International student peer support internship module : Developing a role description and scope of responsibility for interns supporting international students at Diaconia University of Applied Sciences

Abstract

This development-oriented thesis aimed to produce a learning module for international student peer support interns (ISPSI) to equip them with the knowledge, support and tools to effectively support and guide new international students in their integration process at Diaconia University of Applied Sciences (Diak). Newly arrived international students have a higher need for services in integration and study ability. The idea for this thesis centred around the tutoring program, which was inadequate for the influx of the high number of international students during autumn 2022, causing a high need for student support and integration services.

The internship role was described with close cooperation with our work-life partner, and the scope was developed into an interactive and adaptable module. This thesis as a project contains the ISPSI role description, tasks and responsibilities, ethical guidelines, and relevant information suitable for international students. Newly appointed ISPS interns will use this module during their internship period as a guideline and to access vital information. The project received much support and encouragement in its planning phase because teachers and students affirmed the need for this project. The implementation was scarcely completed when the Diak work-life partner utilised the product for its intended use. This project addresses a current and specific need in Diak.

Keywords: integration, international student, internship, peer support