Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Social Sciences, ICONESS 2023, 22-23 July 2023, Purwokerto, Central Java, Indonesia

Research Article

Intercultural Communication Strategy of International Student Services Staff at Higher Education in Indonesia

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  • @INPROCEEDINGS{10.4108/eai.22-7-2023.2335460,
        author={Sulistiyo Joko Wahyudi and Andre Noevi Rahmanto and Albert Muhammad Isrun Naini},
        title={Intercultural Communication Strategy of International Student Services Staff at Higher Education in Indonesia},
        proceedings={Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Social Sciences, ICONESS 2023, 22-23 July 2023, Purwokerto, Central Java, Indonesia},
        publisher={EAI},
        proceedings_a={ICONESS},
        year={2023},
        month={9},
        keywords={communication strategy international students internationalization intercultural communication strategy},
        doi={10.4108/eai.22-7-2023.2335460}
    }
    
  • Sulistiyo Joko Wahyudi
    Andre Noevi Rahmanto
    Albert Muhammad Isrun Naini
    Year: 2023
    Intercultural Communication Strategy of International Student Services Staff at Higher Education in Indonesia
    ICONESS
    EAI
    DOI: 10.4108/eai.22-7-2023.2335460
Sulistiyo Joko Wahyudi1,*, Andre Noevi Rahmanto1, Albert Muhammad Isrun Naini1
  • 1: Universitas Sebelas Maret
*Contact email: sulistiyo.jw@student.uns.ac.id

Abstract

Higher education institutions strive to maintain their competitive advantage over other universities by the existence of international students. International students have a positive impact on the academic performance of tertiary institutions. However, they risk experiencing various problems without integration between students, lecturers, administrative staff and the education system. College staff need to have cross-cultural awareness & cross-cultural understanding for the development of their professional services. This study aims to recognize and scrutinize the strategy of intercultural communication carried out by staffs for International Student Services in providing services to international students at a tertiary institution. Intercultural communication strategies are are utilized to overcome language and cultural barriers. This communication strategy is essential for administrative staff at the forefront of academic and non-academic services when interacting with international students. The results of this study identified five key components of an intercultural communication development strategy to improve international student services: attitude, knowledge, emotional connection, communication skills, and critical cultural awareness. The strategy should involve friendly behaviour, patience, clear explanations, emotional closeness, persuasive communication, and cultural sensitivity.