How to Succeed in Study Abroad: Approaches to Language, Cultural Orientation, and Academic Performance
Start Date
10-8-2010 10:30 AM
End Date
10-8-2010 12:00 PM
Description
In higher education today, it has become increasingly commonplace to spend a semester or year abroad. However, the manner in which colleges and universities prepare their students varies greatly. Some provide pre-departure language and orientation; others do this in-country. And for logistical reasons, providers who recruit from various colleges often conduct language and orientation on arrival in the host country. Regardless of when and where institutions prepare students for the experience, they generally share common elements. These important commonalities will be explored as well as related questions like: What enhances student success during the sojourn and how is success measured? In addition to exploring common elements and sharing experiences, this session is designed to identify the variety of approaches used to language, cultural orientation, and enhancing academic performance. The session will be highly interactive and participatory. Participants will share experiences and exchange ideas in small groups and then report and synthesis their findings in the larger group. Topics of discussion will include, but not be limited to: 1) language study, 2) cultural orientation, 3) academic orientation, 4) family stay, 5) special in-country activities, and 6) re-entry efforts.
How to Succeed in Study Abroad: Approaches to Language, Cultural Orientation, and Academic Performance
In higher education today, it has become increasingly commonplace to spend a semester or year abroad. However, the manner in which colleges and universities prepare their students varies greatly. Some provide pre-departure language and orientation; others do this in-country. And for logistical reasons, providers who recruit from various colleges often conduct language and orientation on arrival in the host country. Regardless of when and where institutions prepare students for the experience, they generally share common elements. These important commonalities will be explored as well as related questions like: What enhances student success during the sojourn and how is success measured? In addition to exploring common elements and sharing experiences, this session is designed to identify the variety of approaches used to language, cultural orientation, and enhancing academic performance. The session will be highly interactive and participatory. Participants will share experiences and exchange ideas in small groups and then report and synthesis their findings in the larger group. Topics of discussion will include, but not be limited to: 1) language study, 2) cultural orientation, 3) academic orientation, 4) family stay, 5) special in-country activities, and 6) re-entry efforts.