Challenges in teaching international students: group separation, language barriers and culture differences

Abstract

In this paper we would like to focus on international students’ problems regarding integration with the local students with emphasis on group separation, language barriers and cultural differences. Group separation is referring to the tendency that both local and international students keep to themself, instead of mixing with each other, specially when doing group work. Language barriers are when the students’ proficiency in English is lacking, and problems occur because of that. Cultural differences is, on the other hand, referring to differences in culture between local and international students, or students from the east and west. All these can cause challenges in how the students deal with each other and relate to the teaching.