ERIC Number: ED252893
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1984-Nov-3
Reference Count: 0
International Students as Teachers in College Classrooms.
Foreign students enrolled in colleges and universities in the United States represent a broad range of cultures and could provide the intercultural experiences and wider world view that American students need. At present, however, interaction between these foreign students and their American classmates is minimal. A survey of foreign student advisors and instructors from 16 community colleges in nine states indicated that food fairs, student fairs, and international student clubs were the primary means of bringing American and international students together. Few academic programs appear to exist where American and international students can meet and exchange ideas, yet the classroom is the best place for a campus to begin to widen its horizons. Courses can be designed to focus on intercultural communication or to take up the minority viewpoint on historical, political or social issues. Foreign students can also be invited to guest lecture in appropriate courses. A sampling of foreign students enrolled at Prince George's Community College (Maryland) indicates that the idea of using international students in the classroom gets a favorable response from international students. Some 72% of those surveyed enjoyed being asked to speak about the views and actions of their countries. Similarly, those colleges and universities that have used foreign students as teachers in various ways have reported some significant success with their programs. More campuses, however, need to involve themselves to a much greater degree with international education. (RBW)
Publication Type: Speeches/Meeting Papers; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Note: Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Speech Communication Association (70th, Chicago, IL, November 1-4, 1984).