Preparing for graduate school in the United States can be nerve-wracking. Many international students have questions about what the programs are like and what resources they can use to excel in their studies. This course allows potential and incoming international students to practice their communication skills, identify tools that support academic success, and gain confidence as they prepare for their advanced degrees.
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Preparing for Graduate Study in the U.S.: A course for international students
Instructor: Pamela Bogart
31,692 already enrolled
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(57 reviews)
What you'll learn
Learn to introduce yourself and your area of study to a variety of academic audiences.
Identify ways to advocate for your role and communicate effectively in teams.
Build awareness of campus discussions around diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Skills you'll gain
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There are 5 modules in this course
Welcome to the first module of our course! Each module, we'll give you a brief overview of what's ahead, which we like to call "This module in a nutshell" - a short summary of the content you can expect, just like the content that fits into the shell of a nut. During this module, we have five lessons lined up for you. First, we'll introduce the course and what it has to offer. Then, we will guide you in crafting a professional self-introduction. Moving on to the third and fourth lesson, you'll gain insights about the differences between undergraduate and graduate study, and select a "target institution" to explore throughout this course. Lastly, a brief graded quiz will help you review what you've learned in this entire module.
What's included
5 videos8 readings1 assignment3 app items3 discussion prompts
Welcome to Module 2 of Preparing for Graduate Study in the U.S.In the following lessons, we’ll be exploring short professional self-introductions, also called “Elevator pitches.” Then, we will be exploring ways to add to your language toolbox to introduce yourself professionally. After that, we’ll introduce some tools you can use to explore campus language use more generally. And finally, you will be putting this module’s pieces together to formulate your own professional elevator pitch.
What's included
4 videos2 readings2 assignments4 app items1 discussion prompt
Welcome to Module 3 of Preparing for Graduate Study in the U.S. We’ll begin looking at the many ways in which graduate student learning takes place in small groups or teams as well as the various roles we may play in groups. We will ponder on how to advocate for the roles we wish to play when negotiating group responsibilities and reflect on collaboration opportunities in your target graduate program.
What's included
6 videos2 readings1 assignment1 app item4 discussion prompts
Of course the primary reason to pursue graduate studies is to learn about and participate in research and scholarship in your field. This module, we'll be looking at framing our own expertise, collaborating with faculty, and conventions around engaging with published scholarly writing.
What's included
5 videos5 readings1 assignment1 app item4 discussion prompts
In this last module of our course together, we'll turn our attention to the transition to graduate student life on a new campus. We'll identify ways to connect with individuals and groups, and to foster a supportive community around us. We'll cap off the course with a "final draft" version of everyone's elevator pitches.
What's included
3 videos6 readings1 assignment4 app items1 discussion prompt
Instructor
Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Learning English
University of Pennsylvania
Rice University
Rice University
The State University of New York
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Frequently asked questions
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