Degree Name
MA in International Education
First Advisor
Adrian Sherman
Abstract
This restructured residence program and Resident Advisor (RA) manual have been designed specifically for the EF International Language Schools – Los Angeles (EF LA) students and staff, based on demographics over an eight-month time span. Both elements began as a proposal but were put into action in September 2010 upon arrival of September Academic Year (AY) students.
The demographics of EF LA students change weekly and affect the cultural exchange dynamic. Students come from all over the world to learn English at EF LA. New students arrive each week and they stay for as little as two weeks and for as long as nine months. Students choose to find their own accommodation, stay with a local host family, or live with EF LA students at the EF residence.
The restructuring focuses on logistical changes within the EF LA residence. In an effort to create a community feel, all incoming students are now being placed with others who stay similar amounts of time. Resident staff roles have been revised to facilitate more interaction with students and to initiate cultural exchange and understanding. The RA manual is the first of its kind that has been presented to EF LA RAs.
The residence programs were developed based on studies done on international students and incorporates adolescent and adult developmental theories. Evaluation procedures have been put in place to ensure that the residential logistics, programming, and staff are continuously being examined and revised. The residence and staff design outlined below will support the personal growth of the students and staff.
Disciplines
Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education | Civic and Community Engagement | Curriculum and Social Inquiry | Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research | Educational Sociology | Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education | Social Psychology and Interaction | Student Counseling and Personnel Services
Recommended Citation
Gilon, Yosefa, "Building a Cohesive Residential Community at EF International Language Schools – Los Angeles: A Restructured Residence and Resident Advisor Manual" (2010). Capstone Collection. 2395.
https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/capstones/2395