The Office of International Student and Scholar Services is offering three workshops to assist UB employees who interact with international students.

Two of the workshops are new to the ISSS lineup, with internationals students presenting culture-specific sessions designed to give staff members a glimpse into their cultures.

The schedule:

• “Responding to the Needs of International Students: Tips for Staff Members”: 3:30-4:45 p.m., Oct. 30, 324 Crofts Hall, North Campus. This workshop helps staff better respond to the needs of international students by presenting strategies used by these students, explaining the reasons why students employ these strategies and suggesting best practices for effective communication and understanding. Presenters are Ellen Dussourd, Eric Comins and Chris Bragdon, all from International Student & Scholar Services.
• “Holidays Around the World: Japan”: noon to 1 p.m., Nov. 14, 31 Capen Hall, North Campus. UB enrolls students from more than 100 countries, all celebrating different cultural, historical, political and religious holidays. In this session, Japanese students will talk about the origin, significance and customs surrounding major holidays celebrated in their country.
• “Understanding International Cultures: South Korea”: noon to 2 p.m., Nov. 16, 120 Clemens Hall, North Campus. International students bring to UB expectations of academic culture that differ greatly from that in the U.S. In this session, students from South Korea will discuss the nuances of academic culture in their home country. Workshop attendees will gain an in-depth understanding of these students’ expectations and behaviors, as well as learn practical information and useful techniques to bridge the cultural gap between the students’ expectations, and participants’ advising, teaching, socializing and customer-service styles.