Preparing for Graduate Study in the U.S.: A course for international students

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/graduate-study-usa

Introduction

## Course Review: Preparing for Graduate Study in the U.S.: A Course for International Students As an aspiring graduate student from overseas, I found the **"Preparing for Graduate Study in the U.S."** course on Coursera to be invaluable. This course, specifically designed for international students, proves to be an essential resource for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of graduate studies in the United States. ### Course Overview Embarking on a graduate program can be filled with uncertainty, particularly for international students grappling with cultural differences and academic expectations. This course effectively prepares students by honing their communication skills, familiarizing them with academic tools, and building their confidence. Throughout the five-week program, learners engage in a variety of activities that go beyond mere academic content to address real-world applications and peer interactions. ### Syllabus Breakdown #### **Week 1: English for Getting Acquainted** This introductory week was particularly engaging. It begins with a welcome session that sets the tone for the course. The lesson on crafting a professional self-introduction was beneficial—not only for graduate school applications but also for networking. The insights into the differences between undergraduate and graduate studies were also eye-opening, helping me set realistic expectations for my academic journey ahead. #### **Week 2: English for Introducing Yourself Professionally** In the second week, the focus shifts to perfecting your "elevator pitch." This is crucial not only for introductions but also for creating a lasting impression in academic and professional settings. The emphasis on enhancing language skills to communicate effectively was greatly beneficial. By the end of the week, participants are well-prepared to introduce themselves with confidence. #### **Week 3: English for Interactive Learning & Teamwork** This week dives into collaborative learning, a crucial aspect of graduate studies. We learned about the different roles we can take in group settings and how to advocate for ourselves within a team. The discussions about teamwork provided strategies to manage group dynamics effectively, which will be invaluable in both class projects and research collaborations. #### **Week 4: English for Research and Scholarship** Week four is dedicated to the foundational skills necessary for engaging in research. The course covers vital topics such as framing one’s expertise and collaborating with faculty. The exposure to academic conventions around scholarly writing was particularly enlightening, and I appreciate how practical this knowledge will be as I advance my studies. #### **Week 5: English in Campus Life** The final week focuses on the transition to graduate student life, providing great tips on building community and networking. The culmination of the course was the final draft of our elevator pitches, allowing us to reflect on our growth and prepare for real-world applications. ### Recommendations I highly recommend this course for international students preparing for graduate studies in the United States. Here’s why: 1. **Tailored Content:** The course is specifically designed for non-native English speakers, making the materials accessible and relevant. 2. **Practical Skills:** Each week offers practical skills that international students can immediately apply, from self-introduction to teamwork dynamics. 3. **Supportive Environment:** The course encourages peer interaction, fostering a sense of community among participants who share similar aspirations and challenges. 4. **Expert Guidance:** The instructors are knowledgeable and provide valuable insights into the academic landscape of U.S. graduate studies. ### Conclusion In summary, **“Preparing for Graduate Study in the U.S.”** is not just a course; it's an essential stepping stone for international students. The combination of improving language skills, learning about the graduate experience, and developing a professional network is invaluable. I encourage anyone considering graduate studies in the U.S. to enroll in this course—it's a wise investment in your academic and professional future.

Syllabus

Week 1: English for Getting Acquainted

Welcome to the first week of our course! Each week, we'll give you a brief overview of what's ahead, which we like to call "This week 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 week, 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 week.

Welcome to Week 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 week’s pieces together to formulate your own professional elevator pitch.

Welcome to Week 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.

Of course the primary reason to pursue graduate studies is to learn about and participate in research and scholarship in your field. This week, we'll be looking at framing our own expertise, collaborating with faculty, and conventions around engaging with published scholarly writing.

In this last week 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.