John Cotton and Amy Nichols present on International Graduate Student Orientation

nternational Graduate Student Orientation

ELP Manager of Instructional Staff Development John Cotton and LPS Director of Implementation, Assessment, and International Initiatives Amy Nichols developed a presentation entitled “International Graduate Student Orientation: Specific Needs and Successful Approaches.” Nichols delivered the presentation at the NAFSA Region VIII Conference in November 2017.

Presentation Abstract:

This workshop begins with an interactive discussion of the specific academic and social transition needs of international graduate students on US university campuses. Second, the presenters will a review a successful supplementary orientation program at the University of Pennsylvania that is specifically designed to address these issues. Finally, participants will work in pairs or small groups to predict challenges that are specific or unique to their programs and/or universities. Participants should leave this session with a more detailed understanding of the academic and social challenges for international graduate students as well as possible approaches for providing support.