Speaking The Same Language:

1. Speaking The Same Language: A Conversation on Cultural Nuances and Academic Practices Impacting KU International Students Mike Ediger, Associate Director Keila Ferree, Student Resource Coordinator Joanna Hamel, International Student Advisor

2. THE GOAL OF THIS PRESENTATION IS... Increase familiarity with the regulations that dictate international student status. Increase comfort level identifying cultural differences and working with international students. Identifying times when it is appropriate or necessary to refer a student to ISS.

3. SCENARIOS Test Your Knowledge

4. SCENARIO 1 Several weeks into the fall semester an undergraduate student comes to your office because he is doing poorly in a class. The student is enrolled in 9 lecture hours of academic coursework and 3 AEC lecture hours at KU. The student would like to drop a 3 credit hour lecture course and replace the course with a 3 credit hour short term online course beginning in October. The student states that he must maintain a full course of study of 12 hours and asks for help in selecting an appropriate online course. Should this student be referred to ISS? A) Yes. Students taking any AEC/EAP courses cannot count any online classes toward the full-time enrollment requirement. B) No. As the student will remain enrolled in 12 credit hours (full-time) for the fall semester there will be no impact on the student’s immigration status. C) No. International students are not permitted to make any changes to their schedule after the 20th day of class. D) Yes. No international student is permitted to enroll in online coursework.

5. ANSWER A) Yes. Students taking any AEC/EAP courses cannot count any online classes toward the full-time enrollment requirement. Answer Explanation: There are online enrollment limitations for F-1 students. Students taking any AEC/EAP courses cannot count any online classes toward the full-time enrollment requirement. For others, only one online course (up to 3 hours) may count toward the full-time enrollment requirement.

6. SCENARIO 2 During an advising appointment an international student tells you that they have a great opportunity for a paid experience within their field of study by working at a local company in Lawrence. The student asks if having this experience on their resume will assist them in applying to graduate school. Should this student be referred to ISS? A) No. Answer the student’s questions and refer the student to Career Services. B) Yes. International students can only work on campus. C) Yes. Off campus work always requires work authorization through ISS. The student will need to meet with an ISS immigration advisor to discuss this option. D) No. This is a great opportunity for the student. Wish them luck in their employment.

7. ANSWER C) Yes. Off campus work always requires work authorization through ISS. The student will need to meet with an ISS immigration advisor to discuss this option. Answer Explanation: International students can work on campus up to 20 hours a week during the academic year and 20+ hours during breaks and official vacation periods. Off-campus work always requires prior written authorization through ISS. Options for approvable off campus work include Curricular Practical Training, Optional Practical Training, Internships with an international organization and economic hardship. Working off campus without authorization can be detrimental to a student’s immigration status.

8. SCENARIO 3 You are meeting with an international student for the third time this semester. The student continues to ask the same questions. During appointments the student smiles and nods in agreement as you explain university procedures but does not act on your instructions. In addition, you have noticed that over the past few semesters the student’s GPA has dropped and they are not making progress toward their degree. Should this student be referred to ISS? A) Yes. Refer the student to the ISS Student Resource Coordinator. B) No. Refer the student to AAAC to assist with academic difficulties. C) No. You have provided clear instructions to the student. They are simply choosing not to follow through with the directions provided. D) Yes. Issues with international students should always be forwarded to ISS.

9. ANSWER A) Yes. Refer the student to the ISS Student Resource Coordinator. B) No. Refer the student to AAAC to assist with academic difficulties. Answer Explanation: In many cultures a smile, a nod or a head shake may not be a sign of comprehension or understanding. When appropriate, follow up verbal instructions with written communication and ask the student to repeat instructions to ensure comprehension. Be ok with silence-students may need a moment to find the right words to express themselves. The ISS Student Resource Coordinator can follow up with students in need of additional support. As international students are KU students, refer students as needed to services like AAAC, CAPS, writing center etc.

10. Who are International Students? • Individuals wishing to pursue their education in the United States must obtain the appropriate nonimmigrant status. Their status will determine the scope of activities they are allowed to pursue while in the United States. • The categories of F-1 and J-1 are designated for students and represent the majority of KU international students. • Total KU International Enrollment = 2,110 International Students from 111 Countries • 950 Graduates (45%) & 1,160 Undergraduates (55%)

11. Working with International Students • The rules for international students are different from the rules for domestic students • The rules also differ depending on the status of the international student • University processes including dropping below a full course of study, online enrollment, unauthorized employment and concurrent enrollment may influence a student’s immigration status • Consequences for violating the rules can be severe and include potential detention and deportation

12. Program Plan and Duration • F and J International students will hold either the I-20 “Certificate of Eligibility” Document (F-1) or DS-2019 “Certificate of Eligibility” Document (J-1) • Major(s), degree level, start date, and completion date • Program of study must match what is on the “Certificate of Eligibility” • Change of major or degree level requires new I-20 • Change of major is typically not allowed for J-1 • Students changing their academic program must notify ISS • Students delayed in completing their program must notify ISS before the expiration date on their document

13. Enrollment Requirements • International students must enroll in a full course of study during fall and spring terms • Undergraduate = 12 credit hours • Graduate = 9 credit hours, or 6 hours if GTA/GRA/GA, or as required by academic department for doctoral students who have passed the Doctoral Oral Comprehensive exam • After the 20th day of class, international students must notify ISS before they drop below full time.

14. Reduced Course Load • In certain circumstances, international students may receive approval to drop below full time • Academic Reason (Approvable once per program level) • Final Semester • Medical Reason (Approvable up to 12 months per program level) • Academic advisors are asked to verify the academic reason for a RCL • Improper Course Level Placement • Unprepared • In jeopardy of failing • Initial difficulties with the English language • Initial difficulties with reading requirements • Unfamiliarity with U.S. teaching methods

15. Online Courses • Students taking any AEC/EAP courses cannot count any online classes toward the full-time enrollment requirement • For others, only one online course (up to 3 hours) may count toward the full-time enrollment requirement • 9 lecture + 6 online = OK • 6 lecture + 9 online = NOT OK • Additional online classes may be taken but cannot count towards full-time enrollment requirement • May not be the only course enrolled in that term • J students are typically prohibited from online enrollment • Students with questions about online enrollment should be referred to ISS

16. Concurrent Enrollment • Prior approval from ISS is required if the course is to be counted toward full-time enrollment • Requires documentation of enrollment from other school where enrolled for approval • May not be the only course enrolled in that term • Must take at least half of required credit hours needed that term from KU

17. Employment • On-Campus • Up to 20 hours/week during academic year • 20+ during breaks & official vacation periods (as much as KU policy permits) • J students require a work permit • Off-Campus (always requires written authorization) • Curricular Practical Training, CPT (F students) • Optional Practical Training, OPT (F students) • Internship with International Organizations (F students) • Academic Training (J students) • Economic Hardship • The consequences of unauthorized employment are severe. International students with employment questions should be referred to ISS.

18. Perception of Self-Importance • Adapted from East Meets West: An Infographic Portrait by Yang Liu

19. Dealing with Problems • Adapted from East Meets West: An Infographic Portrait by Yang Liu

20. Independent vs. Interdependent Adapted from East Meets West: An Infographic Portrait by Yang Liu

21. Expressing Emotion • Adapted from East Meets West: An Infographic Portrait by Yang Liu

22. QUESTIONS???

23. International Student Services Strong Hall Room 2 (785) 864-3617 iss.ku.edu Walk-in Hours: Monday-Friday 1:30-4pm Appointments: Tuesday-Friday 9-11:30am

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