IELTS believes language plays an extremely important role in the international student journey. Language proficiency in the language of instruction and accompanying social contexts has a profound effect on a student’s ability to communicate, learn and thrive. Students lacking the necessary proficiency may struggle academically, suffer from social isolation, may not be able to participate in the vibrancy of campus life in meaningful ways, and these factors can have long term effects on positive student outcomes.

At the same time, a multilingual student’s additional language fluencies and the freedom to make use of those languages can support a richer, more inclusive educational experience, in some part by fostering a sense of recognition and belonging.

IELTS wants to know, from perspectives across campus, how do higher education professionals and the students they serve balance the complex and expansive array of language influences to create cultural, academic and social language environments that help international students to succeed, from the admissions process to graduation and beyond?

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IELTS USA believes that every student should have equal access and equitable resources to take full advantage of their education. IELTS wants to know, from perspectives across campus, what strategies, programs, initiatives, or policies have helped to remove institutional barriers and open up new opportunities in higher education, and how organizations can develop the resources, social services, and academic support that international students need to succeed, from the admissions process to graduation and beyond.

English-language proficiency, family income and educational-attainment levels, community affluence, and geographical location are interwoven with the challenges all students face, including potential biases related to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, perceived intellectual ability, past academic performance, and special-education status, among others. Taken together, these factors can contribute to some students having less access to educational opportunities than others. From reviewing admission policies to tracking student outcomes, higher education institutions are studying the impediments to success that may exist on campus or through institutional policy. They are working hard to remove barriers and improve support systems.

https://www.ielts.org/usa

https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com/

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IELTS believes a community where international students are integrated into the learning process and social environment is beneficial for everyone. IELTS wants to know, what does an inclusive higher education organization look like, and how does an organization foster and grow a sense of belonging, which is vital for everyone invested in these efforts?

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One expert panelist will discuss the #YouAreWelcomeHere campaign, a message from U.S. higher education to international students around the world. Speakers from the International Association for College Admission Counseling (International ACAC) and NAFSA will discuss efforts to create more inclusive campuses and programs, meaningful cross-cultural experiences and communication and how they’ve instituted efforts to develop inclusive learning and social environments for international students, where all feel equally welcome and engaged. A student contributor will discuss their experience from an international student perspective. Additional topics include financial aid for international students, housing and cultural factors of international student life, innovative integration programs that have been successful, and where higher education institutions have more room to grow.

https://www.ielts.org/usa

https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Diverse Dialogues from IELTS USA

Each episode of our podcast draws together a diverse range of voices, including educators, administrators, students, and everyone in between, to explore topics vital to international education. Listen as these different perspectives build compelling, multi-faceted dialogues around today's most pressing higher education themes.

https://www.ielts.org/usa

https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.