What is a beneficial practice for addressing cultural adjustment for immigrant students?

Pairing immigrant students with local students for support is a highly beneficial practice for addressing cultural adjustment. This approach fosters peer relationships that can help immigrant students navigate their new environment more effectively. By connecting with local students, immigrant students receive personalized guidance and emotional support, which can significantly ease their transition.

These peer relationships facilitate social integration as immigrant students learn about cultural norms, community resources, and local customs from their peers. This interaction not only enhances their social skills but also promotes a sense of belonging, which is crucial for their emotional well-being. Bonding with local students can also lessen feelings of isolation or alienation that many immigrant students may experience upon arrival.

While other practices like organizing cultural awareness events or providing bilingual counseling services can be valuable, the direct peer connection created by pairing immigrant students with local students offers a unique and immediate support system that addresses the social integration aspect of cultural adjustment.