Enhancing Language and Cultural Integration for International Students at Virginia Tech
On July 30, 2024, the Language and Culture Institute (LCI) at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (2024 USNews Ranking: 47) , commonly known as Virginia Tech, organized a campus visit aimed at helping international students improve their language skills and life competencies. This initiative not only provided students with the opportunity to learn English in a real-world context but also facilitated their integration into the university and the Blacksburg community. The program, designed by LCI instructor Steve Rieg, is known as the Campus Training Experience (CTX) and aims to merge classroom knowledge with practical experiences, thereby enhancing students’ language and cultural understanding.
International students participating in these activities not only acquire new vocabulary but also improve their listening and speaking skills through interactions with faculty, staff, and fellow students. For instance, Rieg guided students to the Virginia Tech bookstore, assisting them in understanding how to purchase textbooks—a seemingly simple task that can be daunting for newcomers. This hands-on approach allows students to apply their classroom learning in real-life situations, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of their education.
Pamela Smart-Smith, the interim co-director of LCI, emphasized that the learning experience for international students at Virginia Tech extends beyond mastering language and academic knowledge; it is equally important for them to understand how to navigate life within the university community. This sentiment is echoed in the broader context of international education, where cultural adaptation plays a crucial role in the overall success of students studying abroad.
In one of the CTX activities, Joseph Moore, the deputy director of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, led students on a tour of the military facilities, helping them comprehend the background of students in uniform on campus. For Azizgul Ahmadi, a refugee from Afghanistan, this visit was particularly meaningful as she had previously served in a female tactical unit in Afghanistan. Seeing the uniforms she once wore evoked a sense of familiarity and connection.
Additionally, LCI invited therapy dogs to interact with students, providing them with insights into American pet culture. Ahmadi noted that meeting the therapy dogs reminded her of her experiences with military dogs in Afghanistan. Through these activities, students not only learn the language but also deepen their understanding of American culture.
Feedback from students indicates that the CTX activities have reshaped their perceptions of life in Blacksburg. Many students who initially found the area dull reported discovering new opportunities for enjoyment and friendship through these engagements. Overall, LCI’s innovative teaching methods have significantly advanced international students’ language learning and cultural adaptation.
The Impact of Experiential Learning on Language Acquisition
The CTX program at Virginia Tech exemplifies the profound impact of experiential learning on language acquisition for international students. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology on October 22, 2021, highlights that experiential learning (EL) enhances student motivation and classroom engagement, which are critical factors for educational success. The research indicates that active classroom participation is closely linked to students’ intelligence, interests, and learning motivation, directly influencing their learning outcomes.
Experiential learning, as a student-centered teaching method, effectively enriches students’ learning experiences and engagement. By applying knowledge in real-world contexts, students can enhance their intrinsic motivation to learn. The study emphasizes that traditional teacher-centered instructional models are increasingly inadequate in meeting the demands of modern education. Educational institutions are encouraged to adopt more participatory and interactive learning approaches.
In the context of Virginia Tech’s CTX program, students engage in activities that require them to use their language skills in practical situations, thereby reinforcing their learning. This hands-on approach not only aids in language acquisition but also prepares students for future professional environments by bridging classroom learning with real-world experiences. The role of educators shifts from mere knowledge transmitters to facilitators of learning experiences, creating a positive learning environment that stimulates student interest and motivation.
Moreover, the study suggests that experiential learning contributes to students’ academic success and lays a foundation for their future careers. By integrating classroom learning with practical experiences, students gain a better understanding of how to apply their knowledge effectively. This aligns with the goals of the CTX program, which seeks to provide international students with the tools they need to thrive academically and socially.
The Role of Cultural Understanding in Adaptation
Cultural understanding is a pivotal element in the adaptation process for international students in new environments. A systematic review and meta-analysis published on July 3, 2024, in Frontiers in Psychology explored the relationship between cultural adaptation stress (AS) and mental health outcomes among international students. The findings revealed a moderate correlation between AS and psychological outcomes such as depression, psychological distress, and life satisfaction, with a particularly strong link to depression.
As globalization accelerates, an increasing number of students are choosing to study abroad, with the number of international students in the United States reaching 1.09 million in 2019, accounting for 5.5% of all college students. However, the process of adapting to a new culture often comes with cultural adaptation stress, which can lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Successful cultural adaptation is associated with positive mental health, life satisfaction, and self-esteem, while unsuccessful adaptation can result in difficulties in psychological and sociocultural adjustment.
The systematic review included 29 studies involving 7,247 international students, demonstrating that AS significantly increases negative psychological outcomes while decreasing positive mental health indicators. Factors such as emotional intelligence, cultural intelligence, social support, and language proficiency may moderate the relationship between AS and mental health outcomes.
Educational institutions, including Virginia Tech, are encouraged to provide psychological support and cultural adaptation training for international students to help them navigate cultural adaptation stress and mitigate its negative effects on mental health. The CTX program serves as a proactive measure in this regard, offering students opportunities to engage with the local culture and community, thereby fostering a sense of belonging and reducing feelings of isolation.
The Importance of Community Engagement
Community engagement is essential for international students in universities, as it fosters connections and enhances their overall experience. The Global Brown Center at Brown University hosted International Education Week from November 13 to 18, 2023, emphasizing the significance of global campuses and celebrating students’ international experiences. The week-long event featured various activities, including panel discussions and a Q&A night with Dean Rashid Zia, aimed at expanding the center’s outreach and celebrating the value of international education.
During International Education Week, students engaged in interactive activities that strengthened their connections with one another. For instance, nearly 20 groups participated in a trivia competition covering topics such as geography and international music. Yuliia Stepanenko, a student from Ukraine and a community engagement coordinator at the Global Brown Center, played a key role in organizing the event and created a space called the “Global Gallery” for students to showcase their artwork.
This year’s International Education Week particularly focused on mental health and graduate student experiences, themes that had not received significant attention in previous years. Graduate coordinator Ugoji Nwanaji-Enwerem noted that the event aimed to promote self-care and mental health, receiving positive feedback from students. The collaboration between the Global Brown Center and local organizations, such as the Rhode Island International House and the Swearer Center, further highlighted the impact of international education on the local community.
Despite some activities experiencing lower attendance due to the proximity of Thanksgiving, the importance of deep dialogue and exchange among participants was emphasized. Stepanenko remarked that the event provided a sense of belonging for international students and promoted understanding between different cultures. Nwanaji-Enwerem added that the International Education Week activities at Brown University showcased the diversity on campus and underscored the institution’s commitment to valuing every student.
Benefits of Interactive Activities with Local Culture
Interactive activities that immerse students in local culture significantly enhance their educational experience. A report published on March 8, 2024, by HP Online Store discussed the application of virtual reality (VR) in education, highlighting how this technology is transforming learning environments. Traditionally, students would return to school with supplies and textbooks, but VR is increasingly penetrating the educational landscape, changing teaching and learning methods from kindergarten to university levels.
VR is an immersive interactive technology that allows users to experience and interact within computer-generated environments through head-mounted displays. As VR technology advances and becomes more affordable, its applications in education are expected to expand. Educators and institutions are exploring VR’s potential across various disciplines, including STEM, medical training, cultural education, vocational training, and special education.
According to a study by PwC, VR learners train four times faster than traditional classroom learners, with a 275% increase in confidence when applying skills learned. While VR is unlikely to completely replace traditional classroom instruction in the short term, a blended learning model that combines VR with conventional teaching methods is considered viable.
One of the primary advantages of VR in education is its ability to provide students with hands-on practice opportunities, allowing them to experience real-world scenarios in a safe environment. This is particularly beneficial in fields such as medicine, engineering, and aviation. VR also enables students to explore historical sites and cultural events through virtual field trips, broadening their perspectives.
However, the integration of VR in education faces challenges, including ensuring that VR content aligns with curriculum objectives, finding cost-effective solutions, and conducting small-scale pilot tests. Educators need training to effectively utilize VR technology and explore how to align it with educational goals.
Looking ahead, VR technology promises to deliver higher levels of immersion and realism, enabling students to conduct experiments in virtual laboratories or collaborate with peers from different cultures in shared virtual spaces. As education undergoes a digital transformation, VR offers powerful tools for personalized learning, helping students grasp complex concepts more effectively. Overall, the prospects for VR in education are promising, and educators and institutions play a crucial role in effectively integrating technology to enhance student engagement and support learning objectives.
Conclusion
The initiatives undertaken by the Language and Culture Institute at Virginia Tech, particularly the Campus Training Experience program, exemplify the importance of experiential learning, cultural understanding, community engagement, and interactive activities in enhancing the educational experiences of international students. By providing opportunities for real-world application of language skills and fostering cultural connections, Virginia Tech is not only helping students improve their language proficiency but also facilitating their adaptation to a new environment.
The impact of experiential learning on language acquisition is profound, as evidenced by research highlighting its role in enhancing student motivation and engagement. Furthermore, understanding cultural nuances is essential for international students to navigate the challenges of adapting to a new culture, and educational institutions must prioritize support systems to address cultural adaptation stress.
Community engagement initiatives, such as those seen during International Education Week at Brown University, underscore the significance of fostering connections among students and promoting a sense of belonging. Finally, the integration of innovative technologies like virtual reality in education presents exciting opportunities for immersive learning experiences that can further enrich students’ understanding of local culture.
In summary, the comprehensive approach taken by institutions like Virginia Tech and Brown University serves as a model for enhancing the experiences of international students, ultimately contributing to their academic success and personal growth in a globalized world.
News References:
- Campus Treks Enhance Language Skills for International Students
- The Role of Experiential Learning on Students’ Motivation and Classroom Engagement
- Acculturative Stress and Psychological Outcomes in International Students
- International Education Week at Brown University
- Virtual Reality in Education: The Future of Learning Environments