GENERAL INFORMATION

· Why does Indiana University have so many international instructors?

     Indiana University makes a conscious effort to attract the best and brightest international scholars. In many cases, their very presence here reflects their
     prestigious standing and significant achievements in their fields.

· Can't I avoid having problems understanding my instructors by choosing classed based on instructors' last names
  listed in the Schedule of Classes?

     You may miss the opportunity to study with outstanding scholars if you choose to avoid classes taught by persons with "foreign" surnames. In addition,
     avoiding such courses limits your chance to explore and enhance your awareness of cultural differences. Your education goes beyond the content you learn in
     classes; it also includes the interactions you have with classmates and instructors. International instructors help make Indiana University more culturally diverse.
     The extra effort it may take to understand an international instructor is worth the subsequent rewards.

     Stereotyping persons with foreign-sounding surnames as difficult to understand reinforces discriminatory perspectives. Looking at names in a course schedule
     is not an accurate way to determine English proficiency. Even native English speakers, who come from a rich diversity of ethnicities, may have
     foreign-sounding surnames. In addition, the accents and language proficiency of native English speakers vary greatly.

· If I have difficulty understanding an international instructor, is the best solution to switch to a section taught by
  a native English speaker?

     No. This is only a temporary solution. The mix of people attending universities and in the workforce in the United States is increasingly diverse. It is likely that
     sometime in life you will need to interact with an individual whose native language is not English. In a professional situation, you will not have the opportunity to
     "switch sections." If you do not take responsibility for communication in a professional setting, an important connection or even a job could be lost.

     In the long run, you will benefit from taking the time to understand and learn from an instructor whose native language is not English. We live in a multicultural
     society, and now is the time to take advantage of Indiana University's resources to learn to adjust and to build the cross-cultural communication skills you will
     need in the future.

· Is a language barrier the only problem I might encounter in understanding an international instructor?

     Often a communication problem is not simply one of spoken language. Culturally based differences in methods and styles of teaching may affect
     communication in the classroom. A culturally based communication problem is sometimes misconstrued as a language barrier; examine this possibility before
     assuming that the issue is one of language proficiency.

     Timeliness, proper classroom attire, perceptions of appropriate student-teacher relationships, and mannerisms, such as amount of eye contact and physical
     distance between people, are all culturally based. Lack of awareness of these differences can cause misunderstanding. For example, within certain cultures eye
     contact is avoided as a sign of respect; yet within the United States, lack of eye contact is often interpreted as disinterest, apathy, or dislike.

     International instructors work hard to familiarize themselves with the teaching and cultural norms of the United States and how they differ from those of their
     own cultures. You also need to be aware of these cultural differences and honestly examine your attitudes toward international instructors. To increase your
     awareness, take advantage of Indiana University's resources on multiculturalism and intercultural communication.

· What should I do if I am having trouble understanding an international instructor and the problem is not culturally based?

     First, make sure you are familiar with the terminology and vocabulary of the academic field in which you are having difficulty; sometimes it is the new
     vocabulary that is the problem rather than the instructor's accent. In addition, consider strengthening your classroom learning skills by attending workshops
     offered through the Student Academic Center (855-7313).

· What should I do if I still find it difficult to understand an international instructor?

     Take the following steps to resolve your situation:

• Try sitting closer to the instructor. Practice your listening skills for use in this and other classes.

• Talk with your instructor. All instructors are trying to be effective teachers, and you are doing yourself and the instructor a disservice if you do not  speak with him or her about your difficulty in understanding. Learn how to communicate your inability to understand in an inoffensive manner. Make appointments during office hours to review any areas you had trouble understanding.

• Take responsibility for your inability to understand and for your need to develop cross-cultural communication skills. Make arrangements with your instructor to try different techniques to increase your understanding. Suggest solutions such as holding up your hand to indicate that you do not understand or that you would like the instructor to slow down.

• If you continue to have difficulty understanding your instructor, talk with your department's advising office about your concern and the efforts you havemade to remedy the problem.

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATE INSTRUCTORS

· How are associate instructors selected?

     Indiana University chooses both international and American associate instructors (AIs) based on their history of superior academic achievement and their
     expertise in their fields. The AI selection process is intensely competitive.

· What testing is done to assess the English language skills of instructors who are not native speakers of English?

     AI candidates who are not native speakers of English are tested extensively before they are permitted to teach. To be admitted to IU, all students whose
     native language is not English must achieve an acceptable TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score and pass the Indiana English Proficiency
     Exam. AI candidates who are not native speakers of English also must pass the Test of English Proficiency for International AI Candidates, which includes an
     oral interview, in order to be awarded a teaching position.

· What training do international AIs receive?

     Every academic department at IU provides training for all of its AIs. In addition, international AIs may participate in workshops on classroom culture in the
     United States conducted by the Teaching Resources Center and an accent reduction program offered by the Department of Speech and Hearing.

RESOURCES FOR INFORMATION AND SUPPORT

Student Advocates Office
Franklin Hall 206, 855-0761
The Student Advocates Office offers advice and guidance to students on a variety of problems relating to Indiana University. The office can explain university
policies, help you explore avenues for resolving a problem, mediate disagreements, and refer you to other appropriate support services. The Student Advocates Office is staffed primarily by retired IU faculty and administrators.

Student Academic Center
316 N. Jordan Avenue, 855-7313
The Student Academic Center offers a variety of workshops and classes on academic skills such as improving student-teacher relationships, understanding classroom dynamics, and becoming a better listener and note taker.

Center for English Language Training
Memorial Hall 313, 855-8479
The Center for English Language Training provides English language training for international students and administers the Test of English Proficiency for
International AI Candidates. This office can provide you with detailed information on the testing and training of international AIs.

International Services
Franklin Hall 306, 855-9086
International Services, which is a unit of the Office of International Programs, provides orientation and assistance for international scholars and promotes
contact between international and American students.

SUMMARY

What should I do if I find it difficult to understand an international instructor?

        · Talk with your instructor. Make appointments during office hours to review any areas you had trouble understanding.

        · Take responsibility for your inability to understand and for your need to develop cross-cultural communication skills.
          Make arrangements with your instructor to try different techniques to increase your understanding.

        ·  If you continue to have difficulty understanding your instructor, talk with your department's advising office.