International Issues and Welcome to Ames

1. International Issues and Welcome to Ames August 17, 2011 Presented by Ling Li and Ruslan Suvorov

2. In this session you will… • Get information about the life in Ames from an international graduate student perspective • Learn tips on dealing with culture shock and adjusting to your new life • Get an idea about the life of international TAs at ISU

3. Welcome to Ames! • Among top 10 best places to live in America (Money Magazine, 2010) • Population of more than 50,000 • Small town charm with the heartbeat of a big city • Only 30 minutes from Des Moines, also easily accessible from Kansas City, Omaha, Minneapolis, and Chicago

4. Climate in Ames • Warm/hot and humid summer • Very cold and long winter • Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year • Checking weather forecast regularly is a good idea • GOOD INVESTMENT FOR WINTER: • A goose down coat, boots, socks, gloves, wool hat, and maybe face mask • Warm clothes to dress in layers • Shovel and ice scraper

5. Severe Weather in Ames • Tornadoes • Hail • Floods • Snow storms • Freezing rain Checking weather forecast regularly is a good idea

6. Housing and Shopping in Ames • Housing • On-campus: http://www.housing.iastate.edu/places/ • Off-campus: http://www.hunziker.com/apartment_list/search.php http://www.furmanrealty.com/activelistings.php • Shopping • East and West HyVee, North Grand Mall, Fareway, Target, Wheatsfield (organic) + Ankeny and Des Moines • International grocery: Pamel Grocery, Asian stores • International restaurants: Mexican, Chinese, etc. • Local Craiglist: http://ames.craigslist.org/

7. Transportation in Ames • CyRide http://www.cyride.com • Airport Shuttle Servicehttp://www.executiveexpress.biz/ • Personal vehicle: • Ames Driver’s License Station http://www.iowadot.gov/ • Driving for international grad students at ISU: http://driving.techandlearn.com/ • Buying a car, car insurance, parking permits

8. Culture Shock Symptoms • Sadness • Loneliness • Anxiety • Homesickness Tips on dealing with culture shock • Making new friends • Keeping yourself busy • Learning more about the US culture International Friendship Connection http://www.ifcinfo.com/ Conversation Partner, English Club

9. Factors Associated with Cultural and Academic Adaptation Among ISU International Students Adaptation/Adjustment • Social Resources/Factors: • Social support/network: • (e.g., friends from the same • culture, American friends, • classmates, staff, professors, • and church) • Discrimination • Individual Resources: • Language ability/skills • Self-confidence • Knowledge about culture and • educational system Grace D. da Rosa

10. ISSO and Health Insurance • International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) http://www.isso.iastate.edu/: Advisers help you with • Your paperwork as an international student • Personal, financial and cultural issues • Find out about ISSO requirements early • Do not get info from other people, get it directly from the ISSO office • Health Insurance • http://www.hrs.iastate.edu/sship/homepage.html

11. Useful Links • International Student Council http://www.stuorg.iastate.edu/isc/ • Student and Scholar Health Insurance http://www.hrs.iastate.edu/sship/homepage.html • CyRide Bus http://www.cyride.com • City of Ames http://www.city.ames.ia.us/ • State of Iowa http://www.iowa.gov/ • SEVIS http://www.ice.gov/sevis/students/index.htm

12. Campus Resources • Department of Public Safety (DPS): 515-294-4428 • Help Van: 515-294-4444 • Safety Escort (6 p.m. – 6 a.m. when classes in session): 515-294-4444 • Parking Division: 515-294-3388 • Emergency: 911

13. International Teaching Assistants • Who they are • OECT test (former SPEAK/TEACH) • TA duties: • Teaching standalone classes; • Teaching labs; • Assisting professor (e.g., grading, proctoring, etc.)

14. ITA Common Issues • Language issues: • Accent, grammar, vocabulary • New terminology • Cultural differences • Different pedagogy in class: • Teaching style • Grading and feedback • Different classroom culture: • Use of technology, eating, tardiness, attendance, etc.

15. Dealing With Language Issues • Talk to your students • Be open about your language issues • Practice English whenever you can: • English 180 classes • SPEAK/TEACH Pronunciation Lab • Make friends with Americans • Avoid using only native language

16. Dealing With Cultural Differences • Discuss issues with your students • Learn from other TAs and professors • Make friends with Americans to learn more • Educate yourself about the US culture

17. Dealing With Teaching Problems • Know the expectations of your department • Get advice from other TAs and professors • Invite fellow TAs/mentor to observe your class • Learn more about teaching methodologies, grading, and feedback used in the US • Avoid imposing your own teaching beliefs and style on your students • Be a guide on the side, not a sage on the stage!

18. Dealing With Classroom Culture • Know your rights and duties and the rights of your students • Set up rules and guidelines in your course policy, make sure students know and follow them • Confront students when issues arise • Get advice from other TAs

19. Help Resources • Experienced ITAs and American TAs • Your major professor, mentor, and department • International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO)

20. Questions? Please fill out the session review form before you leave.