Searching for comprehension at a critical time : a survey of international students about the accessibility and usefulness of current international student orientation materials

Abstract

This study examines whether the materials provided during new international student orientation contain comprehensible input for the large number of low-level English speakers attending the sessions. When the number of low-level speakers increases, the challenge becomes how to communicate ‘critical first day’ information in language that is comprehensible to all students. Materials are not effectively communicating key information to low-level speakers, especially during a time period when they must familiarize themselves with a new campus or facilities. The ultimate goal is to be able to provide this demographic with accessible materials that will help them acculturate to the university campus environment. A survey, comprised mostly of open-ended questions, was distributed to current Intensive English Institute students to see what aspects of the orientation should be adapted to make content more appropriate for low-level English speakers.