1. University Teaching Seminar 2011 International Issues and Welcome to Ames August 17, 2011 Presented by Ling Li and Ruslan Suvorov

2. University Teaching Seminar 2011 In this session you will… Get information about the life in Ames from an international graduate student perspective Learn tips on dealing with culture shock and adjusting to your new life Get an idea about the life of international TAs at ISU

3. University Teaching Seminar 2011 Welcome to Ames! Among top 10 best places to live in America (Money Magazine, 2010) Population of more than 50,000 Small town charm with the heartbeat of a big city Only 30 minutes from Des Moines, also easily accessible from Kansas City, Omaha, Minneapolis, and Chicago

4. University Teaching Seminar 2011 Climate in Ames Warm/hot and humid summer Very cold and long winter Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year Checking weather forecast regularly is a good idea GOOD INVESTMENT FOR WINTER: A goose down coat, boots, socks, gloves, wool hat, and maybe face mask Warm clothes to dress in layers Shovel and ice scraper

5. University Teaching Seminar 2011 Severe Weather in Ames Tornadoes Hail Floods Snow storms Freezing rain Checking weather forecast regularly is a good idea

6. University Teaching Seminar 2011 Housing and Shopping in Ames Housing On-campus: http://www.housing.iastate.edu/places/http://www.housing.iastate.edu/places/ Off-campus: http://www.hunziker.com/apartment_list/search.php http://www.hunziker.com/apartment_list/search.php http://www.furmanrealty.com/activelistings.php Shopping East and West HyVee, North Grand Mall, Fareway, Target, Wheatsfield (organic) + Ankeny and Des Moines International grocery: Pamel Grocery, Asian stores International restaurants: Mexican, Chinese, etc. Local Craiglist: http://ames.craigslist.org/http://ames.craigslist.org/

7. University Teaching Seminar 2011 Transportation in Ames CyRide http://www.cyride.comhttp://www.cyride.com Airport Shuttle Servicehttp://www.executiveexpress.biz/http://www.executiveexpress.biz/ Personal vehicle: Ames Driver’s License Station http://www.iowadot.gov/ http://www.iowadot.gov/ Driving for international grad students at ISU: http://driving.techandlearn.com/ http://driving.techandlearn.com/ Buying a car, car insurance, parking permits

8. University Teaching Seminar 2011 Culture Shock Symptoms Sadness Loneliness Anxiety Homesickness Tips on dealing with culture shock Making new friends Keeping yourself busy Learning more about the US culture International Friendship Connection http://www.ifcinfo.com/ Conversation Partner, English Club

9. University Teaching Seminar 2011 Factors Associated with Cultural and Academic Adaptation Among ISU International Students Adaptation/Adjustment Individual Resources: Language ability/skills Self-confidence Knowledge about culture and educational system Social Resources/Factors: Social support/network: (e.g., friends from the same culture, American friends, classmates, staff, professors, and church) Discrimination Grace D. da Rosa

10. University Teaching Seminar 2011 ISSO and Health Insurance International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) http://www.isso.iastate.edu/: http://www.isso.iastate.edu/ Advisers help you with Your paperwork as an international student Personal, financial and cultural issues Find out about ISSO requirements early Do not get info from other people, get it directly from the ISSO office Health Insurance http://www.hrs.iastate.edu/sship/homepage.html

11. University Teaching Seminar 2011 Useful Links International Student Council http://www.stuorg.iastate.edu/isc/ Student and Scholar Health Insurance http://www.hrs.iastate.edu/sship/homepage.html CyRide Bus http://www.cyride.com City of Ames http://www.city.ames.ia.us/ State of Iowa http://www.iowa.gov/ SEVIS http://www.ice.gov/sevis/students/index.htm

12. University Teaching Seminar 2011 Campus Resources Department of Public Safety (DPS): 515-294- 4428 Help Van: 515-294-4444 Safety Escort (6 p.m. – 6 a.m. when classes in session): 515-294-4444 Parking Division: 515-294-3388 Emergency: 911

13. University Teaching Seminar 2011 International Teaching Assistants Who they are OECT test (former SPEAK/TEACH) TA duties: Teaching standalone classes; Teaching labs; Assisting professor (e.g., grading, proctoring, etc.)

14. University Teaching Seminar 2011 ITA Common Issues Language issues: Accent, grammar, vocabulary New terminology Cultural differences Different pedagogy in class: Teaching style Grading and feedback Different classroom culture: Use of technology, eating, tardiness, attendance, etc.

15. University Teaching Seminar 2011 Dealing With Language Issues Talk to your students Be open about your language issues Practice English whenever you can: English 180 classes SPEAK/TEACH Pronunciation Lab Make friends with Americans Avoid using only native language

16. University Teaching Seminar 2011 Dealing With Cultural Differences Discuss issues with your students Learn from other TAs and professors Make friends with Americans to learn more Educate yourself about the US culture

17. University Teaching Seminar 2011 Dealing With Teaching Problems Know the expectations of your department Get advice from other TAs and professors Invite fellow TAs/mentor to observe your class Learn more about teaching methodologies, grading, and feedback used in the US Avoid imposing your own teaching beliefs and style on your students Be a guide on the side, not a sage on the stage!

18. University Teaching Seminar 2011 Dealing With Classroom Culture Know your rights and duties and the rights of your students Set up rules and guidelines in your course policy, make sure students know and follow them Confront students when issues arise Get advice from other TAs

19. University Teaching Seminar 2011 Help Resources Experienced ITAs and American TAs Your major professor, mentor, and department International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO)

20. University Teaching Seminar 2011 Questions? Please fill out the session review form before you leave.