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Understanding and Serving
Our Global Community
A Certificate Program on Working with International Students and
Scholars at Old Dominion University
One hallmark of Old Dominion University over
the past decade has been a significant increase in our international
education
activities and programs. The international student population
has more than doubled and become more complex in its demographics.
The number of domestic students who study abroad has gone from
a very few to several hundred a year. Foreign visiting scholars
now conduct their research and professional activities throughout
campus.
What does the growing globalization of campus mean to Old Dominion University employees?
- Policies and procedures always reflect their surrounding
culture. Those from different cultural backgrounds can easily
be confused by how we process papers, handle problems, establish
and administer polices, or even simply interact with them. US
students who study overseas come back with cultural changes,
and expect that their new perspectives will be understood by
others.
- Even students who have very good English skills may be overwhelmed
by the language of the institution and surrounding community.
Those who are still developing their English proficiency
have additional barriers to effective communication and the services
they need.
- Students who come in on temporary visas always have the overlay
of immigration and other legal regulations on any aspect
of their education. Such simple procedures as dropping a class may need
to be looked at in the larger sense of how it affects their
ability to stay in the United States.
This
can result in misunderstanding and frustration at a lack of
service–even
when an employee is trying to do everything right.
To help meet the needs of employees who are working with our
global population, the Office of International Programs and the
Department of Human Resources offers workshops on the issues
and skills relevant to serving international students and scholars.
Through the program, participants can earn a certificate on understanding
and serving our global community.
For Certificate, must attend 6 of the 12 workshops. To have a specialized certificate the following tracks are available:
Certificate in Country Skills (must attend 3 country skills classes, overview, communication, & one elective)
Certificate in employment (must attend 2 employment classes, overview, communication, & 2 electives)
Certificate in Understanding Culture (must attend overview, communication, 2 understanding culture classes, 1 country skills and 1 elective)
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Page Created: 02/11/04
Updated: 09/18/07
By: Ray Gata
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