You can expect to learn virtually with students from another country, which means you might encounter different ways of expressing ideas and communicating. You could also learn a different way of seeing the world and ways of viewing the subject material. This will likely happen in most of your classes at your institution, but it can be even more evident when you work collaboratively with students in a different country. Or, you could be surprised by the number of ways in which you are similar.
It’s helpful to build connections with fellow students when working on a project together. This helps to address conflict or misunderstandings if they arise. Ask your classmates and international peers questions about themselves and respond to what they say or write.
It can be intimidating to strike up a conversation with a stranger from a different place. You might be concerned about being able to understand someone with a thick accent or perhaps unintentionally causing offense by something you say. But talking to people from other cultures and backgrounds is, like any other type of communication skill, one that can be learned. There are also things to be learned, about oneself and one's world, by having awkward moments or struggling to understand or be understood. With that in mind, here a number of conversation starters and tips you can use when you meet with your partner, especially for the first time:
Where are you originally from? Where do you live now?
What do you like to do for fun? Do you have a job?
Tell me about your family. Do you have any brothers and sisters?
Do you have any pets?
How do you celebrate the new year?
What is your favorite food?
What is your dream job?
What is your favorite thing to read?
Consider using the SOFTEN technique, which was coined by Arthur C. Wassmer in his book Making Contact: A Guide to Overcoming Shyness, Making New Relationships, and Keeping Those You Already Have:
Smile: Shows that you are friendly and open to talking
Open posture: Avoid crossing your arms, which might signify you're busy or preoccupied with something else
Forward lean: Leaning forward suggest you are interested in what the other person is saying
Taking notes: Instead of a handshake, you can show interest by taking notes
Eye contact: This one can be tricky when using a webcam, but remember to periodically look directly at the camera to mimic eye contact
Nodding head: Shows your paying attention and listening
Finally, these are some conversations that you might want to delay until after establishing a working relationship or friendship. These can be tricky conversations to have with friends in person, let alone with new people you're meeting online for the first time:
Social status and finances
Religious background and beliefs
Controversial political issues
Dating, sexuality, and gender
Race and racism
Images by Omar Flores and Nick Fewings on Unsplash