Degree Name

MA in International Education

First Advisor

Sora Friedman

Abstract

Erica Balazs-PIM 70

Journey to the “New” West: A Course Proposal for Intercultural Integration in Chinese ESL Education.

May 2012

Abstract

China is at the top of the list of countries sending students to study abroad in English-speaking countries. Not only must these students be proficient in their subject area, write application essays, and complete various unfamiliar forms required by the university as well as those required by the Chinese government, but they must also demonstrate their competency of the English language to a level which proves they have the ability to comprehend collegiate courses administered in English.

While English language is a subject taught within the nine years of compulsory schooling, many Chinese are unable to utilize the language. Much of the instruction focuses on reading, writing, and grammar of language theory rather than practice. Teaching English in China is unique in the fact that many students have a great knowledge of the English language already and foreign teachers most often find themselves teaching students how to use the information they have studied for so many years.

This capstone paper is a proposal for an innovative addition to the curriculum currently in place at Xiamen University of Technology’s College of International Studies. The intention of this course is to serve as a pre-departure orientation to Western culture with an emphasis on academic culture, intercultural interactions, and communication. Participating students will learn Western classroom expectations and how to cope with possible difficulties they may encounter while studying abroad.

Disciplines

Curriculum and Instruction | Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research | International and Comparative Education

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