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The World Comes to Oberlin Fall 2009

The World Comes to Oberlin Fall 2009. Katya Grim, Associate Dean of Studies and Director of International Student Services Peters 205, x58540 Presentation online at www.oberlin.edu/dstudies/foradvisors. Fall 2009 International Student Data.

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The World Comes to Oberlin Fall 2009

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  1. The World Comes to OberlinFall 2009 Katya Grim, Associate Dean of Studies and Director of International Student Services Peters 205, x58540 Presentation online at www.oberlin.edu/dstudies/foradvisors

  2. Fall 2009 International Student Data • We have 77 new international students from 30 countries (67 on a student visa, 4 dual/US citizens and 6 US citizens who reside overseas or went to high school abroad) • Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Ecuador, France, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Singapore, Spain, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, the United Kingdom • Of the 77 new students, 35 are in the College, 41 in the Conservatory and 1 is a Double-Degree student • The total number of international students enrolling this fall is 202 students from 52 countries • Of the 202 students, 93 are in the College, 101 in the Conservatory and 8 in the Double Degree program

  3. What to Expect • International students may be more mature in some respects • Some may experience culture shock (watch for homesickness, inability to socialize, students looking disoriented or disinterested in class) • Some may experience adjustment issues – with psychological and/or physical manifestations – but may be reluctant to seek counseling • All will struggle with the “language barrier” – having to “live” in a foreign language can be stressful • Students may experience fear of the “unknown” that can result in stress, confusion, lack of confidence and feelings of inferiority

  4. The Specific Academic Issues • Challenges with: • academic writing (style, form and expression) • reading (speed and comprehension) • in-class discussions (comprehension, self-consciousness, respect for authority) • Difficulties understanding the honor code - reinforce the concept of academic honesty and integrity; emphasize the issue of trust and honor; keep in mind that they all come from different academic and cultural backgrounds • Different study habits and skills (memorization and literal repetition vs. interpretation, assimilation and application of knowledge) • Reluctance to take courses in fields outside their main area of interest/comfort, typically dependent on their level of English

  5. What Advisors Can Do For your advisees for whom English is a challenge: • Encourage them to take first-year seminars and writing courses • Encourage them to take a module course on reading strategies • Make sure they are aware of resources: Student Academic Services and the Writing Center For all your international advisees: • Talk with them about how the honor code applies in their courses • Encourage them to get to know their professors and to NOT be afraid to ask questions The Office of International Students maintains formal and informal contact with all international students and especially the new ones. Please contact us if you have questions or you need assistance with a student.

  6. Services/Programs We Offer Educational and Social Programs and Activities • ESL Program • Specialized orientation program • Workshops on employment opportunities • Workshops on immigration regulations • Workshops on taxation in the US • Writing workshops • Panel discussions (e.g., Myths and Truths About My Country) • Cultural events and celebrations • Counseling and support on issues of cultural adjustment as well as academic, career, and personal matters (banking, driving in the US, social security, health insurance, etc.) • Host Program • Support for international groups on campus • Liaison with other offices on campus • Assist faculty and staff as need be in their interaction with international students SEVIS/DHS Reporting Requirements • “Register” each enrolled student each semester in the SEVIS system • Monitor enrollment and course loads • Keep personal and program info updated • Info on completion or termination of program • Respond to ICE and FBI inquiries • Maintain student and university SEVIS records • Offer extensive immigration advising for students Web resources at www.oberlin.edu/international

  7. Enjoy your interaction with the international students! And please do not hesitate to contact our office with any questions or concerns. Office: Peters 205 Phone: 58540 Email: katya.grim@oberlin.edu THANK YOU!

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