Contents of the workshop
Studying abroad is usually a rewarding experience, but it can also be very stressful. The challenges of acclimatizing to a new physical and social environment and adjusting to different cultural norms and academic demands increase the likelihood for heightened levels of stress and anxiety and could potentially trigger existing or past conditions. Being away from home, support systems such as family and friends are much less accessible, making the coping process more difficult.
As university professionals we have two main tasks: first, to ease the process of acclimatization and second, to provide the necessary support for students in need. We should also be able to make the tough decision of sending a student back home under severe circumstances.
In this workshop we will be using actual case studies to develop approaches policies and practices that can enable us to succeed in these two tasks. Using role-play and open exchange of ideas and best practices we will address key questions and dilemmas related to dealing with international students who have serious difficulties adjusting to their programs and surroundings.
Some of the topics we will be covering are:
- How to create a soft landing for international students.
- Identification of students in need (including pre-landing preparation).
- The different roles and responsibilities of faculty administration and student-life staff.
- Making support systems accessible. Accommodating students' needs (and the limits of accommodation).
- Communication with family and the sending institution.
- Dealing with emergency situations (mental and physical health related).
- Intercultural aspects.
Aim
- Learning how to mitigate difficulties related to the study abroad experience and knowing better how to support students in need.
- Learning how to deal with emergency situations related to international students.
Methods
Short lectures (Trainer), moderated discussion phases, case studies intercultural simulation(s) and role play.
Part 2:
Education in Times of War
The saying "The show must go on!" is an imperative that is often used in circumstances where it seems that putting on the show is very unnatural. The war in Israel and Gaza represents one instance of these circumstances. As a principle of an International in Israel the trainer and many other educators had to deal with this dilemma and many others that the ongoing crisis had confronted us with.
In the workshop the trainer will introduce some dilemmas for joint deliberation and share his personal experiences:
- To what extent should the "show go on"? To what extent should educators try to create a study-routine while a war is in progress.
- What should be the balance between reflecting on the war and its effects (emotional and other) and using studies to focus on things that distract from it.
- How do you handle the different opinions that students and educators have about the war.
- How do you keep students alert without creating heightened anxiety.
Please note: The language during the workshop will be English.
