Download - Teach Them to Fish: Principles and Procedures for Advising Undergraduate International Students
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Nancy Keteku, REAC-Africa West & CentralU.S. Embassy, Accra
Teach Them to Fish:
Principles and Procedures for Advising Undergraduate International Students
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Fundamental Principles• Teach students to think for themselves, take responsibility, and make
their own decisions• Teach them how to do their own research• Don’t do anything for them that they can do for themselves• Always act in the students’ best interests• Set high standards• Be transparent in everything you do• Be honorable: don’t say anything you couldn’t say to your own children • Everyone should leave happier and more confident than when they
came in• Learn from everyone you meet: this will make you a more respectful
listener
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• Stay home or study abroad?• What to study?• Career goals?• List your options, evaluate,
and justify your decision• Listen to others, but don’t let
them influence you
Help Students to Make Their Own Decisions
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• Become a serious reader: read a book every week without fail
• Use (proper) English at every opportunity
• Become highly proficient on computers
• Develop writing skills: keep a journal, write articles, essays, stories
• Get involved in community service – it broadens and deepens your thinking
• Learn to drive a car
Emphasize Using Their Time Wisely
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Educational Systems
• 6-3-3-4 = 16• WAEC/WASSCE• University eligibility: 5
credits including English and math, or 3 A-levels
• 6-3-3-4 or 6-2-4-4 = 16• No school leaving exam• University eligibility: earn
credits by passing classes in English, math, science, social studies, languages, etc.
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Characteristics of Undergraduate Education
Bachelor’s Degree: 4 years
College and University: no difference
Apply to the institution, not the degree program
Declare your major after first year
Freedom and responsibility
Heavy reading and writing requirements
Extensive independent work
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How the Curriculum Works
4 years
X 2 semesters per year
= 8 semesters
X 4 or 5 courses
per semester
= ~ 36 courses to earn the Bachelor’s degree
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What Does It Take to Earn a Degree?
~ 1/3 core or distributive
general education
requirements
~ 1/3 courses in the major, plus specific requirements such as seminars, thesis,
project ~ 1/3 elective courses: in
support of the major, a second major, a minor,
individual interests
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But the school offers 2,000 courses!
Core Courses, 12
Courses in your major;
12
Elective courses; 12
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What’s a Credit Hour?• Points awarded for each course you complete
and pass• Theoretically, one hour per week of class time
= one credit hour• Must earn a certain number of credits or
points to qualify for the degree, usually 120-128
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Grades, grades, gradesA = 90-100% (~50% of all grades) = 4 pts
B = 80-90% = 3 pts
C = 70-80% = 2 pts
D = 60-70% = 1 pt
F = < 60% = FAIL
Grades of + and – also given
GPA = grade point average (average of points)
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What’s a Major, and How Do I Declare It?
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Flexibility
• Double major• Major and minor• Self-designed
independent major• Off-campus
independent study• Cross-registration
• Internships• Research with Professor• Relevant campus jobs• Study abroad• Language immersion
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Classroom ResponsibilitiesAttendance, punctuality
Active participation in class discussions
Homework
Types of exams: quiz, spot quiz, tests, midterms, finals, take-home, open book…
Term papers
Discussion groups
Team projects
Professors’ office hours
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U.S. Study: Excellent Return on Investment
• Students return home with big ideas• Able to create their own business• Practical experience• Global outlook and competence• Adaptable, confident• Analytical, problem solving abilities• Leadership, communication skills• No disruptions, finish on time!
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5 Steps to U.S. Study1. Research Your Options
2. Complete Your Applications
3. Finance Your Studies
4. Apply for Your Student Visa
5. Prepare for Your Departure
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Selection of SchoolsHelp your students to determine their criteria, and then research to
find their best “fit” Academic strength in their course(s) of study Cost and financial aid Quality/competitiveness Facilities Living Environment: size and location Housing: should be guaranteed Special opportunities: sports, activities, internships, cross-
registration, study abroad Religious affiliation Diversity Retention, Graduation Rates
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Application Components:Neat, complete, professional
• Application forms • Transcripts and results slips or certificates• School profile• Counselor’s or head of school’s report• Essay(s)• Teachers’ recommendations• Standardized test scores: SAT/ACT, TOEFL• Application fee (may be waived)• Financial aid certification and application
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The Year-Long Admissions Cycle
For entry in August 2015:
• Now August 2014: think, read, write, research, plan, select 10-15 schools. Take SAT. • If not in school, embark on major reading and writing program; take a MOOC.• August December 2014: active application period. Write essays, get transcripts, cultivate teacher recommendations, fill out
applications, take SAT again, take TOEFL/IELTS/PTE-A. Complete everything by January 1. • March-April 2015: Admissions decisions arrive. Renegotiate financial aid, complete required forms, finalize plans and commit to one
school by May 1.• May-July 2015: Prepare for visa application, participate in Pre-Departure Orientation.• August 2015: Embark on your new adventure in the United States!
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Financing U.S. Education• The United States is the only country where
universities award significant funding to international students
• Knowledge and planning are the student’s/family’s responsibility
• The United States expects families to pay as much as they possibly can
• Each school has its own budget and policy for international financial aid
• International aid is separate from U.S. aid• Plan your finances before you start
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Reality Check
• Admission with full funding is highly competitive
• Don’t apply to any schools that cannot fill your needs: academic, financial, or personal
• Don’t apply for more aid than you genuinely need
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Student Visas
Bonafide Student Adequate financing
Intention to return home
Key elements: total honesty, a sound plan, and
the ability to discuss it
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Pre-Departure Orientation
• EducationUSA welcomes all students who have been admitted to U.S. colleges and universities
• PDO in December and July
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www.bigfuture.collegeboard.org
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http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator
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Hard Work: The Only Way
No Shortcuts
No Magic Tricks
No Formulas
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Can We Make It?