De Liseo K1
1UOW College Australia, Wollongong, Australia
Peer Assisted Learning provides much needed academic support, which is essential in higher education. It is also one such program that builds a sense of belonging, to help all students become involved in their studies and connect with others. However, some 50 to 70 percent of international students are affected by homesickness.
Engaging the services of tutors and student mentors from a range of different countries, who are also current successful university students, can provide overseas students with familiarity. This helps them feel more comfortable in their new surroundings, in order to navigate the complexities for both the preparation and commencement of tertiary education. Social connections on campus and within the local community are encouraged at the University of Wollongong, which provides various International Student programs and associations. At UOW College, there is a team of Peer Academic Coaches, Peer Assisted Tutors and Student Mentors providing academic support for students from Arabic, Asian and the Asian sub-continent countries such as Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. These university students or the Peer Assisted Learning team have not only excelled in their studies, but have also had to adjust to their new life away from home, where almost everything is different: the climate, the language, the culture, the food, and how things generally work. The Peer Assisted Learning team serves as role models for international students and are able to provide in-class and online academic support to make them feel that they belong.
Biography:
Kristine De Liseo is a passionate educator, examiner and Lifeline Crisis Support volunteer. Kris is currently a Student Advisor at the UOW (University of Wollongong) College, advising, encouraging and supporting students in their pathways to their chosen degrees. Having taught students from Kindergarten to Tertiary levels, she truly values positive learning experiences and how they are pivotal for both Domestic and International students in their educational journey.