How to help this population of students has been one main discussion subject of International Faculty and Staff Association (IFSA). Below is a depository of tidbits we published in the Daily Eagle intended as a conversation starter to raise awareness on ways to promote the success of our international student population.
Tidbit 1: Talking Slower
Non-native English speakers will benefit from instructors who are intentionally speaking a little bit slower than they normally would. Even those international students who are very fluent in English may be used to British English and need to adjust to the American accent. After class, you may want to check with your international students how well they can follow you. You may also encourage your international students to talk slower as well. Oftentimes, without them realizing it, they may try to speak as fast as they would in their native language.
Even if their English is quite proficient, they may not be able yet to speak English at that same pace. Conscientiously speaking slower may feel awkward but does increase overall the rate of communication.
Tidbit 2: Measuring Up!
The units challenge besides the US, only Burma (Myanmar) and Liberia do not use the metric system. Consequently, international students may struggle with units commonly used in the US. Here are some comparisons that might come in handy for your lectures and conversations. Distance: A centimeter is about the diameter of the little finger, while two fingers are about an inch. Three feet is 10% shy of a meter 1 mile = 1.6 kilometers or 4 stadium laps in Track & Field Fuel economy of 40 miles per gallon is equivalent to a little less than a “6-Liter car”, a car needing 6 liters of gasoline to drive 100 kilometers Weight, volume, pressure: 1 liter of water weighs 1 kg or 2.2 pounds. A gallon (3.75 liters) is nearly two 2-Liter bottles. With 14. 7 PSI = 1 atmosphere the pressure in a typical car tire of 32 PSI is a little more than 2 atmosphere. Temperature: Fahrenheit is likely the most confusing unit for international students. Officially, the conversion is Celsius = (Fahrenheit – 32)/1.8. Water freezes at 32 °F or 0 °C Room temperature of 20 °C is 68 °F A miserably hot day of 95 °F is 35 °C When it comes to using an oven for baking, the conversion approaches a simple factor of 2, for example 200 °C is about 400 °F.
Tidbit 3: Meet-and-Greet Incoming International Students
Looking ahead to Fall 2025, we will see a new cohort of international students arrive on campus. Many of the logistical tasks are organized by the Center for Global Education and Engagement, including an International Student Welcome Reception planned again for this coming fall. This is an opportunity to meet the new group of international students, and our community is encouraged to attend, particularly instructors who will have one or more new international students in their courses.
Some departments that have a significant number of international students enrolled in their courses have hosted their own departmental meet-and-greet. The Center for Global Education has offered to assist any department interested in offering a meet-and-greet. Getting to know their instructors and advisors in person, as well as becoming acquainted with the teaching spaces before the semester begins, might help the students overcome potential language and cultural barriers. Feel free to reach out to iss@brockport.edu for more information.
Do you have ideas for other tidbits or have any feedback or comments? Please contact Markus Hoffmann, the current Chair of IFSA.