GTI 401 Course
How to Succeed at an American University
When one travels to a new culture there are many adjustments to make in order to feel at home. The academic world in the States adds an additional layer of culture to this cross-cultural experience. At times it can be overwhelming to make the adjustments. The GTI 401 course is designed to give international students the skills to make that adjustment and thrive at an American university.
Course Highlights:
- an overview of US Culture and History
- essentials for success in Higher Education in America
- academic ethics at a western university
- enhancing cross-cultural communication and English language ability
- improving interactions with professors, business people, and roommates
- teaching by a variety of guest faculty lectures
- media presentations which enhance learning
- field trips to cultural and historic sites
- discussion groups with American student and staff leaders
- working effectively in small groups
- assignments and readings which enhance cross-cultural effectiveness
- writing a capstone paper (a reflective applied research paper that focuses on integrating the issues discussed in class, readings, personal development, and the required community involvement)
- how to write a research paper
- test taking skillsExample of the Fall 2010 syllabus
Example of the Fall 2010 speakers and assignments calendar
Enrollment is limited to first year international students, spouses of international students, new internationals in the US for other reasons, participants in GTI Certificate Programs, or by permission of the instructor.