Exploring International Teaching Assistants Experiences in the U.S. Classroom: Implications for Educational Practices and Training

Abstract

<p>Globalization has contributed to the steadily increasing international student population in the U.S. In 2012, international undergraduate and graduate student enrolment in U.S. educational institutions reached a record high of 228,467 (Open Doors, 2012). This led to an increased employment of graduate students as teaching assistants (Chiang, 2009). Graduate assistantships offered by U.S. universities have been a source of funding for almost 42% of all international graduate students (Open Doors, 2012). International graduate students with teaching assistantships are referred to as international teaching assistants (ITAs) (Gorsuch, 2012). Providing teaching opportunities for ITAs has a number of benefits such as increased programs’ flexibility in offering multiple course sections on demand and providing excellent training opportunities for future educators.</p>