Interviewing an International Student:

Challenges and Benefits of interviewing an international student:

Challenges:

1.        Difficult to find an international student

2.        Language barrier

3.        International student may be shy to talk

4.        Might slip and say something offensive

5.        Not a high level English speaker

6.        International students might not know some words

7.        International students may have difficulty in expressing what they want to say

8.        Some actions could come off offensive on accident

9.        Some questions might scare/offend the interviewee

10.     Body language could be offensive

11.     Certain questions may be misunderstood

12.     International students may have troubles continuing a thought because it is not in their native language

13.     Mispronunciation on words

14.     Miss use of words

15.     Might have to stop the interview to ask a questions because might be unclear on the answer

16.     Starting the conversation

17.     Not on time (culture difference on what “on time” is)

18.     Trouble finding time on when to meet – conflicting schedules

 

Benefits:

1.        Firsthand experience with a country

2.        Meet a new person from a different country

3.        Learning about a new culture

4.        More professional – less small talk

5.        Arrange and execute a professional meeting

6.        Learn how/where/time they will want to meet

7.        Learn about new customs

8.        Learn new Traditions

9.        Learn how a different culture goes about a professional meeting

10.     Learn about clothing

11.     Learn about their food

12.     Learn about their educational background

13.     Learn about their family

14.     Won’t speak in local small talk – helps stay on subject

15.     Talk more professional due to a common interest

16.     Learning about nonverbal communication

17.     Learn about their manners

18.     Learn about the foreign exchange process