Succeeding as an International Student in the United States and Canada

by Lipson, Charles

• ISBN13: 9780226484792
• ISBN10: 0226484793
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-04-15
• Publisher: Univ of Chicago Pr

Summary

Each year, 700,000 students from around the world come to the United States and Canada to study. For many, the experience is as challenging as it is exciting. Far from home, they must adapt to a new culture, new university system, and in many cases, a new language. The process can be overwhelming, but as Charles Lipson'sSucceeding as an International Student in the United States and Canadaassures us, it doesn't have to be. Succeedingis designed to help students navigate the myriad issues they will encounterfrom picking a program to landing a campus job. Based on Lipson's work with international students as well as extensive interviews with faculty and advisers,Succeedingincludes practical suggestions for learning English, participating in class, and meeting with instructors. In addition it explains the rules of academic honesty as they are understood in U.S. and Canadian universities. Life beyond the classroom is also covered, with handy sections on living on or off campus, obtaining a driver's license, setting up a bank account, and more. The comprehensive glossary addresses both academic terms and phrases heard while shopping or visiting a doctor. There is even a chapter on the academic calendar and holidays in the United States and Canada. Coming to a new country to study should be an exciting venture, not a baffling ordeal. Now, with this trustworthy resource, international students have all the practical information they need to succeed, in and out of the classroom.

Author Biography

Charles Lipson is professor and director of undergraduate studies in political science at the University of Chicago. He is the author of Doing Honest Work in College: How to Prepare Citations, Avoid Plagiarism, and Achieve Real Academic Success, as well as How to Write a BA Thesis and Cite Right, all published by the University of Chicago Press.

Table of Contents

Foreword	p. ix
Introduction	p. xiii
Moving Here
What to Bring with You	p. 3
Passports and Visas: A Quick Overview	p. 7
The First Ten Things You Should Do Here	p. 12
Succeeding at your University
The Biggest Academic Challenges for International Students	p. 21
Succeeding Academically	p. 27
Thinking Creatively: Going Beyond What the Professor Said	p. 42
Working as a Teaching Assistant, Lab Assistant, or Research Assistant	p. 49
Avoiding Plagiarism and Doing Honest Work	p. 56
The Culture of Universities in the United States and Canada	p. 73
Living in the United States and Canada
Settling In	p. 115
Learning the Terrain	p. 124
Learning the Language	p. 136
Identification Cards	p. 141
Earning Money	p. 144
Managing Money: Bank Accounts, Debit Cards, and Credit Cards	p. 151
Spending Money: Shopping at Local Stores, Malls, and Online	p. 164
Getting Around: Buses, Bikes, and Taxis	p. 182
Getting Around: Cars	p. 189
University Housing and Meals	p. 209
Apartment Rentals	p. 216
Kids and Family	p. 226
Health Care	p. 232
Campus Life	p. 247
Telecommunicating: Phone Calls, Internet, Cable TV, and More	p. 256
Dealing with Problems	p. 263
A Glossary of Words and Phrases for International Students	p. 277
Abbreviations, Acronyms, Nicknames, Holidays, Floor Numbering, and Clothing Sizes	p. 345
Index	p. 365
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