By Tetyana Dovbnya
OPIE and College of Arts & Sciences International Student Adviser
The first university classes are never easy, both for domestic and—especially so—for international students. The higher education system is complex and requires time as well as effort to navigate it with ease and confidence. Therefore, the Ohio Program of Intensive English has begun a series of workshops “Navigating the University Landscape: A Roadmap” on starting an academic career at Ohio University. The workshops are targeted at the international students in OPIE who will start their academic classes next semester.
From left to right: Kevin Jambor, OPIE Lecturer, is helping the students read DARS.
The main goal of the series is to help international students transfer from their English to academic studies through a better understanding of some vital academic resources on Ohio University campus. The first workshop addressed the basics of the U.S. higher education system and its academic culture, while the second workshop focused on DARS in depth. Another important goal of the workshops is to prepare students for the upcoming Academic Orientation conducted by Ohio University Orientation Programs, to be held on March 18. At the orientation, the students are further introduced to Ohio University undergraduate degree requirements and meet with advisers from various colleges, who will help them register for classes.
A lot of academic concepts were new to students, so they appreciated the examples of ‘what you can and cannot do’ in an American classroom. Most students who attended the workshop series were Chinese, with some from Oman, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea. They found it useful to learn the nuances of Ohio University undergraduate degree requirements, the differences between the colleges within the university, and enjoyed identifying and locating some vital student resources on campus in a dynamic scavenger hunt activity. In the fall semester, the series of these preparatory workshops will expand, providing the students with a yet wider platform for the Ohio University exploration.
OPIE Events This Week
- Book Club facilitated by Ramya Vithanage: Tuesday, March 17, 4-5 p.m., Gordy Hall 104
- Academic Orientation facilitated by Cimmeron O’Connor: Wednesday, March 18, 8:45 a.m. to noon, Baker Center 240/242
- OPIE Lecture on TV & modern American history by Jeremy Hatfield: Wednesday, March 18, 2-2:55 p.m., Morton 201
- International Conversation Hour: Thursday, March 19, 6-7 p.m., Baker First Floor, Bobcat Student Lounge
- Bowling Night (free pizza included): Friday, March 20, 6-8 pm, Rollerbowl Lanes, 28 Palmer St.
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