Introduction:

Our college is experiencing an increasing number of international students attending

courses. Some difficulties have been faced by them.

Teaching methods:

It is known that education is not the same all over the world. Adapting to the Brazilian
methods of education and teaching for the first time may be a challenge. Aside from the
language problem, interpretation, the way the material is presented and even the format of
classes, evaluations and homework could be a huge problem for those who are not used to it.

I suggest that the institution have a mentoring program, where international students
could have a senior student who already knows the system and the campus as a mentor to
help them understand how the college works. An approachable person to talk with, ask
questions and help, so outsiders can adjust faster.

Homesickness:

Another common aspect that affects exchange students is feeling homesick and
missing their family and costumes. Some of them live very far from home, being unable to see
their loved ones for a long period and, as it is a college, people are young and may be
experiencing their first time living without family.

The college community should welcome international students and support them in
every way, including emotionally. Support groups should be created in order to establish a
space where students are able to share their experience and difficulties with each other,
developing a help network and a second family for outsiders where they can feel part of
something an even bring more of their culture to our college.

Conclusion:

College is a place where everyone needs to feel welcome, and integrating international
students is certainly an important part of it. I believe that helping exchange students to
understand our way of learning and also learning more about their culture is fundamental, as a
way of making them really feel part of our institution.