Transitioning to the american university Julien Roland, Translation Studies Shakhnoza Yakubova, Higher Education Administration

Welcome to Kent State! Introduction Goals of the workshop Cultural Differences Academic Culture Kent State Resources Structure of the Workshop Julian introduces Shakhnoza, and Shakhnoza Introduces Julian. Welcome to Kent State. This workshop aims to introduce cultural differences that may exist in the context of communication; it discusses the US academic culture with a focus on Kent State, and shares the resources available to graduate students. The structure of the workshop: 20-25 minute co-presentation; Q&A follows the presentation.

Your First Day in US Use this picture as an ice-breaker. Ask how is everybody feeling; Briefly talk about first day feelings, mixed emotions, jet-lag, etc.

Experiencing Culture Shock Defining Culture Shock ‘a feeling of confusion, doubt, or nervousness caused by being in a place (such as a foreign country) that is very different from what you are used to’ (Merriam-Webster) Culture shock is defined in various ways, however this is more or less common definition. Key features of Culture shock also includes: homesickness, isolation, feeling lost, irritation, loneliness, impression of not being understood, feeling out of the context, etc.

Stages of Culture Shock States: Honey moon Distress Reintegration Autonomy/Acceptance Independence Note: it may last 3-6 month Different scholars classify the stages of culture shock in many ways. However, commonly known stages are as indicated in this slide: Honeymoon: international students feel great, full of excitement and loves most of their experiences in a foreign country. Distress: opposite of honey moon, students feel homesick, lonely, isolated, feeling of not fitting the community, negative associations, etc. Experience of cultural clashes. Reintegration: process of communication, trying to become a part of a foreign culture; things makes sense more or less; recognizing the differences and similarities of host culture and home culture. Acceptance: process of accepting differences and similarities of host culture and home culture. Independence: overcoming the culture shock

Coping with Culture Shock Become a part of the community Make new friends Stay connected with family back home Make your space comfortable Explore the neighborhood People use different ways or strategies to cope with culture shock. It’s important to overcome or cope with culture shock for well-ness and self care, for academic success, and for building a new home in Kent. Key is to stay engaged and become socially active. Attend various campus events, meet new people, create a new home;

Making friends Differences in the concept of friendship across the cultures Conversation Partners program International Peer Advisor program Kent State International Mentors program Gradfest GSO Social Events The concept of friendship may differ across the cultures. At Kent State you will meet students from over 100 countries of the world. Exploring cultural values and differences may help you to make successful connections. To assist the students, Kent State offers the following programs: Conversation Partners International Peer Advisor program KSU International Mentors program Check out Gradfast and other GSO Social Events. We encourage you to participate and use this as an opportunity to meet new people and get together with other students you may know.

US Academic Culture Concept of Time & Deadlines Communication with Professors/Advisors Office hours Syllabus Citations Types of assessments Midterms, Finals, Papers, Projects, etc. The concept of time differs across the cultures as well as it differs across the time zones. For example, if a meeting or appointment/ class, etc., is at 8 am, in the US it means it’s at 8 am, or you need to be there few minutes before 8 am. In some cultures it may be acceptable to arrive 15 minutes or an hour later. However, in the US academy people are very sensitive to being on time. Deadlines for projects, papers, etc. are highly important. Some professors prefer to be called by their first name, some do not. Usually during the first class professors note how they prefer to be addressed. Syllabus is your roadmap to the class you are taking. Classroom policies are stated in the syllabus. In the US academy, graduate students are required to give a credit to the sources they use in their papers, presentation or projects. Thus, citations are required by the academic polices. Different schools or programs may use different citation styles such as APA, MLA, etc. Check with your program coordinator or professors which citation is used in your program or for your class. Professors may have diverse ways of assessing their students.

Program/Plan of study Usually developed in first few semesters of graduate study (advisor may help). Review your plan annually. Course Projection See your academic advisor or program coordinator for developing a plan of study. Due to the course changes or cancellations, it’s advised to review your plan of study annually. Check course projection updates on your program or school website; it will help you to plan your graduation successfully.

In the classroom American teaching styles – often student-centered, discussion-based, interactive. Regular attendance, participation and being on time is expected. Feel free to ask questions and express point of view during class time. Practice objective/critical writing styles (for assistance, consult professor/classmates/ Writing Commons). Think of the syllabus for each of your classes as a contract between you and the lecturers/instructors. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the class policies discussed in the syllabus early so that you are meeting the expectations of your instructors, and can ask questions early, if necessary. It is not only encouraged but expected of students to ask questions during lectures. American teaching styles tend to be student-centered and encouraging of discussion, rather than lecture-based. However, instructors will usually discuss their styles on first day/during the first week. Refer again to each instructor’s syllabus for more information. Be sure to regularly attend your courses and be on time – there is an expectation that you will be in class for every session, and that you will be seated before the class’s official class time. Attendance policies regarding being late and absences are typically spelled out in the syllabus.

Academic honesty & Plagiarism Plagiarism: Claiming someone else’s work/intellectual property as your own. “Accidental” plagiarism: Forgetting to cite or include in references author of work. NOTE: Kent State makes no distinction about plagiarism (accidental vs. non) in terms of sanction and disciplinary action. If you have questions about plagiarism, consult professor. Cheating is not accepted in any form. It is also negatively perceived by both professors and other students Professors often provide study guides that help students prepare for exams. Review the plagiarism policy. Use proper citation required by your Professors such as APA, MLA and Chicago.

Class technology BlackBoard Learn – online course management software. Online courses: Learn typical, but not necessarily used by all instructors. Check your syllabus. Be sure technology requirements are understood/followed/met on deadline. Ask questions if unsure. Become familiar with Blackboard Learn. Professors use this space to post your grades, post lectures and other materials. Make sure to participate in online discussions or blogs. Although Learn is a common platform, it is not the only platform used by instructors. Be sure to check in with the technology early and address questions/concerns with instructors as early as possible to maximize success in the course.

Tutoring/course assistance Math tutoring and Writing Commons English speaking/writing tutoring available through ESL Center. Other tutoring available (by subject). Ask classmates/professors for assistance. Various Tutoring are available on campus. You may use them or if you are TA you may refer your students to the sources as needed.

Other information sources Ask advisor if there is a departmental listserv and join if one is available. Purpose of Graduate Studies listserv. Consult dept. website for news, course information, assistantship/internship announcements, etc. Departmental Listservs Graduate Studies Division Listserv

Useful campus resources [1] University Libraries KentLINK and OhioLINK, Inter-library loan Meet with a librarian (research assistance) Library is open 24 hours (mostly) VPN On-campus vs. online book sellers/renters Career Services IT Services (Helpdesk, Tech Spot, software) PARTA, other transportation services University Libraries – KentLINK, OhioLINK, ILIAD Also, the “Meet with the Librarian” service can help you with research needs. Establish a working relationship with your subject librarian early in your graduate career and you will get a jump start on your research. You can use the VPN to connect to the library while you are off campus. Used vs. New Books, rent a book, etc. Career Services – can help with resume, job advising, career advising, etc. IT Services (Helpdesk, Tech Spot) – different support services provide different functions. Visit the linked pages for more information Less Expensive MS Office for students and other software deals – visit the “software” link for more information Transportation Services like PARTA – available “free” to you as a KSU student with presentation of Flash ID, some buses even go to Akron (20 minutes west) and Cleveland (roughly an hour north).

Useful campus resources [2] Student Support Services Student Legal Services University Health Services Counseling Services Student Life tab on www.kent.edu for more

Stores/international options H.O.M.E. Market (in Acorn Alley). Haymaker Farmer’s Market. Some grocery stores sell international foodstuffs/products. OGE’s “Spice Run” tours. Grocery Stores offer some international foods Haymaker has some vendors who sell international fruits and vegetables (especially Asian vegetables) Office of Global Education sometimes offers “Spice Runs” to stores in Cleveland that sell international food items. Home Market – they can order food for you

Recreation options in Kent Student organizations/groups. Recreation and Wellness Center. University-funded events all year. Graduate Student Senate – Gradfest.

Graduate Student Senate [1] Monthly meetings – open to the public. Supports all graduate students at Kent State. Domestic and international travel grants: International students welcome to apply. Monthly Meetings Support service for all graduate students. Grants and Awards available for graduate students

Graduate Student Senate [2] Fall 2014 GradFest Dates: August 22, 2014 at Zephyr Pub (6pm-8pm) October 3, 2014 (location TBD; 6pm-8pm) November 7, 2014 (location TBD; 6pm-8pm) Annual Graduate Research Symposium April 3, 2015 Gradfest – monthly – free pizza event Typically held downtown early in the month, chance for students to socialize off-campus. Even though they are usually held in bars, do not feel like you have to drink – it is a fun socializing event to meet other graduate students. Graduate Research Symposium – April 19th

Questions? Comments? Concerns?

Thank you for attending GSO! For additional questions, contact: Julien Roland – jroland2@kent.edu Shakhnoza Yakubova– syakubov@kent.edu