Untying Preconceptions: International students’ views of academic and cross-cultural challenges in the U.S

Presenter(s)

Ogechi C. Kalu, MSW

Graduate Research Assistant
State University of New York at Buffalo
Jennifer Elliott, n/a

Lecturer, Graduate Research Assistant
Buffalo State University, State University of New York at Buffalo

This study explores the preconceptions of first-time international graduate students from Asia and Africa about life in the U.S. It examines how their cultural, academic, and social expectations align or differ from reality, highlighting challenges such as safety, freedom, racial disparities, and class structure, emphasizing the need for trauma-informed support.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session, attendees should be able to:

Explore the impact of preconceptions on international students' academic, social, and cultural adjustment.
Understand the unique themes of safety, racial disparities, and freedom in international students’ experiences to inform trauma-informed teaching pedagogies.
Develop trauma-informed, culturally congruent support strategies for international students in social work practice.