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Instructors: Michael Bortscheller, Director, International Student and Scholar Services and Brandon Paulson, Associate Director, International Student and Scholar Services

Description:

This introduction class will introduce the Building Our Global Community program and share an overview of the international student and scholar population at the University of Iowa. Participants will have opportunity to learn about the cultural adjustment experienced by international students and strategies to assist with the transition. Participants will take part in an interactive activity demonstrating the experience of students whose first language is not English. The class will conclude with an international student panel sharing their experiences transitioning to the U.S. and studying at the University of Iowa. 

Participants who attend this class will be able to:

• Identify the purpose of the Building Our Global Community program and how the program can assist with working effectively with international students and scholars
• Articulate an overview of the international population at the University of Iowa
• Understand cultural adjustment and apply strategies to assist with the transition
• Discuss the experience of students whose first language is not English studying in the U.S.
• Understand some of the experiences of international students studying at the University of Iowa
   

The Building Our Global Community certificate program creates an opportunity for University of Iowa faculty and staff to learn about the experiences of international students and scholars, and methods they can use to foster skills for working with and awareness of our increasingly intercultural campus community. To earn a Building Our Global Community certificate, participants must register for and attend the Introduction to Building Our Global Community core course and at least four elective courses. All courses taken for the program are free of charge and fill on a first-come, first-served basis.