MANAGING STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

It is important support staff or anyone working in education can make effective decisions. This decision-making course teaches the model of decision making and how to apply it practically in everyday settings. Particularly useful for support staff that carry the emergency phone but beneficial for any staff.

As study abroad increases it's popularity in the global education marketplace, our communication skills must expand and improve. Cross-cultural communication is vital for any student, faculty, and support staff in a diverse educational setting. It is imperative to be aware of cultural differences so that we do not cause offence, and so that we can effectively communicate in situations where language or cultural differences might be a barrier.

It is important that staff have the skills to resolve conflict in a positive manner. This is a skill that can be developed and practiced. Being heard can be one of the most important goals of someone engaged in conflict whether it be a conflict between students or between staff members. Knowing how to listen and deploy appropriate communication tactics is determinative of whether a conflict will have a positive or negative resolution.

Having difficult conversations with students can be challenging. This course provides a framework for dealing with tough conversations about changes or conduct of students.

Managing professional boundaries is crucial for anyone who lives on onsite on a study abroad program. Onsite live in staff are in a position of trust; they provide support, guidance and at times are required to be a disciplinarian. Living on site and sharing facilities means that lines may be harder to manage. This course will give staff the confidence to manage their boundaries.

Resilience skills are no longer desirable – they are crucial. The course will provide a range of practical tools and ideas; students will have a chance to reflect upon their stressors and identify area in which they could develop their resilience skills.

Students that are studying abroad are presenting more and more with mental health issues. This bespoke course focuses on how important faculty members are in flagging initial concerns to the appropriate support staff. In this course faculty will learn the most common conditions students have, how to identify them and how to escalate and signpost student appropriately so the condition does not worsen.

Study abroad can bring challenges to students and staff mental health alike. Moving away from support networks for the first time, new academic pressures and a new culture can all trigger mental ill health or deteriorate existing mental health issues. This accredited course will look at mental health and how to identify mental conditions and when to seek professional help.