• American professors expect their students to ask questions and use critical reasoning. Class participation is important. Your respectful silence may be misconstrued as lack of interest.
• Ask for help if you don't understand something. Professors keep office hours for the purpose of assisting students, and it is not considered to be a loss of face to admit confusion. The "social distance" between students and their professors is much less in the United States than in other countries.
• Most courses require at least two hours of work outside the classroom for every hour spent in class.
• Be patient with yourself if English is difficult at first. University education in a second language is quite a challenge!
• Graduate research and teaching assistantships are usually the best form of financial aid available to international students. The work can be demanding, however, as you will remain enrolled in a full load of graduate courses.

Academic life in the United States may be confusing. International students often comment that U.S. students are competitive but do not seem to study very hard. Or it may seem puzzling that although there is great informality of the classroom, the professors are very demanding. Some of these apparent contradictions can be explained in terms of their underlying values. Creativity, tolerance, and flexibility are, in general, valued above tradition and respect for authority in the United States. Teaching styles and classroom attitudes vary widely and are influenced by many factors. Even where tradition does dictate academic behavior, the patterns may not be evident to someone coming from a different tradition.

International students are often surprised at the variety of available courses and the number of choices they must make each term. There is a basic structure to any degree program, but many options usually exist as well and students are often expected to make selections independently.

Orientation: Orientation is a term used by U.S. institutions of higher learning to describe a formal program of introduction to the institution. The purpose of orientation is to help you become familiar with your institution's rules and regulations.

Various university offices and departments provide orientations. When you receive the dates of your school's orientations, look for those that are mandatory and make sure you attend them first. If orientations of interest to you conflict or overlap, ask your foreign student adviser for assistance in sorting out your schedule.

Most international student offices offer some type of orientation for foreign students. The orientation may be a short session or it may last several days, depending on the size and type of institution you attend. A comprehensive orientation for foreign students usually covers immigration regulations, academics, cultural adjustment, housing, health and safety, finances and shopping, and student activities.

Before you left home, you probably received some important information from various offices at your college or university, including the international student office. Read it carefully to determine the dates of orientation, registration, and the first day of classes. You also will have received information on immigration regulations and visas, transportation to the university, housing options, immunization and health requirements, and other useful facts and materials. Make a note of the names of the individuals who sent you the information, because they may be able to help you with specific issues when you arrive on campus. All this will help you plan your first days and make a good start on your academic life in the United States.

Registration: Every institution in the United States uses a registration process to enroll students into courses. Registration procedures vary widely from institution to institution, so it is very important that you fully understand your institution's process before you begin to register.

Registering for your courses typically involves a series of preparatory steps. The most important written information you need are the university catalog, a course schedule, and a registration guide. Before you do anything else, look at this information to determine your institution's procedures for registration, the dates of registration, and the cost and payment schedules for the courses you choose. Read and learn as much as you can about how to register for courses before you arrive on campus.

Academic advisers at certain universities may preregister you for courses before you arrive. Other institutions may have automated telephone or computer systems that allow you to register for classes while you are still in your home country. But most colleges and universities still require students to register for courses after they have arrived on campus. If you are unable to register during the normal registration period, contact your foreign student adviser for advice. You may be able to register late, but in that case you may have to pay a so-called late-registration fee.

During registration you not only register for courses, but you may also enroll in the school's health insurance plan and join other activities. If you need to make special financial arrangements or if you are a sponsored student, you may meet with a student-accounts representative during this time. You will probably receive a student identification card that will give you access to the library, health center, and other campus facilities.

Who Is Your Teacher? Professors are the core of the teaching staff at most institutions in the United States. Full professors generally teach lecture courses, seminars, and courses for graduate students and third- and fourth-year undergraduates. Associate and assistant professors, as well as lecturers and instructors, often teach first- and second-year undergraduate students. In large research universities, many discussion sessions and labs are led by teaching assistants (TAs), some of whom may be foreign. TAs are most often graduate students pursuing a master's or doctoral degree.

Your professor or instructor has wide discretion to make and enforce certain classroom policies relating to attendance, make-up examinations, and other issues. Underpinning this discretion is the strong American tradition of academic freedom.

Assistantships: If you are applying for graduate study, you may apply as well for a "teaching assistantship." Teaching assistants (TAs) may be in charge of lab and discussion sections, and may be required to grade the homework and exams given by the professor. In some cases, TAs may give lectures. The responsibilities of a TA vary considerably from institution to institution.

Graduate students may also apply for "research assistantships." RAs are expected to assist a faculty member, or perhaps a group of faculty members, in performing research related to their field of study. Many research assistants (RAs) work at night and on the weekends.

American Classroom Etiquette: There are some American student behaviors that you may find surprising or that would be considered disrespectful in your country. For example, students may sit in class with their feet on the chair or desk in front of them. They may eat, drink, or even sleep in class! Students may interrupt lectures to ask questions or even to raise objections to what is being said. In general, none of these behaviors denotes disrespect unless done in a belligerent or aggressive manner. In fact, one way in which an American student shows respect for his or her teacher is by being an active participant in class.

Attendance: Be present for the first day of classes. Professors usually discuss their attendance policies and other expectations in the first meeting of each course. Many faculty members are strict about attendance. Some may drop from the course students who miss even a small number of classes.

Lectures, Seminars, etc.: Lectures are the primary form of undergraduate instruction in U.S. institutions. Lecture courses may enroll as many as 500 students or as few as 20 or 30 students. Although attendance may not be recorded, you are nevertheless expected to attend.

A discussion section (also called a recitation, review, or quiz section) is a class in which material presented in a lecture is reviewed and discussed. Discussion is considered an important element of American education; indeed, "class participation" may count for a certain percentage of your grade. Not all lecture courses include discussion sections.

In so-called independent studies or guided research courses, you may study a topic under the direction of a professor but without any classroom instruction. Such arrangements are usually reserved for advanced undergraduates and graduate students.

Seminars are often associated with undergraduate honors courses or graduate study. Seminar courses usually enroll fewer than 20 students. They often cover specialized topics and involve discussions and presentations by the students under the supervision of the professor.

Internships are practical work or training experiences that allow students to apply in a work situation what they have learned in class. Some institutions offer academic credit for internships; others do not.

The typical undergraduate course involves three hours of lectures each week, an additional lab or discussion section, reading assignments, quizzes and tests, a mid-term examination, and a final examination, as well as one or more research papers or projects.

Tips for Academic Success:

• American professors want students to respect their knowledge and opinions, but they generally prefer discussion and debate to respectful silence.
• Although most faculty members encourage critical thinking from students, the manner in which criticism is expressed is important. Show respect by acknowledging your professor's point of view and then offering your own for consideration.
• Regular attendance at all classes and good note-taking skills will help you be a successful student.
• Ask your instructor for clarification if you do not understand. Within reason, ask that important points be repeated if they are presented too fast for you to comprehend or to write down.
• Pay close attention to instructions given at the beginning of the course about how the class will be conducted and how grades will be determined.
• Expect to receive a "syllabus" for each course. The syllabus outlines the course's objectives and the material to be covered and lists due dates for assignments, examination dates, texts to be purchased or obtained from the library, and the professor's name, office location, and office hours. Keep the course syllabus for the duration of the course.
• A class or workshop on academic writing can help you produce written assignments that meet accepted standards.
• Some undergraduate students may seem very uninterested in their education or appear to do very little studying. They may be very casual about attending class or keeping up with their studies. Do not be deceived into thinking that such behavior is compatible with academic success. In the United States, students who do not perform as expected are asked to leave the institution.

Quizzes, Tests, Examinations, and Homework: U.S. colleges and universities test students, particularly undergraduates, frequently.

Quizzes¡Xshort tests on assigned material¡Xand "pop quizzes"¡Xunannounced tests¡Xare used most frequently in language and mathematics courses.

Hourly or mid-term examinations may call for specific, short replies or for longer responses in the form of essays. Often examinations are a combination of both forms. Many exams include one or two questions requiring essays of several pages, or several questions requiring only a paragraph or two.

Almost every class will have a final exam that will cover all the material in the course.

Homework assignments are usually given in a course syllabus as weekly reading or writing assignments. International students are sometimes dismayed by the amount of reading assigned for their courses. Research papers are another aspect of academic life that may seem to be assigned too frequently. In general, international students are surprised by the amount of daily and weekly assignments, and by the fact that grades are based on these assignments, not just the final examination.

The ability to use computers is essential to success in a U.S. college or university today. Most U.S. professors do not accept handwritten papers (except exams). Computers are usually available for student use in the library or computing center, and possibly in residence halls or other locations.

Research Papers: Research papers are another aspect of academic life that may seem overwhelming. Some students are unable to express themselves clearly or eloquently in written English; others do not know how to use the research tools in the library; and still others may not be familiar with American academic writing styles and conventions. Many American students share these problems, and help is seldom far away. Most colleges and universities offer workshops on writing and research skills.

Paraphrasing, Plagiarism, and Cheating: In your writing, you will be expected to know when and how to "paraphrase" or summarize another writer's ideas in your own words. If you are not a native English speaker this may seem difficult¡Xeven foolhardy¡Xand you may be tempted to quote your sources word for word. Because this practice can lead to a charge of "plagiarism" (see below), it is essential that you acquire the skill of paraphrasing. You will find that if you truly understand the ideas you are dealing with, you will be able to express them clearly. Find an instructor or U.S. student, perhaps a volunteer tutor or conversation partner, who will read your papers, point out passages that are unclear, and help you find phrasing that conveys your meaning. You may have to sacrifice the elegance of the original quotation, but your paper will gain coherence from the effort you put into synthesizing all of the material you use.

Plagiarism is the use of another¡¦s words or ideas without acknowledgment of their source. Although in some cultures incorporating the words of revered scholars is an important part of the style of academic writing, it is not acceptable in the United States; indeed, it is considered a serious offense. The consequences of proven or even suspected plagiarism can be severe (for example, a failing grade or expulsion from class or the university). Borrowed words and ideas must always be clearly documented. If you expect to experience writing difficulties, you should get help as soon as possible.

An important distinction exists between group work and individual work. In general, papers, homework assignments, quizzes, and tests should be done individually, and evidence (or even suspicion) of collaboration can result in a failing grade for the work or expulsion from the class or institution. Studying with others is a good idea, but before you collaborate with others on homework, papers, or tests, make sure the professor has specifically authorized such collaboration.

Academic Advising: Academic advising varies greatly among institutions and between the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Undergraduates attending small, private, liberal-arts colleges probably receive more individual advice and guidance than those attending large, public institutions that admit thousands of new students each year. At many large institutions students may not be assigned a personal adviser at the undergraduate level. If this applies to you, it is especially important that you read your university catalogs and handbooks thoroughly to learn about academic policies and procedures.

As a new undergraduate student, you may be asked to attend an academic advising session with many other students, where you will be given information about the academic system at your institution. Such advising sessions often form part of a new-student orientation at the beginning of the academic term. If you have read the school's materials before attending the session, it may be easier for you to follow the information being presented during the session.

Take advantage of opportunities to meet with an academic adviser or faculty member to discuss your academic choices. Although the foreign student adviser usually cannot offer academic advice, he or she can help you to find the right person at your college or university to do so.

Most graduate students are assigned a faculty member as an academic adviser. Academic advisers offer you information, guidance, and advice throughout your academic program. They may provide this information in a group setting with other students or in private sessions with you. Without the advice of your academic adviser, you may take incorrect courses, resulting in problems later. Specifically, academic advisers identify degree requirements and help you balance your course load, so you do not take too many demanding classes in one semester. They can also tell you which classes have "prerequisites" or other restrictions. Your academic adviser may guide and supervise your thesis or dissertation preparation.

Seek the advice of your academic adviser at any time during your educational experience to discuss important educational issues. If you have difficulties in a particular course, your academic adviser can help you find the assistance you need. Some academic advisers are not aware of immigration regulations relating to your academic course load, so you should always discuss academic changes with your foreign student adviser as well.

English as a Degree Requirement
At most universities and colleges in the United States, undergraduate students¡XAmerican and foreign¡Xmust successfully complete a series of writing or composition courses offered through the institution's Department of English. Moreover, at most institutions this requirement must be completed before a student is permitted to take upper-level courses. Many schools offer sections of these lower-level composition courses specifically designed for foreign students. Because these courses are taught by instructors who are trained and experienced in teaching English to foreign students, they tend to be particularly helpful. Before you enroll in an English-composition course, check with the Department of English or your adviser to make sure you are enrolling in the appropriate section.

Some colleges and universities have a writing center or tutorial center from which foreign students can obtain help with their writing. At such a center you have the opportunity to work with an individual tutor on written assignments from your courses. Short programs such as seminars or workshops on graduate-level writing are also available at most colleges and universities. Though not always designed specifically for foreign students, these programs can be very useful. The personal attention you receive in tutorial programs can be more beneficial than standard writing courses. Finally, some colleges and universities offer courses designed to help foreign graduate students prepare to write their theses or dissertations.

Credits and Grades
Most colleges and universities use a credit system in which each course is allotted a specific number of credit hours, representing the number of hours the students in the course spend in class each week. In the United States, a normal course load for undergraduate students is 12 to 15 credit hours per semester, or 4 to 5 courses. This means that you will be in the classroom between 12 and 15 hours each week, or more if you take courses requiring labs or studio work. Graduate students may take 6 to 12 credit hours each semester. Academic performance in each course is evaluated by the professor using number or letter grades. At the end of the semester you will receive a number of credits corresponding to the courses you have successfully completed. Your credit hours are multiplied by your grades to determine your gradepoint average (GPA). GPAs provide a general indication of your overall academic performance and are used by admissions offices and employers interested in your academic history.

The grading system used by most colleges and universities to evaluate students academic performances is based on a fourpoint scale: Undergraduates are expected to complete their studies with a C (2.0) average or better; graduate students are expected to complete their studies with no less than a B (3.0) average.

Credit hours/grade points = GPA
Example:

3 hours of A = 12 grade points
2 hours of C = 4 grade points
3 hours of B = 9 grade points
4 hours of A = 16 grade points

Key Academic Terms
Accreditation: Accreditation is the uniquely American process by which colleges and universities (as well as other groups of educational and service institutions) voluntarily establish and enforce criteria for the assessment of the quality of institutions, degree programs, and professional certificate programs within certain regions of the country and in certain academic and professional fields. Being "accredited" signifies that the institution or program meets minimum quality standards established by the group. The accreditation process is entirely nongovernmental, but it is recognized by the government in several ways.

Alumnus, Alumnae, Alumni: These Latin words refer to graduates of a college or university. Many Americans retain strong bonds of loyalty to their college. They donate money to the institution and continue to participate in its activities. Nearly all institutions strive, therefore, to maintain active alumni organizations. Institutions that enroll large numbers of international students maintain worldwide networks of alumni. Overseas alumni can be an excellent source of information for prospective students.

Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral Degrees: The bachelor's degree is the most common undergraduate degree, awarded generally after four years of study. Community colleges award the "associate degree" after two years of study. The master's degree is the first graduate degree; it is given after one to two years of study. The doctorate requires an additional three to five years of study beyond the master's. Many doctoral programs incorporate the master's degree; that is, students enter the doctoral program directly after receiving their bachelor's degree.

Certificate: A certificate is a general qualification that is distinguished from a degree. A degree entitles the holder to apply to enter the next level of academic study, whereas a certificate does not. Certificates are often issued to recognize various academic, professional, or vocational specialties.

Campus: An institution's buildings, facilities, and grounds make up its campus. The term is best applied to institutions that are set off to some degree from their environment.

College, University, "School": In the United States, a college is a postsecondary institution offering a general or "liberal arts" education. Most colleges concentrate on undergraduate education. In addition, the term is used loosely to designate either a two- or four-year institution. It is also used to designate the parts of a university (for example, the College of Arts and Sciences). Universities offer instruction in more fields than do colleges, including professions such as medicine and law; they also confer a greater variety of graduate degrees. Sometimes, Americans use the words college and university interchangeably. Both are popularly referred to as "schools." You are not being insulted if someone asks you, "Where do you go to school," even if you are a graduate student.

Courses, Classes, and Credit: Americans frequently use the word class to mean course. If you are asked what classes you are taking this semester, you should respond with a list of your courses. "Registering for classes" means choosing the courses you intend to take each semester. For each course you complete you will receive a number of credits (generally three or four). A typical four-year undergraduate degree requires 120 credits. Many universities offer noncredit courses for alumni and other interested members of the general public.

Faculty: In the United States, the faculty are the teaching staff of the university (professors, associate and assistant professors, lecturers, and instructors). The word is not used to designate parts of the university, as it is in many other countries. The faculty are divided into "departments" according to academic specialty (e.g., the Department of History).

Grade-Point Average, or GPA: The most common method of measuring academic performance is by grade-point average, or GPA. At the end of each term, your letter grades (A, B, C, D, and E or F) are converted into numerals (with A equal to 4) and their sum is averaged to determine your GPA for that term.

Nonimmigrant Status: An international student's legal status in the United States is described by the particular immigration classification the student has been given by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service upon entry into the country. The F-1, J-1, and M-1 classifications used by students are 3 of the more than 50 nonimmigrant visa classifications used by the INS. Nonimmigrants such as students, tourists, and business travelers are in the United States temporarily.

Postdoctoral Study: A "postdoc" designates a temporary research appointment following award of the doctoral degree. Postdocs may or may not be invited to join the faculty of the university after their postdoctoral research period.

Postsecondary Education: Postsecondary education begins after 12 years of primary and secondary education. It is synonymous with "tertiary education."

Semester, Trimester, Quarter, Term: Colleges and universities divide the academic year in different ways. The most common division is two semesters (fall and spring). Institutions using the trimester system add a winter term. Under the quarter system, a summer term is added. Most universities on the semester and trimester system also have a "summer session" offering credit and noncredit courses.

Transfer: Many American students begin their postsecondary education at one institution and finish it at another. They transfer from one institution to another.

Transcript: A transcript is an authenticated copy of a student's official academic record detailing the courses the student has taken and the grade received in each.

Tuition and Fees: Tuition is a payment or charge for instruction. Fees are charged for services and for the use of equipment and facilities.

Vocational and Technical Schools: Vocational and technical schools offer certificates rather than academic degrees. They prepare students for immediate placement in specific jobs. Graduates of vocational and technical schools generally do not move on to higher levels of postsecondary education.