Applying a Critical Lens

This chapter critically examines how assumptions guiding support structures and terminologies for international students need to be problematized and reconceptualized. By bridging the gap between research and practice, we apply a critical lens to understand how theories and practices developed for and by people in the dominant culture are applied to international students from diverse cultural backgrounds. We discuss how labels can influence others’ perceptions of international students and their perceptions of themselves. Translocality, social ecology, critical race theory, and decoloniality are proposed as critical frameworks to aid practitioners in their work with students. We suggest beneficial practices to support international students and present concrete findings and principles of good practice for educators and administrators to create inclusive and effective support systems for international students.