Navigating American University Culture
Discover the journey of transitioning to an American university, including coping with culture shock, making friends, understanding US academic culture, and succeeding in the classroom. Gain insights on stages of culture shock, building community connections, and academic expectations to thrive in your educational experience.
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Presentation Transcript
TRANSITIONING TO THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY Julien Roland, Translation Studies Shakhnoza Yakubova, Higher Education Administration
Welcome to Kent State! Introduction Goals of the workshop Cultural Differences Academic Culture Kent State Resources Structure of the Workshop
Experiencing Culture Shock Defining Culture Shock a feeling of confusion, doubt, or nervousness caused by being in a place (such as a foreign country) that is very different from what you are used to (Merriam-Webster)
Stages of Culture Shock States: Honey moon Distress Reintegration Autonomy/Acceptance Independence Note: it may last 3-6 month
Coping with Culture Shock Become a part of the community Make new friends Stay connected with family back home Make your space comfortable Explore the neighborhood
Making friends Differences in the concept of friendship across the cultures Conversation Partners program International Peer Advisor program Kent State International Mentors program Gradfest GSO Social Events
US Academic Culture Concept of Time & Deadlines Communication with Professors/Advisors Office hours Syllabus Citations Types of assessments Midterms, Finals, Papers, Projects, etc.
Program/Plan of study Usually developed in first few semesters of graduate study (advisor may help). Review your plan annually. Course Projection
In the classroom American teaching styles often student- centered, discussion-based, interactive. Regular attendance, participation and being on time is expected. Feel free to ask questions and express point of view during class time. Practice objective/critical writing styles (for assistance, consult professor/classmates/ Writing Commons).
Academic honesty & Plagiarism Plagiarism: Claiming someone else s work/intellectual property as your own. Accidental plagiarism: Forgetting to cite or include in references author of work. NOTE: Kent State makes no distinction about plagiarism (accidental vs. non) in terms of sanction and disciplinary action. If you have questions about plagiarism, consult professor.
Class technology BlackBoard Learn online course management software. Online courses: Learn typical, but not necessarily used by all instructors. Check your syllabus. Be sure technology requirements are understood/followed/met on deadline. Ask questions if unsure.
Tutoring/course assistance Math tutoring and Writing Commons English speaking/writing tutoring available through ESL Center. Other tutoring available (by subject). Ask classmates/professors for assistance.
Other information sources Ask advisor if there is a departmental listserv and join if one is available. Purpose of Graduate Studies listserv. Consult dept. website for news, course information, assistantship/internship announcements, etc.
Useful campus resources [1] University Libraries KentLINK and OhioLINK, Inter-library loan Meet with a librarian (research assistance) Library is open 24 hours (mostly) VPN On-campus vs. online book sellers/renters Career Services IT Services (Helpdesk, Tech Spot, software) PARTA, other transportation services
Useful campus resources [2] Student Support Services Student Legal Services University Health Services Counseling Services Student Life tab on www.kent.edu for more
Stores/international options H.O.M.E. Market (in Acorn Alley). Haymaker Farmer s Market. Some grocery stores sell international foodstuffs/products. OGE s Spice Run tours.
Recreation options in Kent Student organizations/groups. Recreation and Wellness Center. University-funded events all year. Graduate Student Senate Gradfest.
Graduate Student Senate [1] Monthly meetings open to the public. Supports all graduate students at Kent State. Domestic and international travel grants: International students welcome to apply.
Graduate Student Senate [2] Fall 2014 GradFest Dates: August 22, 2014 at Zephyr Pub (6pm-8pm) October 3, 2014 (location TBD; 6pm-8pm) November 7, 2014 (location TBD; 6pm-8pm) Annual Graduate Research Symposium April 3, 2015
Questions? Comments? Concerns?
Thank you for attending GSO! For additional questions, contact: Julien Roland jroland2@kent.edu Shakhnoza Yakubova syakubov@kent.edu
