Developing International Student Leaders
How do we make space for international students to lead in our chapters? How do we develop them? Check out the tips in this quick guide. Then, when you have your globally diverse team of leaders, help your team partner across cultures. Use these case studies with your leadership teams.
3 Things to Know
- International students have much to contribute and need space to grow in leadership.
- They have unique obstacles to overcome as they consider exercising leadership. For example: time, language, new culture, and dishonoring family by neglecting studies.
- Cultural values and communication patterns affect one's understanding of what a leader is and does.
3 Things to Avoid
- Don’t misinterpret lack of confidence and/or limited language proficiency to mean lack of leadership skills.
- Don’t assume internationals are not interested in being a leader if they do not respond initially.
- Invite them in
- Be encouraging
- Be persistent - but not forceful.
- Don’t wait until leadership selection time to give responsibility.
3 Things to Try
- Create a sense of family and belonging. International students are motivated by relationships and needs of the community.
- Give international students incremental responsibility, slow invites along the way, from little responsibilities to bigger roles.
- Try to have students lead in teams/groups or pair them with a seasoned leader/big bro/sis.
View International Student Leaders 3x3 Guide
To browse or purchase any of the 3x3 Quick Guides, click here.
Resource Topic - Primary
Resource Type
Community
Audience
