International Teaching Assistants

Abstract

International teaching assistants (ITAs) are an integral part of graduate programs in the US This chapter presents background on the linguistic discrimination that ITAs face from their US undergraduate students, along with a research-based approach to combat this discrimination: structured intergroup contact. It provides samples of intergroup contact episodes between US undergraduates and ITAs. The chapter presents key findings from three studies that have used structured intergroup contact to reduce US undergraduates’ negative attitudes toward ITAs/international students. It provides a discussion of the linguistic benefits of intergroup contact and future areas of work in reducing negative attitudes towards ITAs. The logistical challenges of face-to-face contact programs include ensuring that a sufficient number of participants from all target groups are not only readily available but also willing to commit to the duration of the program.