A Starting Point for Deeper Understanding and Stronger Support

👋 Who This Is For

Whether you’re new to your role or looking to deepen your understanding of the international student experience, this workshop offers a compassionate, research-informed starting point. It’s especially designed for staff who may not officially serve international students — but who regularly engage with them in meaningful ways, whether in residence halls, advising sessions, classrooms, or everyday campus life.

🎯 For Supervisors: A Simple Onboarding Solution

Supervisors can use this as part of onboarding or professional development — a quick, impactful way to build cultural awareness across your team. Want to bring this to your department or campus? Reach out to learn about group access, customized versions, or deeper-dive trainings.

🌱 Why This Matters

International students are navigating complex academic, emotional, and cultural terrain — often without being fully seen. And every interaction with staff or faculty can either strengthen or shake their sense of belonging. This workshop equips you — regardless of your title — with the empathy, insight, and practical tools to ensure international students feel seen, supported, and valued.

🎓 Course Overview: International Students 101

Format: Short, self-paced online course
Certificate: Digital badge of completion
Time Commitment: 2 hours total
Access: Free for individuals, scalable for institutions

🎥 What’s Included

📌 Module 1: The Journey of an International Student (30 mins)

A personal, story-driven overview of what international students go through — from pre-arrival dreams to on-campus realities. Learn about:

• Cultural transitions & academic pressures

• Identity shifts and homesickness

• Language insecurity and “quietness”

• Visa limitations and hidden stress

• What students wish you knew

📌 Module 2: What Belonging Looks Like (and Doesn’t) (30 mins)

How everyday interactions — even in housing, campus events, or admin emails — can foster (or hinder) a sense of belonging.

• “Small things are big” moments

• Avoiding unintentional exclusion

• The role of empathy in daily practice

📌 Module 3: The Basics You Need to Know (30 mins)

• Who counts as an international student (and who doesn’t)

• Visa basics: what staff should understand

• Common assumptions vs. real challenges

📌 Module 4: What You Can Do — Right Now (Checklist + reflection – 30 mins)

• 5 simple ways to make international students feel seen

• Tips for inclusive communication

• When and how to refer for extra support