Resources for International Student Academic Success

Resources Prepared by Center for Global Engagement Teams

Overview

Team members and faculty across campus are combining energy and efforts to continue to support international students at Gonzaga who are developing their English-language proficiency (sometimes referred to as 'multilingual' students). We recognize that as these students adjust to their new college lives culturally, linguistically, and academically, they will struggle. The good news is that, as evidenced in research (see Bibliography in the sidebar) and in our own experience, they are tenacious and the majority of multilingual international undergraduates achieve academic success. This is true even for the many students who have difficulties in their English language acquisition, and this challenge has been shown to dissipate over time, given support.

 

Since 2022, we’ve seen encouraging progress in international student outcomes, thanks to culturally responsive advising and the collaborative efforts of many campus partners. This work reflects the commitment of units across Gonzaga including CGE (ELC, ISSS, GG), ISAAB, CSAS, CTA, CCP, OIE, the University Writing Center, the University Core, and Health and Counseling Services—supported by the Provost’s Office, Deans, AND MANY OF YOU! We are thankful for the passionately caring community that supports international students in numerous ways, for example, by recognizing and addressing cultural variations in the classroom. The Center for Global Engagement is here to support you in turn.

Together, we’ve developed intentional programming, resources, and communication strategies to support both faculty and students while at the same time improving processes, communication, and resource availability. Not to mention, we frame the student-support mission within a comprehensive, justice-minded approach that is informed and guided by the Office of Inclusive Excellence's Inclusive Excellence Strategic Plan and the GU's Strategic Plan. In the meantime, we provide several short-term resources we have identified to help. If it is a matter related to:

 

  • LANGUAGE READINESS – reach out or refer students to the English Language Center (ELC) Director, Nick David. 
  • CONTENT KNOWLEDGE – reach out to the Learning Strategies Director, Bryce Thomas, or directly refer students to make an appointment with Peer Tutors in the Learning Studio. Consider inviting an Embedded Tutor to hold group study sessions or individual tutoring.     
  • WRITING – refer students to the University Writing Center.
  • ACADEMIC SKILLS – work with Learning Strategies staff to create a specialized Academic Coaching session to elevate study skills, implement academic strategies, or peruse Student Success Tips and Resources (found here). Continue to submit Student Outreach Support forms.
  • MENTAL HEALTH – work with Health & Counseling Services or Center for Cura Personalis. Continue to submit Student Outreach Support forms.
  • LEGAL AID and RESOURCES – the Office of Inclusive Excellence resource webpage, includes "Know your rights" and "Contingency plan" recommendations.
  • CARE and SUPPORT RESOURCES – website includes information on support groups, courses, and other support services
  • OTHER ISSUES – reach out to
    • Lisa Cox, Academic Coordinator,if you notice that an international student needs help. Similar to the Student Outreach Support process, we will make every effort to contact referred students within 1-2 business days. Regardless of a student's response, please also know that some action is taken on every email submission that is received. We do our best to encourage students to reply to faculty and our outreach, but sometimes students do not reply. If your concern remains, please contact us again.
    • Christina Isabelli, Associate Provost for Global Engagement, if you would like to collaborate in your endeavor to help a student succeed, or if you would like to be informed as we continue to enhance and develop our long-term strategies.

 

Helpful Tips on supporting international students, created by Gonzaga colleagues.