Summer program could prove beneficial for international students

International students studying at Syracuse University often have a difficult time overcoming language and cultural barriers in the classroom. A pre-fall semester, monthlong program to better acclimate these individuals to an American collegiate classroom experience would prove beneficial for both the university and international students.

These students must pass SU’s English-language testing requirements before they are admitted, but many still face challenges when communicating in class and participating in group-oriented assignments.

International students already arrive at the university a week early. But giving them the option to come a month early would allow them to work with professors to prepare for American university classroom expectations and instruction style. It also gives students the chance to ask questions and better understand campus living before classes begin.

Though a month is likely not enough time for students to completely adjust to a new environment, it would be a more valuable and progressive jump-start than the shorter current orientation process.

Because this is a college environment, students should be aware of their own personal challenges. Therefore, this program need not be mandatory, and students should take responsibility in having a successful college career. The program should, however, be an option to international students each year they are in enrolled at SU.

Professors should be able to encourage struggling students to attend, and students would have several opportunities to seek assistance from this program.

To continue the potential progress made in the summer throughout the academic year, a fall-semester forum tailored toward students of non-English, foreign backgrounds could also be implemented to continue addressing campus and classroom issues as they arise.

As the number of international students at SU increases annually, the university must continue developing methods for ensuring their success. Students should also be invested in getting the most out of their American college experience.