Topic: Education
Article: www.theguardian.com/higher-education-network/2013/sep/11/international-students-welcome-uk-universities
The headline of
the article I have read is «International students: can we do more to
welcome them?». The article is written by Paul Woods. It is published in The
Guardian. The article touches upon one of the most significant problems
nowadays – the problem of the international students` integration, «what we can
do more to welcome them». This article is especially attractive to those who
are eager to study abroad. So I am, as a student of the Faculty of foreign
languages in Tula State Pedagogical University, interested too. The main
author`s point is to indicate the problem of the international students` isolation from the
university community. They are «getting to grips with a different language, culture
and set of customs». That is why, starting university is incredibly stressful
time for them. The question is what is the best way to make international
students feel welcome and settled in. According to the author`s point of view, the
best way for it is the collaboration between universities and students` unions
like EUSA Global at the University of Edinburgh
and World@Warwick at Warwick University.
To my mind, the
article is informative and useful for the students all over the world. I agree
with the author`s point of view that the
collaboration is the best way for the international student`s integration. The
article so interests me that I am surfing the Internet seeking both these
students` uniouns – EUSA Global and World@Warwick. I have already watched some
videos about the international students` activities in these unions. The
international students arrange lots of meetings and clubs, set off for various
excursions and etc.
These videos are
so fascinating that I have already decided to join in :)
So, I wish
everyone to read the article. The question for my group mates is what else the
universities should do to help the international students feel welcome.
To my mind, helping international students feel welcome is really important problem. First of all the solution of this problem depends on native students, who study, live in their culture and don’t experience the difficulties faced by international students. I think they should treat international students the way they would like to be treated. And of course, native students shouldn’t avoid communication with international students and help them if they need it. Moreover, native students should invite international students to take part in the large group’s activities, invite them to parties, outings, or even just casual hangouts that don’t really require invitations.
ОтветитьУдалитьAlso I would like to stress that it’s a good thing that there are cultural societies in the universities. They really help international students to make friends and overcome troubles, especially in their first weeks at the university. But universities should help different societies get to know one another. It will be useful for both native and international students, because this way they will have more opportunities to communicate and to learn different cultures.
I agree with my group mates that the topic chosen is interesting and significant. The attitude of the native students is definitely important, involving of the international students in out-of-class activities is necessary and helpful. I would like to mention the role of the teachers who deal with international students. They should thoroughly plan every lesson, prepare special tasks and assignments for their groups, as studying is one of the main aims for the international students to come to another country. Communication, cooperation and coordination among the students should be encouraged during the classes, while doing homework and getting ready for tests. Different projects, seminars and conferences also unite students.
ОтветитьУдалитьWe shouldn’t forget about sport activities, competitions and championships. Mixed teams, team work, support and competitive spirit help much for the students from different countries to feel at home.
To my mind, nowadays more and more students study abroadnd, and it is very important for them to feel comfortable at the new place. I completely agree with girls about the important role of students and teachers in helping foreign students feel welcome away from home. Vika and Tanya have already suggested some activities which can help foreign sudents feel comfortable. I just wanted to add that the most important thing is to be nice with them. Students shouldnt be afraid of talking and communicating with foreign groupmates. Also I think it would be nice to arrange a special day for foreign students. They can tell about their home country and culture to another students. It would help them to get to know to another life. Everyone likes to find out something new, to my mind.
ОтветитьУдалитьThe majority of foreign students come to Russia without sufficient experience or teaching in this country. So it is important that introductory programs begin before their arrival in Russia. These programs talk about the features of the administrative system, culture and language. Moreover, The establishment of a tutorial system over foreign student will greatly help, as well as the attachment of students to tutor from among the faculty who will guide and support the young people. In addition, most international students expect that English is used at University and in the classroom. But can Russian universities efficiently teach students in English? This practice can help to influence the choices of students.
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