Panel Addresses Cultural Norms and Advising of International GLBT Students in the U.S.

Joe Murnan, Hariri Foundation

Participants who attended the May 2002 NAFSA National Conference in San Antonio were able to participate in a session on ”GLBT Issues in Many Cultures: Insights for International Student Advisers.“ The participants were Bo Keppel, Art Turmelle, Joe Murnan, Parandeh Kia, a director of an SIT program, a gay former international student in the U.S., Daniel Soto, and a director of an SIT program. Panelists discussed the environments for GLBT persons in the following countries: France, Korea, Iran, Armenia, the Andean Region of Latin America, Central America, Lebanon, and the Arab World.

By discussing these environments our goal was to assist international student advisors in providing support and resources for GLBT international students from these countries when they study in the United States.  A gay former international student in the U.S. described the efforts he went through to find resources and information on GLBT issues and support for him. He also provided suggestions for international student offices to assist GLBT international students. The following suggestions were made:

1. Create a section on their web page related to international GLBT students, just as they have specific sections for international Latin, African, Asian, and Middle Eastern students.
2. Invite foreign GLBT guest speakers to speak at one of the international student events.
3. Distribute brochures/flyers and make available more information in their office and on their web site about GLBT resources on campus, in their cities, etc.
4. Include a brochure in the international student application packet about student clubs that are available on campus (including GLBT clubs).
5. Introduce international students to the concepts of counseling or psychotherapy, since in many countries it is regarded as treatment for crazy people only.
6. Anonymously survey all international students upon their arrival at school to determine what type of services, support, and resources they expect from the International Student Office. Re-evaluate or ask for feedback on a regular basis.

The session was well received in the evaluations and comments afterwards.