Reimagining international student support: Study Group's innovative approach at the University of Hartford
Over one million international students enrolled in US institutions during the 2022-23 academic year, accounting for 5.6% of the total student population. That’s according to Open Doors data – and it means that institutions are under increased pressure to seek effective ways to ensure these students can thrive.
International students, as a diverse group, face a number of challenges on arrival in a new country – but these can vary depending on individual circumstances. For example, in the article Universities as Global Villages: Supporting International Students on Campus published by Tozini and Castiello-Gutierrez (2020), where 42% were seeking support for finding employment in the US, 65% identified homesickness as being one of the toughest parts of being a new arrival.
A more recent article, published last month in Inside Higher Ed, also mentions homesickness, and also highlights the expectation on international students to adapt to the academic demands of US education – with 47% of students noting the amount of schoolwork as a stressor, and, even more considerably, 72% sharing some level of concern about crime, theft, discrimination and personal safety prior to arrival, although this number drops post-arrival.
So how can universities ensure a welcoming environment for international students that empowers them to thrive?
The key pillars: social integration and career preparation
Ashley Mowreader, author of the Inside Higher Ed article, makes the following recommendations as to where leaders should focus their efforts to drive this:
- Specialised orientation, such as additional time on campus or welcome events
- Peer connections, including peer guidance amongst international students
- Quality education: reviewing how inclusive curriculum offerings are to international students and investing in educational initiatives
- Financial aid: considering how support for international students may look different to those of domestic students
- Job preparation, such as supporting identifying sponsorship opportunities or support with work visas/permits.
Doing it differently with Study Group and the University of Hartford
Study Group, in partnership with the University of Hartford, has developed an innovative approach that addresses key challenges highlighted in some of this research. We have introduced two courses at Hartford's International Study Center (ISC): US190 for undergraduates and the soon-to-be-launched MGT501 for graduate students. These courses are worth one credit each, meaning that they can be integrated into ISC students’ studies.
What’s being offered:
- US190: International University Preparation – Undergraduate Students This course focuses on providing undergraduate international students with tools to help them successfully adjust to life at the Hartford campus, covering topics such as university policies and resources, major requirements, registration procedures, goal setting and study skills, time management, career development, and mental and physical wellness.
- MGT501: Career Coaching & Development for International Students – Graduate Students This comprehensive programme is tailored to the specific needs of graduate students to equip them with an in-depth understanding of the US career development landscape, using both theory and real-life scenarios
Kelsey Nestel, Director of International Pathway Programmes and the colleague who initiated this project, told us: “I worked in South Korea for 5 years, and I remember what it was like to be new in a country and needing everything from a bank account to medical support in an emergency. The outcome goal for these courses is to support students in their transition to Hartford, right from arrival and the resources on campus, all the way through to preparation for success in the US job market”.
Why this matters
Early results are promising. The undergraduate course is receiving exceptional feedback, scoring 4.7/5 and surpassing departmental averages. This aligns with Terra Dotta's finding that 50% of students cite programme satisfaction as a key retention factor.
The University of Hartford's partnership with Study Group demonstrates how innovative approaches to international student support can create a win-win situation. Students receive the comprehensive support they need, while institutions benefit from a more engaged, successful international student body. Implementing a comprehensive support system like Study Group's can lead to:
- Improved retention rates and academic performance
- Enhanced campus diversity and cultural exchange
- Stronger international reputation and recruitment potential
- Better prepared graduates for a global job market
Collaboration that empowers students to success
As you consider ways to enhance your international student experience, Study Group's model at the University of Hartford offers a compelling blueprint. It's an approach that not only addresses current challenges but also positions your institution as a leader in international education.
Our partner development team would love to share more insights with you about how a similar project could take international student support to the next level at your institution. Reach out to Alex Marston, Vice President Partnership Development, North America, to share your experiences and discover more.