Globe with text: Different cultures and traditions often define academic integrity behaviors differently.

For example, in some cultures, it is considered a sign of respect to use the exact wording of a well-known thinker, and attribution is considered unnecessary. However, that is not an accepted practice for scholars in the United States.

It can be challenging for students who were not taught in the American system to enter the academic integrity space as defined in the United States. The Miami Student, a newspaper written by the student body at Miami University in Ohio, published an article in May, 2017 about how academic dishonesty cases don't tell the full story. Carol Olausen, the Director of Miami's American Culture and English (ACE) Program, explains: "An academic integrity policy is completely based on our culture. It's not universal. What we do doesn't exist in other countries, and how we interpret it is completely based on our own culture. Coming into a new place and having to catch up really quickly on something, literally, that's so foreign is definitely a challenge."

It is important to acknowledge that these cultural differences complicate academic integrity issues. International students are encouraged to seek additional guidance from their instructors and peers regarding the American attribution and citation system. If you would like to receive one-on-one support, please contact the library via the Ask Us page, or by consulting with the Writing Center or advisors on your campus.