Participation Type
Paper
Session Title
International Voices in Appalachia: Reflections on Intercultural Communication at Marshall University
Session Abstract or Summary
One continuing change in Appalachia is marked by the increase of international students coming to the region. International students are pouring into Appalachia from all over the globe, and we have the opportunity to learn from them and teach them about our culture. In order to better serve and welcome international students, we must ask the question: What is the nature of intercultural communication between Americans, particularly Appalachians, and international students at American college and university campuses? This paper argues that interpersonal communication with international students can directly impact the quality of an international student experience and perception of the U.S. With my role at INTO Marshall University, the only INTO Higher Education Center for international students in Appalachia, thus far, I propose an in-depth look at what is working and the challenges in intercultural communication at Marshall University and how we can apply the concepts to better serve and welcome international students to the United States on university campuses, especially in Appalachia. We can be better ambassadors to attract international students to Appalachia, and international students can be ambassadors for our region upon returning home. The international voices of the mountains either stay here working, living, and raising families, increasing the diversity in the mountains, or return to their country of origin, echoing their blessed experiences with the people in the mountains and encouraging others to come play a role in the diversity of our beloved Appalachia.
Presentation #1 Title
International Voices in Appalachia: Reflections on Intercultural Communication at Marshall University
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
One continuing change in Appalachia is marked by the increase of international students coming to the region. International students are pouring into Appalachia from all over the globe, and we have the opportunity to learn from them and teach them about our culture. In order to better serve and welcome international students, we must ask the question: What is the nature of intercultural communication between Americans, particularly Appalachians, and international students at American college and university campuses? This paper argues that interpersonal communication with international students can directly impact the quality of an international student experience and perception of the U.S. With my role at INTO Marshall University, the only INTO Higher Education Center for international students in Appalachia, thus far, I propose an in-depth look at what is working and the challenges in intercultural communication at Marshall University and how we can apply the concepts to better serve and welcome international students to the United States on university campuses, especially in Appalachia. We can be better ambassadors to attract international students to Appalachia, and international students can be ambassadors for our region upon returning home. The international voices of the mountains either stay here working, living, and raising families, increasing the diversity in the mountains, or return to their country of origin, echoing their blessed experiences with the people in the mountains and encouraging others to come play a role in the diversity of our beloved Appalachia.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Katelyn McGuffin is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Interpersonal Communication and a minor in Greek at Marshall University. She also studied social sciences and religions at Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morocco in spring 2015. Currently she is an International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) Ambassador and works with international students at INTO Marshall University.
International Voices in Appalachia: Reflections on Intercultural Communication at Marshall University
One continuing change in Appalachia is marked by the increase of international students coming to the region. International students are pouring into Appalachia from all over the globe, and we have the opportunity to learn from them and teach them about our culture. In order to better serve and welcome international students, we must ask the question: What is the nature of intercultural communication between Americans, particularly Appalachians, and international students at American college and university campuses? This paper argues that interpersonal communication with international students can directly impact the quality of an international student experience and perception of the U.S. With my role at INTO Marshall University, the only INTO Higher Education Center for international students in Appalachia, thus far, I propose an in-depth look at what is working and the challenges in intercultural communication at Marshall University and how we can apply the concepts to better serve and welcome international students to the United States on university campuses, especially in Appalachia. We can be better ambassadors to attract international students to Appalachia, and international students can be ambassadors for our region upon returning home. The international voices of the mountains either stay here working, living, and raising families, increasing the diversity in the mountains, or return to their country of origin, echoing their blessed experiences with the people in the mountains and encouraging others to come play a role in the diversity of our beloved Appalachia.
