Supporting students during global or local crises as an international teacher

As an international teacher, your students may be affected by global events or local crises in ways that differ vastly depending on their backgrounds, experiences, and support systems. Whether it’s a natural disaster, political unrest, a pandemic, or a tragedy in a student’s home country, these events can deeply impact a student’s sense of safety and ability to focus.

Supporting students through these challenging times requires compassion, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity. Here’s how to provide thoughtful support during times of crisis.

Create a safe and supportive environment

Students need to feel emotionally and physically safe to learn effectively. During a crisis, this sense of safety may be disrupted. As a teacher, your classroom can be a stable, predictable space in an unpredictable world. Stick to routines where possible, provide clear communication about any changes, and offer students reassurance that their well-being is your priority. A calm, steady presence can be immensely comforting in times of uncertainty.

Acknowledge the situation with sensitivity

Ignoring a crisis doesn’t make it go away—in fact, it can leave students feeling isolated or confused. Acknowledge the situation in age-appropriate ways, being mindful of how different students may be affected. If a crisis is impacting a specific region, be sensitive to students who may have personal connections to it. Avoid making assumptions, and give students the choice to share (or not share) how they’re feeling or whether they want to talk about it at all.

Encourage emotional expression

Provide students with outlets to process their emotions. This might include journaling, art projects, small group discussions, or simply one-on-one check-ins. For younger students, incorporating feelings charts or storytelling can help them identify and express their emotions. For older students, open conversations—facilitated with care—can foster empathy and understanding within the class.

Collaborate with counsellors and support staff

International schools often have counsellors or pastoral care teams in place. If you notice a student is particularly withdrawn, anxious, or overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to refer them to the appropriate support services. Work with these professionals to ensure that your approach in the classroom aligns with what’s being provided behind the scenes.

Incorporate culturally sensitive practices

Students from different cultures may process and respond to crisis situations differently. Be mindful of how grief, fear, and trauma are expressed across cultures, and avoid imposing your own cultural expectations on how students should behave or feel. Where appropriate, incorporate diverse perspectives and voices into discussions to validate the range of student experiences.

Provide flexibility and understanding

During a crisis, students may be dealing with disrupted sleep, increased family responsibilities, or unstable internet access (in the case of remote learning). Be flexible with deadlines and attendance where possible. Offer alternative ways for students to engage with learning if their usual routine is impacted. A compassionate, student-centred approach can ease the pressure during an already stressful time.

Keep families informed and involved

Maintain clear and sensitive communication with parents and guardians. Let them know how the school is supporting students and what resources are available. Encourage them to share any concerns or relevant information that may help you better support their child. In multicultural communities, consider language preferences and accessibility when sending out updates.

Supporting students through global or local crises as an international teacher requires more than just academic instruction—it calls for empathy, flexibility, and a deep understanding of your students’ diverse needs. By fostering a stable environment, encouraging emotional expression, and working collaboratively with school staff and families, you can help students feel supported and understood during even the most difficult times. In doing so, you not only support their learning but also contribute to their resilience and well-being.