molinsky of Brandeis University, whose research and theory is on cultural dexterity, offers helpful advice for faculty on how to help international students cope with the expectation of class participation. It will not take much effort to see that his four points could also be useful in out of class settings; in fact, perhaps preparing international students for active participation through student organizations and events may be even easier and more effective, thus helping faculty achieve their goals as well. The four suggestions include:

• Take time to learn about the challenges international students face
• Empathize with the challenges
• Explain why participation is so important to you and them
• If participation is expected, provide training and support