8.3 Inside the International Student Experience
Lilly Briars and Rashidat Oni-Orisan
Fanshawe College is home to a diverse international student community, representing more than 110 countries. These students bring their lived experiences from global perspectives and diverse cultural contexts directly into the campus and the local London community. This diversity highlights the need for inclusive practices that acknowledge the unique experiences, strengths, and challenges faced by international learners in our community.
This video shares real stories from international students, offering practical insights into their transition to postsecondary education in Canada, including common challenges, cultural and academic adjustments, and the supports that help build confidence and success.
Video: “Adjusting | International Students: Stories and Strategies for Postsecondary Success” by Academic Success [2:12] is licensed under the Standard YouTube License.Transcript and closed captions available on YouTube.
Common Adjustments of International Students
Language and Communication
Cultural Expectations
Professional Norms
Academic Expectations
Balancing Demands
Building Supportive Mentor Relationships
Mentorship plays a central role in supporting international students as confidence and professional identity. Many describe mentors who demonstrated patience, openness, and trust, qualities that allowed them to learn through experience rather than fear of mistakes.
ECE Student Voice: Amrita Shrestha
“Both of my mentors were truly amazing. They guided me with patience, encouragement, and professionalism throughout my placement. I was able to learn something new every day from their experience and constructive feedback. They created a safe environment where I could ask questions, reflect on my practice, and continuously improve. Their mentorship helped me build confidence in my role as an RECE and taught me the importance of collaboration, communication, and ongoing learning in this field.”
ECE Student Voice: Catherine Celis
“What I truly appreciated about her (agency mentor) was the trust she placed in me—she encouraged me to take initiative, supported me in doing tasks I was capable of, and allowed me to be myself as I navigated a new environment. Her calm and open approach helped me feel safe and respected, which made a big difference during those early, uncertain days.”
Growth Through Relationships and Cultural Awareness
Many international students identified relationship-building as the area of greatest personal and professional growth. Developing strong connections with children and families deepened their understanding of inclusion and trust.
ECE Student Voice: Amrita Shrestha
“Working with multicultural children and families has been a blessing. It has helped me appreciate diversity and understand the importance of respecting different backgrounds, traditions, and values. My own cultural experiences have shaped me to be empathetic and inclusive, ensuring that every child and family feels valued and seen in the learning environment.”
ECE Student Voice: Catherine Celis
“I come from a culture that places a high value on respect, family, and community. These values guided my interactions and helped me approach others with humility, kindness, and care. They also gave me a deeper appreciation for the diverse family structures, cultural practices, and parenting styles I encountered during my placement. By honouring these differences, I was able to build respectful and supportive relationships with families and better understand the children in my care.”
Feeling Welcomed and Supported
ECE Student Voice: Catherine Celis
“From the very start, what made me feel most welcome and supported at my placement agency was the warm and inclusive atmosphere fostered by the staff. On my first day, the team took the time to introduce themselves, clearly explain the daily routines, and guide me through the expectations in a way that was manageable and reassuring. They welcomed me as a valued member of the team rather than just a student, which helped me feel a strong sense of belonging.”
Voices of International Students: Lessons and Perspectives
Be Open and Proactive
Take initiative—offer help and participate actively.
Observe and engage instead of waiting for instructions.
Ask questions and seek feedback regularly.
Stay curious and reflective about your practice
Build Relationships and Communicate
Communicate openly, respectfully, and collaboratively.
Value teamwork—educators appreciate initiative and support.
Learn about each child and family individually.
Express gratitude and professionalism in all interactions.
Embrace Your Cultural Identity
Share experiences when appropriate to enrich the learning environment.
Appreciate diversity and approach differences with curiosity.
Recognize how your unique background enhances inclusive practice.
Stay Positive and Professional
Be punctual, prepared, and organized everyday
Handle challenges calmly and learn from mistakes
Show responsibility through consistency and reliability
Reflect daily to guide improvement
Create Inclusive Learning Environments
Recognize and celebrate diversity in children’s experiences
Build connections with families through empathy and understanding
Encourage children’s voices and perspectives in the learning space
The Fanshawe College International Centre
The International Centre at Fanshawe College serves as the primary support hub for prospective and current international students, offering centralized services, guidance, and assistance throughout their academic journey, from pre-arrival to graduation.
The Center offers licensed immigration advice for study and work permits, arrival services like airport greeting and settlement support, and guidance on mandatory health insurance. It provides academic advising, career and co-op assistance, and helps with housing and community integration. Students can also access information on scholarships, social networking opportunities, and financial aid options.
How to Access:
- Visit the International Center in Room E2025 on the London Campus
- Visit their website: Fanshawe College International Center
Reflection
Reflect on these testimonials and answer the following questions. Please specify your current role (e.g., Mentor, Student, or Advisor).
Activity Description
Agency Mentor
Agency Mentor: What insights from these testimonials resonate with you, and how might they shape the way you promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in your mentoring?
Student
Student: Before reading the testimonials, what assumptions or concerns did you have about field placements? How have these perspectives shifted, and what influenced that change?
Faculty
Faculty Advisor: In what ways did these testimonials inspire you to strengthen students’ sense of belonging during placement? How will you put that inspiration into practice?
“Adjusting” from International Students: Stories and Strategies for Academic Success in Postsecondary Education by Yaseen Ali, Rahul Bhat, Wenzhe Xu, John Hannah & Tesni Ellis is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.
