The higher education community went into a collective uproar following the ICE guidelines that would have deported international students whose universities go to an entirely online format. Many on social media and in news outlets were writing about the topic. Colleges and universities joined a collective lawsuit against the federal government. And it looked like the pressure worked – the guidelines were rescinded.
As an international student pursuing my third degree in the U.S., I am familiar with the restrictions that we, international students, have. Yes, the rescinded guidelines were terrible, and yes, I am thankful for the collective action to support students like me. But we are not done yet. There are more crucial conversations we need to have in higher education about serving international students, especially in the age of COVID-19. It is not enough to get international students here – we need to also support their needs.
First, the movement towards online teaching and learning will have a particularly detrimental effect on international students, especially those just beginning their college careers. Yes, it is difficult for everyone to engage fully when sitting in front of a computer screen. But we already know that international students, especially those form non-English speaking countries, are less likely to speak and engage in class than their domestic peers.
I experienced that myself. As a first-year international student, I avoided speaking in class because I was worried my English wasn’t good enough, that my peers would judge me, and that what I had to say was irrelevant.
There are cultural differences that make some taken for granted assumptions about pedagogy different for international students. Attitudes towards professors as authority figures is one of those differences – not everyone is culturally accustomed to challenge their professor’s opinions or even look them in the eye.
It took forever for me to finally call my American Popular Music teacher by his first name – it was very awkward to address him as Robbie. This was a transition I made throughout my time in college.
I can’t imagine doing that in a virtual setting, unless we become more deliberate about supporting international students.
