A Guide for International Students Presented by - Mahitha Rao The U.S. Classroom 101 A Guide for International Students Presented by - Mahitha Rao Hello Trojans! Welcome to the U.S. Classroom 101. If you are an international student, it can be difficult adjusting to the American culture and lifestyle. This video will talk about the different perceptions and realities of the U.S. Classroom.

Classroom Participation Perception Reality Fear of interrupting professors Worried about their accent Need time to adjust to the American accent, rate of speech, and pronunciation The professors encourage classroom participation! Professor's understand if you have questions and opinions Participating in class can also help build English speaking skills The first common perception is classroom participation. Based on the culture experienced in their home country, international students tend to have a fear of interrupting professors out of respect for their position and authority, and as a result hesitate to raise their hands in class. In addition, international students may feel worried about their accent or their ability to speak English correctly, so they do not ask questions in class. Another perception is that a student may feel like they need time to adjust to the American accent, the rate of speech and pronunciation in order to participate freely in classrooms. However, the reality is that professors want students to participate! Expressing your opinions, thoughts, questions, and answers to what is being asked in the classroom is highly encouraged. Participating in class can also help build your public speaking skills while practicing your English. Talking with your American peers and professors inside and outside the classroom can help build your confidence in the classroom.

Grading System Perception Reality Tests are the only assignments graded Grading includes numbering, scales, percentages, and letter grades Grade Point Average (GPA) is a scale from .001 (lowest) to 4.00 (highest) The GPA is based off of grades that are given in class (A-4.0, B-3.0, C-2.0, D-1.0, and F-0.0) Tutoring services International students come from around the world and may be accustomed to different grading systems. The common perception is that your grade depends on a percentage or number on a scale based on exams taken in class. The reality is that, depending on your professor, your grade is a combination of different items such as participation, homework, quizzes, midterms, and finals. In the U.S., the average of all your grades is called the Grade Point Average, or GPA. The GPA is a scale from .001 (lowest) to 4.00 (highest). Your GPA is based off grades that are given in class on homework, quizzes, tests, and participation. If you do not get a 4.0, do not worry! If you are struggling in your courses, USC has tutoring resources on campus to help you if you need extra help in your classes. Also, the Kortschak Center can also help you in creating better study habits and organizational skills to be a successful student. Please keep in mind that your time at USC is not all about the GPA! Future employers, and graduate school admissions do not look only at your GPA. They also look at your job/volunteering experience, skills, and personal story.

Group Projects Perception Reality It’s difficult to join a group for class with American peers Speaking American English is harder than writing English Beneficial to work in a group Allows you to practice voicing your thoughts and opinions Working in groups for projects and assignments is common in the United States. It is common for international students to perceive that it will be difficult to join a group for a class with American peers, and as a result, may join a group with other international student friends. Although students have learned English for many years in their home countries, written versus spoken English can be very different and create a language barrier between you and your American peers. However, the reality is that it is beneficial to work in a group outside your friend group. Working in a group can help you meet new people, make friends with your peers, and give you a chance to better understand the American culture. In addition, speaking in a group of peers can help you practice expressing your thoughts. Many classes also give the same grade to the entire group, so it is important to work collaboratively with your classmates. The best way to meet new people in class is to introduce yourself to your classmates sitting next to you on the first day of class and exchange contact information with them if you have any questions. It can be scary working with new people, but you will leave the semester with new friends!

Office Hours Perception Reality Do not have a chance to interact with professors Ask peers for questions or concerns in the classroom Professors hold office hours outside of regular class hours Encouraged to communicate with professors Gives a chance for professors to get to know you Can give you a Letter of Recommendation for graduate school or job after graduating Teaching Assistants (TA’s) are also available Commonly, International students have a difficult time approaching and interacting with professors. In some cultures students only speak with their professor if they are in trouble or if something is wrong with their class performance. International students tend to ask friends for questions or concerns in the classroom. However, the reality is that the professors hold something called Office Hours where you are able to ask professors questions about the material covered in class, homework, or any concerns you have on your assignments or tests. Office hours are usually a period of time held once or twice a week outside of regular class hours. In addition to professors, Teaching Assistants (TA’s) and Supplemental Instruction are available to help you with class material. Attending Office Hours are encouraged as it is a way for your professor to get to know you. This is beneficial with you as you may need a letter of recommendation for graduate school, or a job after graduating. It can be intimidating to talk to a professor, however it will help you be a more successful student!

Plagiarism Perception Reality Plagiarism is a serious offense in the U.S. classroom Copying someone on a test, homework, or assignment can result in an F and affect your GPA Give respect to the author Work together for homework, tests, and other assignments Plagiarism is the concept of copying someone else’s work and using it as your own. International students tend to plagiarize unknowingly as it is a respected cultural practice from their home country to give credit towards the author for the work they have done. Based on these expectations, international students work together with other classmates on homework, quizzes, and other assignments. However, the reality is that plagiarism is a serious offense in the U.S. classroom. Copying someone’s test, homework, or an assignment can result in a failing grade and affect your GPA. In some cases, it could even result in suspension or expulsion from the university. Using the proper citations in your work is a way of giving credit to the author’s writing, and respecting their work. You may ask your friends for help especially in a group project setting, but be sure to always do your own work!

USC is here to support you! Do not hesitate to use resources on campus! Watch our student services video for a list of services on campus. Or visit: Student Services https://studentaffairs.usc.edu/ Office of International Students https://ois.usc.edu/ USC International Student Assembly https://www.isaofusc.com/ It can be difficult to adjust to a new country, but USC is here for you! We have student services to help you meet new people, get to know the campus, and have an amazing experience during your time here.

References Andrade, M. S. (2006). International students in English-speaking universities: Adjustment factors. Journal of Research in International education, 5(2), 131-154. Chen, Y. H., & Van Ullen, M. K. (2011). Helping international students succeed academically through research process and plagiarism workshops. University Libraries Faculty Scholarship. 11. http://scholarsarchive.library.albany.edu/ulib_fac_scholar/11 Reynolds, A. L., & Constantine, M. G. (2007). Cultural adjustment difficulties and career development of international college students. Journal of Career Assessment, 15(3), 338-350. Wu, H. P., Garza, E., & Guzman, N. (2015). International student’s challenge and adjustment to college. Education Research International, 2015.