University mentor program benefits international students
Posted on 8/16/2010
Topics: Academics and Student Activities
In order to help international scholars feel welcome in America, many universities are creating student mentor programs. These initiatives set up new residents with native students who can introduce them to American customs, help them navigate campus and practice English.
For example, Purdue University recently expanded its international student orientation by introducing UR Global, which is a joint program between University Residences, the International Students and Scholars Office, and the International Center, Journal and Courier reports. UR Global matches international learners with volunteer students for the first 12 weeks of the semester.
The school founded the program in order to ease students into Boiler Gold Rush - an intensive week-long orientation. International student participation in UR Global is optional, and 100 of 1,000 new learners have already signed up.
"We want these students to be in a position to be successful at Purdue," said Dan Carpenter, associate director of student access, transition and success, quoted by the news source. "When they start class on that first day, we want them to have the tools to do it."
The orientation beings at 8 a.m. and continues until midnight. Students are encouraged to meet new friends as well as grow comfortable in the new setting.
This and similar programs provide international students with an opportunity to improve their language skills, gain exposure to American culture and meet other global scholars.
For example, Purdue University recently expanded its international student orientation by introducing UR Global, which is a joint program between University Residences, the International Students and Scholars Office, and the International Center, Journal and Courier reports. UR Global matches international learners with volunteer students for the first 12 weeks of the semester.
The school founded the program in order to ease students into Boiler Gold Rush - an intensive week-long orientation. International student participation in UR Global is optional, and 100 of 1,000 new learners have already signed up.
"We want these students to be in a position to be successful at Purdue," said Dan Carpenter, associate director of student access, transition and success, quoted by the news source. "When they start class on that first day, we want them to have the tools to do it."
The orientation beings at 8 a.m. and continues until midnight. Students are encouraged to meet new friends as well as grow comfortable in the new setting.
This and similar programs provide international students with an opportunity to improve their language skills, gain exposure to American culture and meet other global scholars.
RSS
Email
