AI and Academia: A Guide for International Students

About 22 months ago, ChatGPT was released and an avalanche of AI technologies surged ever since then. Even though the technology is still in its early stages, the possibilities with it are endless. In education, for example, you have the best tool in your hands to work more efficiently, to foster critical thinking, not to mention the instant help with language (grammar, vocabulary, style/genre etc.). This is all provided you know how to use it appropriately (we’ll return to this below). From the perspective of students, AI tools like ChatGPT offer both exciting opportunities and potential pitfalls. In this blog post, we will explore what AI is, the advantages and challenges it presents for students, and provide guidance on how to effectively incorporate these tools into academic work.  

This blog post was motivated by the recent reading of this article (Ngan Ngo and Hastie, 2025) on AI integration into EAP 

Understanding AI: what is it? 

A logical step here is to introduce the definition of AI so that we understand what we are dealing with here. Artificial intelligence refers to computer systems designed to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. These tasks typically involve creation of text, images and recently voice messages (Ngan Ngo and Hastie, 2025). AI can also provide information and assist in research and writing. 

For international students, such AI tools can be of great help. In the realm of language barriers, AI can help to enhance academic writing, and support study skills. However, as with any powerful tool, it is important to understand the implications of using AI in an academic context. 

The promise of AI in higher education (HE)

The benefits of AI for international students in higher education are numerous: 

1. Language Assistance: AI tools can help improve language skills, providing instant feedback on grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and sentence structure. They can be invaluable for students learning to express complex ideas in a second language. 

2. Writing Support: AI can assist in brainstorming, generating outlines, and improving the overall quality of academic writing. Students can use AI to get suggestions for structuring essays or understanding how to articulate their arguments more clearly. 

3. Research Aid: AI tools can help students find relevant sources and summarize large volumes of information quickly. This capability is particularly useful for conducting literature reviews or gathering data for projects. 

4. Personalized Learning: AI can tailor study plans to individual needs, adapting to a student's pace and style of learning. This customization can enhance retention and understanding of complex topics. 

Potential problems when using AI in academia 

As we can see from above (and the list is not exhaustive!), AI offers numerous advantages. However, it also presents significant challenges and ethical considerations, especially for international students. One of the areas that students need to develop is AI literacy skills that help them critically engage with these tools rather than unconditionally trust them. Here are some key concerns to consider: 

1. Plagiarism and Academic Integrity 

One of the most pressing issues is the risk of plagiarism. When students rely heavily on AI to generate content, they may unknowingly submit work that is not their own (and often full of inaccuracies – but more about this in point 2 below). Many universities are developing policies around AI usage, and it’s essential for students to understand what constitutes academic dishonesty in this context. Therefore, it is very important to read the student handbook and the policy on AI within the institution that you are undertaking your studies.  

2. Accuracy and Reliability 

AI tools are not infallible. They can generate inaccurate, misleading, or inappropriate information, which can severely impact your academic performance. For instance, an AI may provide outdated research or misinterpret complex concepts. When working with AI tools, remain vigilant and critical of the information provided, cross-checking AI-generated content with credible academic sources. 

3. Over-reliance on AI 

Perhaps the most significant danger lies in the tendency to delegate academic work to AI tools. While it is tempting to let AI handle research and writing (who wouldn’t want to have all the research and writing done in a matter of minutes rather than weeks!), doing so undermines the development of crucial skills, such as critical thinking, research, writing, and analytical skills that are essential for academic success. Delegating tasks to AI may result in a lack of engagement with the material (here’s a though provoking post on AI’s impact on reading) that can endanger academic success. 

Academic work with AI: guidance for students 

Thinking about the possible pitfalls, how can we ‘safely’ work with the AI tools?  

1. Use AI as a supplement, not a substitute 

I always like to think about AI tools as helpful assistants. They cannot become replacements for your work. When I work with the AI tools, I use them for brainstorming ideas, editing writing, translating and enhancing presentation production, but I always apply my critical thinking skills to the outputs produced by these tools. I suggest you first engage with the material, develop your arguments, and ensure that your voice remains at the forefront of your work and then use the AI tools to help you structure and proofread your work (and believe me, this is massive help).  

2. Verify information and cross-check sources 

AI tools are good and efficient, but they still “hallucinate”, meaning they can still provide information that is inaccurate (this publication explains the issue in more detail). That is why, engaging with the materials you are working with first, is the best policy at this moment. Use academic journals, books, and credible websites to confirm facts and figures. This practice not only reinforces your understanding but also ensures the reliability of your work. 

3. Practice ethical use of AI tools 

Where possible*, be transparent about your use of AI in your academic work. That is why it is important to familiarize yourself with your university's policies on AI usage, and always cite AI contributions appropriately. Acknowledging the role of AI in your research and writing demonstrates academic integrity. 

4. Engage with the material 

Active engagement is key to academic success, I said that already above. Use AI to complement your learning process by asking it to explain complex concepts or summarize materials. However, take the time to read and understand the original texts, develop your thoughts, and practice writing independently. After all, a big part of learning at a higher education (HE) is to develop your thinking through writing! 

5. Seek support and guidance 

Don’t hesitate to reach out for help from your professors, academic advisors, course leaders and/or academic support centres. Sign up to any institutional training workshops on AI literacy provided by your institution (alternatively, look for reliable workshops online). They all can provide valuable information on how to use AI responsibly and effectively in your academic work.  

Conclusion: embracing AI responsibly 

And finally, AI tools can serve as valuable resources. However, it is crucial to approach these tools with caution and critical awareness. Your knowledge and understanding of the AI, its potential as well as pitfalls when applied to your academic work, you can harness its power to enhance your academic performance while maintaining integrity and developing essential skills. In my upcoming podcast series, "AI in Academia: The Student's Guide to Using Tools Like ChatGPT," I explore these topics in more depth, offering insights and practical advice for effectively integrating AI into your academic work. Topics covered in the podcasts will include, among others: Avoiding Plagiarism with AI, AI for Essay Writing, Developing Critical Thinking While Using AI, Improving Academic English with AI Assistance. 

Thank you for reading! It would be great to know what your experience has been with using AI tools in your academic work. Let me know in the comments below.  

*Some universities still ban any use of AI technology, so be mindful of that. However, I would still speak to the course leader and ask questions about legitimate use of AI tools in your institution.  

References:  

Emsley, R. (2023) ChatGPT: these are not hallucinations – they’re fabrications and falsifications. Schizophr 9, 52. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41537-023-00379-4  

Thu Ngan Ngo, David Hastie, (2025) Artificial Intelligence for Academic Purposes (AIAP): Integrating AI literacy into an EAP module, English for Specific Purposes, Volume 77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esp.2024.09.001 

Watkins, Marc (2024) ‘No One is Talking About AI's Impact on Reading’, Marc Watkins Substack, 03/May. Available at: https://marcwatkins.substack.com/p/no-one-is-talking-about-ais-impact (Accessed: 29/09/2024)