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International Students

Ensuring international student success, both inside and outside the classroom, can not only be crucial in achieving your internationalization goals but can also be key to improving retention and graduation rates among the student population.

International students are just that, students, so they do have similar concerns and needs that domestic students have, but often their concerns can be unique. By working together to support international students, we contribute to their future success and foster their connection to the University of Kentucky as they go on to lead purposeful lives.

Supporting Classroom Success

In order to support international students in the classroom, consider these key items.

  • Support faculty in proactively addressing any issues relating to international student success in their classes?
  • Do international students in your college feel supported in proactively addressing any issues relating to their learning and academic progress? 
  • Encourage students for whom English is a Second Language to participate in English Language support classes and workshops

Supporting Post-Graduate Success

  • Promote Interstride in your college, a job tool designed specifically for international students and domestic students interested in working abroad
  • Include experiential and internship opportunities as part of the curriculum, making it easier for international students to gain practical training during their degree
  • Provide resources to your college's support staff to help them understand Optional Practical Training opportunities for international students after graduation
  • Encourage international students in your college to work with International Student and Scholar Services and the Stuckert Career Center to prepare for careers in their field of study

Telling the Story of International Students

  • Connect with your college's communications team to write stories of international student success
  • Collaborate with UKIC Director of Marketing and Communications on stories from your college related to internationalization
  • Track international alumni to tell stories of post-graduate success
  • Include awards and/or other special recognitions for international alumni to build a network of support within your college

International Faculty, Staff and Visiting Scholars

Welcoming international faculty and staff enriches a university’s academic community by bringing global expertise and innovative approaches to teaching and research. Their presence broadens students’ worldviews, and strengthens the institution’s global reputation. International scholars also help build international collaborations, attract a more global student body and prepare graduates to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

 
 

Welcoming International Faculty, Staff and Scholars

  • Find ways to create a community among postdocs and to offer support
  • Develop an onboarding plan for new international faculty, staff and scholars
  • Collaborate and communicate with International Student and Scholar Services to provide support for new faculty, staff and scholars
  • Regularly communicate with international faculty and staff to tell stories of research or other successes

Telling the Story of International Faculty, Staff and Scholars

  • Regularly communicate with international faculty and staff to tell stories of research or other successes
  • Connect with college communications teams to encourage and collaborate on stories of international faculty research and staff successes
  • Recognize achievements of postdoctoral scholars, noting their contributions to research projects on social media or other media