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The Academic Life
Many international students find that American classrooms differ greatly from those of their home countries. The degree and nature of these differences will depend upon the classroom culture to which you are accustomed. Here are a few guidelines to help prepare you for the American educational atmosphere:
CLASS FORMAT
Most introductory undergraduate-level classes consist of two 50-minute lectures and one 50-minute discussion section per week or two 75-minute lectures each week. Lectures range in size from 25 to more than 500 students and are usually taught by a professor. In most large lectures, the focus tends to be on the professor presenting information, with minimal verbal feedback from the students. Discussion sections usually contain no more than 35 students. Discussions are led by Teaching Assistants (TAs), who are typically graduate students in that department. During discussion, your TA may clarify questions from lecture, expand on ideas presented in lecture, or discuss homework assignments. Your active participation is encouraged, and in fact often required, in discussion sections and small lectures. Your attendance is required.
Most upper-level undergraduate-level and most graduate-level courses consist of two 75-minute classes or one three-hour class per week that are taught by professors. Class size varies but is usually around 25 students. Typically classes consist of both lectures by professors and discussion of lectures, assigned readings, and projects. Your attendance and active participation is required.
ASSESSMENT
Many exchange students find that there is a significantly larger amount of daily work in the US than at their home university. Professors will assign specific chapters or articles for each class period. You are expected to come to class ready to discuss that information.
GRADING
Your grade will depend on a variety of factors, which may include:
PARTICIPATION
Professors value the experience and diversity of opinion that international students bring to their classes. However, professors comment that international students often do not contribute fully, or in some cases do not contribute at all to class discussions. Your academic experience and your grade will benefit from regular participation. Students learn from each other in class discussion. You will sharpen your communication skills by participating in class. If there is a situation that makes you uncomfortable with speaking in class, please talk with your instructor or adviser to discuss this.
ATTENDANCE
You are required to attend all classes. Your instructor will discuss the absence policy on the first day of class. It will also be listed on your syllabus. Usually instructors will allow you to miss a given number of class periods (usually 2 or 3). It is a good idea to speak with your instructor if you anticipate missing class or if you have missed a class.
ARRIVING LATE
It is expected that you arrive before the scheduled start time of your class. Many professors become irritated when students do not arrive to class on time; in many cases, arriving late can lower your grade. It is especially important to arrive five minutes early for large lecture classes in order to find a seat and get settled before the lecture starts.
GROUP PROJECTS
You may be required to complete a group project. The same standards for participation attendance, and arriving late apply to such projects as apply to the classroom. Team members will rely on one another to contribute equally to the project and every member's input will affect the grade of the entire team.
CLASSROOM CULTURE
The US classroom culture may seem more informal than at home. Lively discussions and debates may be perceived as a sign of disrespect for the professor, but are in fact often encouraged.
PLAGIARISM
While doing research and searching for sources, you must remember that plagiarism (claiming someone else's ideas/citations as being your own) is prohibited. This policy is taken very seriously. If you have a doubt as to what is/isn't plagiarism, ask your instructor. If you need help with wording of your paper, you may apply for a tutor.
CONTACT YOUR PROFESSOR
Professors at US universities encourage students to contact them outside of the classroom. There are several ways that you may contact your professor. Many professors will include their office address, e-mail address, and telephone number on the syllabus that you receive on your first day of class. Office hours are also listed. Office hours are time that the professor sets aside to be in his or her office for meetings with students or to provide help on a drop-in basis. If these hours conflict with your schedule, ask your professor if you can make an appointment to meet at a different time. Also, many professors check their e-mail on a daily basis. E-mail is a good way to get an answer to a simple question, but more complex questions should be presented in person.
COMPUTER SKILLS
You should be familiar with basic word-processing, use of the Internet, and depending upon your subject area, spreadsheets and databases. All students will receive a free E-mail account and will have access to on-campus computer labs.
ADVICE FROM PAST STUDENTS
"Don't hesitate to ask, even if you think your question is stupid. This campus is so huge that I felt lost at first. But people are very kind, so ask for any help. Also, go to the dentist before you leave home. Dental care is not covered by insurance here and it is very expensive."
On adjusting to a new academic system:
"As far as I've experienced, the academic system in the U.S. is quite different from other countries around the world. In all classes you are supposed to discuss the material persuasively. It's important to prepare for your classes: you should be able to discuss the material. Although it isn't very easy to speak up when you are not a native speaker, let the others know you are there. Ask questions, add your opinion, and don't wait too long to take the floor!"
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