UNDERSTANDING KENT STATE
AS AN INTERNATIONAL
GRADUATE STUDENT
Samuel Boateng, Ethnomusicology
Anuj Gurung, Political Science
Welcome to Kent State!
• Introduction
• Goals of the workshop
– Academic culture/expectations
– Resources
– Cultural adaptation
• Overview of the workshop
US Academic Culture
• Concept of Time & Deadlines
• Communication with Professors/Advisors
– Office hours
• Syllabus
– Citations
• Types of assessments
– Midterms, Finals, Papers, Projects, etc.
Program/Plan of study
• Usually developed in first few semesters of graduate
study (advisor may help).
• Review your plan annually.
• Course Projection; expectations from the department.
In the classroom
• American teaching styles – often student-centered,
discussion-based, interactive.
• Regular attendance, participation and being on time
is expected.
• Feel free to ask questions and express point of view
during class time.
• Practice objective/critical writing styles
(for assistance, consult professor/classmates/
Writing Commons).
Academic honesty & Plagiarism
Academic honesty & Plagiarism - 2
• Plagiarism: Claiming someone else’s work/intellectual
property as your own.
• “Accidental” plagiarism: Forgetting to cite or include in
references author of work.
• NOTE: Kent State makes no distinction about plagiarism
(accidental vs. non) in terms of sanction and disciplinary
action. If you have questions about plagiarism, consult
professor.
Class technology
• BlackBoard Learn – online course
management software.
• Online courses: Learn typical, but not
necessarily used by all instructors. Check
your syllabus.
• Be sure technology requirements are
understood/followed/met on deadline.
Ask questions if unsure.
Tutoring/course assistance
• Math tutoring and Writing Commons
• English speaking/writing tutoring available through ESL
Center.
• Other tutoring available (by subject).
• Ask classmates/professors for assistance.
Useful campus resources [1]
• University Libraries
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KentLINK and OhioLINK, Inter-library loan
Meet with a librarian (research assistance)
Library is open 24 hours (mostly)
VPN
On-campus vs. online book sellers/renters
Career Services
IT Services (Helpdesk, Tech Spot, software)
PARTA, other transportation services
Useful campus resources [2]
• Student Support Services
– Student Legal Services
– University Health Services
– Counseling Services
– Student Life tab on www.kent.edu for more
Stores/international options
• H.O.M.E. Market (in Acorn Alley).
• Haymaker Farmer’s Market.
• Some grocery stores sell international
foodstuffs/products.
• OGE’s “Spice Run” tours.
Recreation options in Kent
• Student organizations/groups.
• Recreation and Wellness Center.
• University-funded events all
year.
• Graduate Student Senate –
Gradfest.
• Downtown Kent.
Graduate Student Senate [1]
• Monthly meetings – open to the public.
• Supports all graduate students at Kent State.
• Domestic and international travel grants: International
students welcome to apply.
Graduate Student Senate [2]
Annual Graduate Research Symposium
April 22, 2016
Spring Graduate Professional and Academic Development
(GPAD)
Feb 22-26
GSS GradFest: Pizza and raffle!
Experiencing Culture Shock
• Defining Culture Shock
‘a feeling of confusion, doubt, or nervousness caused by being
in a place (such as a foreign country) that is very different from
what you are used to’ (Merriam-Webster)
Stages of Culture Shock
• Stages:
– Honey moon
– Distress
– Reintegration
– Autonomy/Acceptance
– Independence
• Note: it may last 3-6 month
Coping with Culture Shock
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Become a part of the community
Make new friends
Stay connected with family back home
Make your space comfortable
Explore the neighborhood
Reach out to GSO peers
Making friends
• Differences in the concept of friendship
across the cultures
• Conversation Partners program
• International Peer Advisor program
• Kent State International Mentors program
• Gradfest
• GSO Social Events
Your questions…
1. What are your immediate concerns?
– Communication
– Lodging/residence
– Banking, etc.
** Any other questions?