Building RelationshipsCenter for International and Cultural Education

Building relationships on campus is valuable for international students’ linguistic and cultural development, and their wellbeing and satisfaction here. Relationships are also important for other historically marginalized groups. For example, many of our domestic multilingual students are students of color or first-generation students. Below are some actions you can take to foster productive and healthy relationships.

Students' Relationships with Each Other

ask students to lead discussions
use the Think, Pair, Share" technique
put students in groups to problem-solve
try deep listening exercises in pairs
encourage study groups outside of class
ice breakers on the first day (can be related back to course content)
model high expectations and welcoming attitude to all students

Students' Relationships with You

learn students' names, and how to pronounce them (can often Google it if unsure, or ask the student for help after class)
state your pronouns, and learn students' pronouns in a discreet way (can pass out notecards on the first day)
greet students as they enter and leave the classroom
use comprehension checks
require one short visit to your office hours at some point in semester (or small group visits, for large courses)
keep comments on essays short and direct, including what went well as well as what can be improved (avoid long rhetorical questions that require more interpretation)
have (and articulate) high expectations for students
tell students that failure and difficulty is okay, and even productive
take your share of responsibility in communicating effectively by practicing conversation with people of many different linguistic backgrounds
show interest in students' backgrounds, but avoid making assumptions
- When you hear an accent that you think indicates a different background from yours, instead of asking "What country are you from?" you might say, "I'd love to hear more about you and where you grew up."