(MENAFN- Digital solutions)
The Academy of Art University has developed an English for Art Purposes (EAP) program designed to empower "international students to develop the English, cultural, and independent learning skills necessary for success in their Academy of Art University classes." In fact, in today's world of innovation and technology, many international students can now earn a U.S. degree from the comfort of their home via online learning. Programs such as these have heightened the interest of international students, and those seeking advanced education should not hesitate in pursuing these opportunities.
It is widely estimated that over 1 million international students attend colleges and universities in the U.S. each year. But a major barrier to these students is to first determine whether the difficulties of international education are worth it. They are faced with many questions about the potential move, including asking themselves:
-
What are the benefits of earning an accredited degree in America?
-
What challenges might I face?
-
Will I need to enroll in an English as a Second Language program?
-
Do schools provide resources for international students?
Benefits of Earning an Accredited Degree in the United States
Earning a degree is always going to be the best way to open up your career options. But earning a degree from an accredited institution like Academy of Art University in the United States means benefiting from the most relevant and up-to-date industry curriculum. Accreditation ensures the quality of your degree, and always looks better on your future work resume. Not to mention this is a guarantee you will receive the skills and knowledge necessary to compete at the highest levels of your chosen industry.
Improved Career Potential
The most prominent reason international students pursue higher education in the U.S. is their increased career potential. First off, learning English can allow you to work with thousands of companies worldwide. Companies across the globe are especially interested in multi-lingual employees, and English is a common international tongue.
Secondly, a degree from the states often holds its prestige. Employers are drawn to hiring U.S. grads due to the country's high standards and student expectations.
Network of International Friends and Prospective Colleagues
Attending school abroad provides individuals the opportunity to meet and collaborate with people from all around the world. This is especially true today while students enroll in online classes – American schools across the country are seeing an uptick in international students, including those that would have been unable to attend without virtual learning.
A broader network comes with wider access to opportunities. Not only are students able to creatively collaborate and gain cultural perspective, but they are also provided the chance to network and identify potential career opportunities to which peers and professors can connect them.
Increased Cultural Awareness Broaden Horizons
By entering a classroom with students from all around the globe, you gain cultural awareness. You are provided the opportunity to learn about traditions and practices from other communities and gain an understanding of how these aspects of life influence generations. For example, by attending an art program, students also build insight into the history and values of different cultures.
As a result, students can broaden their horizons and build the confidence to communicate with people from different backgrounds.
Prestige
For individuals who come from a setting where higher education is limited, studying abroad provides prestige, both in their community and in their prospective fields. Their accomplishments will provide them with access to resources and opportunities they may have otherwise missed.
Challenges Foreign Students Face
Although attending school abroad is loaded with benefits, it does not mean that the process is easy. International students face an array of challenges not only related to the physical adjustments to living abroad (except those studying online!), but also to the cultural adjustments they may have to make.
Taking Courses in English
The most obvious challenge for international students is the barrier to taking classes in English. Many prospective students are not fluent and are therefore under the misconception that they would not qualify to enroll. However, many colleges and universities now provide ESL programs. An ESL program, or English as a Second Language Program, consists of coursework designed to help students who are interested in learning English. Each program is uniquely planned to help students improve their speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills.
Overall Culture Shock
Spending any substantial amount of time in another country comes with culture shock. Everything is new, and the excitement, or anxiety, can often prove to be a barrier. Individuals are either consumed with the desire to experience everything new around them, or they are met with immense fear, making it difficult for them to resume daily living – There are also, of course, those who fall in the middle.
In every case, though, the initial shock can create challenges for students when they first go abroad. To help aid in overcoming this obstacle, students are advised to arrive at their destination early to learn to adapt. For those attending school online, it is wise to research the culture in which they are attending school. For example, those attending Academy of Art University should consider learning more about life in California, specifically Northern California.
Getting Started: Finding Your ESL Education
Not all ESL programs are created equally! Students interested in attending a school in America should conduct their research to ensure that the program they have identified as the foundation to help them achieve their goals.
Those who have already found an academic program that intrigues them should research that school to see if they already have an ESL program established. Students will want to seek out programs that not only offer language lessons but also provide support for students to facilitate their networking initiatives.
Academy of Art University: EAP Program
For students interested in pursuing an education in the arts, the Academy of Art University has an established English for Art Purposes (EAP) program, and has been a "leader in the field of content-based language teaching for over 25 years." The program provides numerous resources for international students to learn English while earning a prestigious art and design education. The university offers the following:
EAP Classes
EAP Courses are designed to help students with the language skills necessary to get started in their art and design education. Students will learn to express themselves clearly in critiques, understand lectures, improve their reading skills and vocabulary, and learn how to write papers for their class assignments. Every student has access to the support and guidance of the Academy ESL faculty.
Language Support for Onsite and Online Classes
Language support instructors help students achieve success. Their goal is to aid the students so that they can have a strong grasp on their education and to ensure they are prepared for their future careers. At Academy of Art University, language support instructors help students in varying capacities depending on the program they are enrolled in:
Online Program: English Support
-
Explains assignment instructions
-
Clarifies reading from the modules
-
Teaches difficult vocabulary
-
Explains cultural concepts
-
Reviews class policies/rules
-
Organizes ideas for discussions and essays
-
Communicates effectively with the instructor
Onsite Program: English Support
-
Explains instructor feedback and critiques
-
Develops study guides for tests and quizzes
-
Helps prepare for presentations
-
Reviews written assignments for clarity and grammar
-
Clarifies cultural background knowledge
-
Facilitates study group sessions outside of class
-
Monitors progress and midterm grades of students
-
Communicates with the art and design instructor about supported students and their progress in the class
-
Refers students for extra content or language tutoring through department workshops, Speaking, Writing, or Language Support Labs
-
Connects with Academic Support Coordinator and Classroom Services to follow up on students with special needs
Speaking, Writing, and Language Support Labs
All international students will also be able to participate in speaking labs, which help them improve skills related to presentations, participating in critiques, pronunciation skills, and practicing informal conversation. Also, these labs offer students the chance to connect with other English-learning students, allowing them to fine-tune their skills and improve their confidence.
International students will be able to participate in a full Writing Lab, which helps inprove skills in creating written content, organization, style and composition. Exactly what students need to ensure they acquire the necessary skills to excel in written assignments. In addition Academy of Art University offers a full Language Support Lab which provides individualized, language-based assistance to both domestic and international students. All tutors are ESL support professionals.
Tips to Prepare for International Courses
Whether you are attending school in person or online, all prospective students should prepare for their English courses – From beginning English speakers to experienced ones, all could benefit from this preparation. Here are some tips to get started:
-
Brush up on your English skills by reading and engaging in conversations with local English speakers.
-
Participate in local English-speaking community events.
-
Study the difference between formal and informal speech. For example, it is important to understand the etiquette for speaking with professors versus peers.
-
Watch television shows and movies to learn more about the local lingo.
-
Listen to English music.
-
Sign up for a language learning app.
Tips to Prepare for Online Education
If you are attending school online, there are a few more preparations you may want to consider:
-
Make sure you have a reliable internet connection.
-
Never assume that online classes are easier than in-person classes.
-
Adjust for the time difference and establish a routine early.
-
Engage in all activities to make the most of your online college experience.
-
Introduce yourself to your professors before online classes begin.
Language should not be a barrier to pursuing your dream. Virtual education, ESL programs, and numerous other online resources are making it easier each day for international students to gain the prestige and confidence associated with earning a U.S. education. For those interested in taking their next step to their career, wait no longer!
MENAFN03012021004978011459ID1101375634