Insider Insights: International Education A Discussion with Li-Chen Chin, Assistant Vice President for Intercultural Programs, Student Affairs at Duke University

This year’s blog posts focus on Insider Insights.  Since I have not posted in a while, here is a brief reminder of the impetus for this year’s focus.  As a parent, I relate to parents trying to help their students navigate the ever-changing higher education landscape. There is a knowledge gap which I mean to address to alleviate anxiety related to college. I think it will be helpful for those applying to college to gain perspective on a few of the many resources offered by institutions of higher education.  It is my hope that these blog posts will help demystify the process.  The most recent installment of Insider Insights highlights my conversation with Li-Chen Chin.  

Li-Chen Chin is currently the Assistant Vice President for Intercultural Programs, Student Affairs at Duke University and she kindly shared with me insights on how international students attending university in the United States should approach their collegiate experience and provided advice to help them succeed.  Many of the ideas Li-Chen shared are applicable to ensure a smooth transition for both international and domestic students

Below you will find the most salient points from our discussion:

·       Country specific admissions quotas do not exist.  Universities in the United States admit qualified and talented students.  If you meet the admissions requirements for a specific university, can afford to attend the university, and feel the university would be a good fit for you, apply.  Try not to get caught up in admissions misconceptions.  Also know that universities admit more students than they can accommodate during regular decision because they know that not everyone they admit will attend. 

·       If you require foreign financial aid to attend a specific university, you need to apply for aid when submitting your application.  Some applicants believe it could harm their chances of admission to apply for aid, however, at universities like Duke and Penn, it is not possible for international students to apply for aid after admission.   For this reason, it is important to consider whether you can realistically afford the said college and/or university.  We are human and life happens—even to smart, driven students.  Every now and then, students need additional time to graduate due to unforeseen circumstances.  Keep this in mind when you are reviewing finances related to university costs.  You do not want to be on a razor thin budget since things can go wrong.

·       When researching universities in the US, determine if there are other students from your country studying at these universities.  Some schools provide information on their international student population and some highlight international students on their website.  If there are students from your country, ask to be connected so you can learn from their experiences.   You can also get a sense of the level of support for international students by reviewing the International Student and Scholar Services website and the cultural organizations offered at each university.   

·       Student Affairs Professionals have expertise in specialized areas of higher education, but the best function as conduits, connecting students with questions (outside their area of expertise) with appropriate specialists.  How responsive a university is to your needs, prior to your arrival on campus, is very telling as to how responsive the university will be when you are student on campus. 

·       Parents and students should set expectations regarding communication prior to departure.  Start by establishing ground rules as to how often you will communicate. Unresponsiveness can be an issue for parents, since prior to college, parents, especially in Asian countries, have in depth knowledge about their student’s daily life.  It is not uncommon for parents to contact universities for help to connect with their students.  Students need to be aware, that in these situations, it is not uncommon for campus police, local police, or university representatives to knock on their doors. To avoid outreach measures of this nature, parents and students should have candid discussions regarding how often they must check in with each other and what they should or should not do.  

·       Parents need to be transparent with their students, prior to departure, regarding their own knowledge of the country and educational systems where students are choosing to study and their level of comfort with the unknowns.  Students and parents should research the universities they are applying to.  It is important to learn about students’ new environments including how far housing is from educational buildings, the duration of housing contracts, and information related to the international community on campus.  Utilize current technology to learn about the campus, population, and surrounding community.  Take part in the virtual tours, predeparture information sessions, orientations, and virtual events to connect with students and ask questions.  COVID-19 has provided us with greater exposure to campuses than previously available. Take advantage of human resources, and take part in virtual events enabling students and families to speak with current students, alumni, and staff.  Time differences can be challenging, but most events are recorded–allowing students to watch and re-watch sessions if something is unclear. Be prepared and ask questions.  Preparation is the key.

·       The high school to college transition can be challenging for parents in terms of access to information and ability to provide support.  Parents need to be knowledgeable about how much information is available to them.  Having total access to information (down to the assignment level) in middle school and high school to having minimal access to information in college can be a major adjustment for parents.  Some parents helped their students academically in high school or were adept at seeking out additional support when students struggled.   These well-meaning parents might want to continue helping their students in college: they can begin by reviewing student support options with their student prior to departure.  Students and parents need to become knowledge about HIPPA and FERPA and have a clear understanding of what schools can share with parents based on their student’s preferences.  To learn more about FERPA, I recommend listening to Twin XL: Double Secret Probation.

·       Talk to students about how to handle problems if/when they arise.  Identify individuals to whom students can turn at their college or university.  This is especially important when parents cannot easily reach their students owing to significant geographical separation.   

·       Become aware of and utilize the resources your student’s university offers—students and parents are not in this alone.  Universities like Duke work very hard to provide integrated and comprehensive support to students and families.  There are country specific resources students and families should connect with including Parent Groups and Alumni Associations.  Duke creates weekly newsletters for families, and they are considering ways to make these newsletters more accessible.  It is also beneficial to join social media accounts and/or groups offered by the university focused on parents.  

I concluded my conversation with Li-Chen by asking what three pieces of advice she would give parents whose students were are applying to go to abroad for university.

1.      Have a genuine conversation with your student about what it means to study in another country.  What are the advantages, and what are the challenges?  

2.     If possible, take your student to university and try to meet key people on campus who have an instrumental role in supporting your student.  

3.     Utilize all the in-country resources and networks available.  Build your own network.  Universities are building culturally sensitive resources for families, if you are not aware of these resources, ask about them.  The Department of State has educational representatives in countries around the world.