A Summary on Interactive Tools and International Student Adaptation to US Education
September 2024
The experience of international students in the United States is marked by both opportunity and challenge. While the promise of quality education and career prospects attracts students from around the world, they often encounter difficulties that hinder their academic and professional careers. This essay explores these challenges and proposes the use of interactive tools to support international students in adapting to the American educational system. In due time, this tool will potentially expand to include international students in other countries as well.
Read the complete proposal on ResearchGate.
Decision-Making Challenges
Choosing a college major is a significant decision for all students, especially internationals. This choice is often influenced by peers, cultural expectations, and family pressures. Many students come from collectivist societies where academic achievement is prioritised over personal development, leading them to pursue career paths deemed prestigious by their respective communities. Additionally, educational systems in their home countries often emphasise rote (habitual) learning, leaving students unprepared for the critical thinking and creativity required within the American education.
Post-graduation employment is another critical factor influencing students’ choices. Programmes like Optional Practical Training (OPT) allow graduates to gain work experience in the United States. Visa restrictions, strenuous employment processes, and time constraints often push students towards STEM fields for extended work opportunities. These pressures highlight the need for tools that can guide students in making informed and fulfilling academic choices that will set them up for a successful professional career.
Credits: John Schnobrich / Unsplash
Barriers to Success
Language barriers are among the most significant hurdles faced by international students. Despite meeting English proficiency requirements like TOEFL scores, many struggle with the fast-paced, nuanced communication prevalent in American academic and professional settings. This affects their classroom performance and job search efforts.
Additionally, visa limitations further complicate the situation. International students are restricted to on-campus jobs with a limit of 20 hours per week when school is in session, with more hours provided only over spring, summer, and winter breaks. If a student desires to work off-campus, they'll need to have a job offer, then get permission from the university through CPT (Curricular Practical Training). This constraint reduces their access to valuable internships, income, and practical experiences, leaving them at a disadvantage when entering the workforce.
Credits: Nicole Geri / Unsplash
Proposed Solutions
To address these challenges, this paper recommends the development of interactive tools tailored to the unique needs of international students.
Gamified Dashboards
A gamified system can provide an engaging way for students to track their progress as they adapt to the American culture. Features like milestones and achievements can motivate consistent interaction and support gentle cultural acclimation.
2. Assessment Tests
Personalised tests can help students understand themselves better and align their career goals with their interests, motivations, and skills. By offering tailored guidance, these tests empower students to choose majors that suit their aspirations rather than succumbing to societal pressures.
Industry Mentoring
Mentorship programmes that connect students with professionals in their chosen fields can bridge the gap created by visa restrictions. These mentors can provide valuable insights, guidance, and networking opportunities without requiring students to breach their respective visa conditions (F-1/J-1).
Learning Centre
An integrated communication programme within a digital learning centre can help students improve their English skills and build confidence in professional interactions. This feature will also offer tips for presentations, debates, and job interviews, building up the students' confidence and professional growth.
Community Platforms
Social media-inspired spaces where international students can exclusively collaborate and exchange advice would create a supportive community. The platform would encourage cultural adaptation and academic success through peer interaction, especially with those who have been in America for a while.
Design Implications + Future Steps
Developing an interactive system for international students requires careful consideration of cultural relevance, usability, and accessibility. Testing various platforms and devices can identify the ones most familiar to students and ensure seamless interactions. Retrofitting existing university systems with these features could reduce costs, but may also lack the personalisation and intuitive navigation needed to engage with students effectively.
To implement these solutions, the next steps include finalising the system’s information architecture, creating high-fidelity prototypes, and conducting usability tests. Gathering user feedback will further refine the tool to align with diverse cultural orientations and preferences. Expanding the research to include local (American) students facing similar challenges could broaden the tool’s applicability.
Three screens from the first draft indicating potential features and interactions. Credits: Aman Dembe / Duxedraft®Studio
Closing Thoughts
Interactive tools hold an immense potential in empowering international students when navigating the complexities of the American educational system. By addressing challenges like cultural pressures, language barriers, and professional readiness, these tools can instil confidence, foster involvement, and improve their career trajectory. As the higher education technology landscape continues to evolve, this approach offers a promising path to support the global growth of international students.
This paper provides a foundation for further research and development, emphasising the importance of user-centric design and continuous improvement. With thoughtful implementation, these interactive tools could transform the experiences of students worldwide.
Acknowledgement
Thanks to Prof. Adam Green for reviewing this paper and providing feedback. Without forgetting Claire Nosal for offering advice and exchanging ideas. No AI was used in the contents and writing of this work.
Resources + References