Outsiders Within: The Complexity of International Teaching Assistants' Experiences

• In Event: 66.089 - Sheraton Roundtable Session 13 - Grand Centre
  In Roundtable Session: 66.089-2 - International Student Experiences and Success in Higher Education

Abstract

The unique challenges of international teaching assistants (ITAs) are often the result of their racial and/or linguistic minority status as well as the content of their teaching. This study, informed by the concept of Outsider-Within Standpoint, aimed to explore the challenges faced by five ITAs in a state university as well as their available and the still-needed support. The data came from individual interviews and one focus-group interview. Findings indicated that these ITAs were dealing with challenges related to cultural differences, teaching, and language. Furthermore, even though there was some level of institutional support, ITAs desired further assistance in improving their English and developing content-specific instructional strategies. These findings can inform training practices for ITAs and advance diversity in academia.

Author

• Ming-Tso Chien, The University of Maine