23. Teaching International Students at Saint Mary’s: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

International students share a host of problems. For many, it is the first time they leave home and soon discover that their new host country has traditions, cultures, and educational standards that differ from their own. The initial excitement upon arrival is often followed by a difficult period of adjustment. As university instructors, we must reflect on our own practices and find new ways to provide better learning opportunities for our international students, ones that will also benefit our Canadian students. Practices that increase student engagement and internationalization in the classroom will have a positive effect on learning by all.