New international students find their feet at James Madison University's orientation day
January 2012

 

The early days of January at James Madison University brought a few days of snow as well as some unusually sunny and warm days during which many students got into their t-shirts, shorts and sunglasses as they raced to new classes or lounged outdoors with friends, surrounded by mountain views and crisp winter air. It was into this fine mix of pleasant weather and beautiful scenery that the International Study Center welcomed 30 new international students from 12 countries: Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Oman, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Venezuela, and Vietnam.

There were 27 new students enrolled in the International First Year which provides all the freshman academic requirements for James Madison University along with instruction in English language learning.

3 new students already hold undergraduate degrees and so join the Pre-Master's Program to prepare for master's degrees in Educational Leadership, Hospitality Management, and Public Administration.

The ISC, working with the Office of International Programs at JMU, provided the international students with a very full week of orientation activities designed to help them settle in, feel at home, and, most of all, be prepared to successfully start classes. The whirlwind of excitement and support during the first days in Harrisonburg, Virginia, included:

• 2 sessions focused on strategies to ensure academic success
• University tours
• informational sessions on immigration
• panel discussions
• group shopping trips
• assistance in setting up bank accounts
• help establishing residences on and off-campus

During the first academic strategy session, ISC instructors Andrea Beard and Jessica Penner presented ideas for time management and the key in-class and out-of-class behaviors that help students do their best.

Ms Beard encouraged students to be active learners. She said, "Ask questions! If you do not understand something, raise your hand first and ask the question when the teacher calls on you."

Ms Penner urged students to keep up with assignments and to use time wisely. She told the gathering of new students, "For each class you take, you need to study at least an hour each day, maybe more, depending on the difficulty of the subject."

In the following session, ISC Instructors Hong Embree and John Niblett asked each student to complete a written plan describing academic goals and the best methods for reaching those goals.

Jingshu Wang, an accounting major from China, said, "I plan to be a successful accountant. To do so, I must take notes and pay attention in class, ask the professor when I have questions, and discuss questions with other people."

Yamin Ko, a biotechnology major from Myanmar, would like to teach at the highest levels of university education. She said, "I want to become a professor in biotechnology. Some of the things I'll do as a student will be to review and rewrite notes, and do lots of reading and critical thinking."

Jihu Yoo, from South Korea is still considering her options for an undergraduate major. Her current goals go beyond specific career or academic objectives. Jihu reflected, "I want to know more about all people. I want to communicate with people of all cultures and to understand how they see the world from their own points of view. So I plan to take in what my professors say, listen to my classmates, and then to express my own opinions. I also want to participate fully in American culture."

In the week following orientation, new students were asked to write some of their recollections of orientation and the first few days at the University. The following are some of their written comments.

Huan Wei, a finance major from China, wrote, "The orientation lessons about how to be a successful student at US University were very helpful. Now that I'm settled in, one of the most enjoyable aspects of being at JMU is the wonderful sports center, UREC. It's so fun to play basketball with the local students. And the library is a nice place to study."

Thao Thi Nguyen, a finance major from Vietnam, wrote, "The most enjoyable aspect was the way in which teachers talked to us during orientation sessions. It was relaxing and comfortable, especially in the 'Culture Shock' session. I enjoyed this class very much."

Wenxin Sun, an accounting major from China, wrote, "Having lunch with all the international students was a good way for us to get to know each other."

Luis Vallesteros, an economics major from Venezuela, wrote, "The most helpful things in orientation week were the scavenger hunt and the lectures about immigration and staying in the country legally."

Ziyad Alasmari, a computer science major from Saudi Arabia, wrote, "The scavenger hunt was the smartest activity to get to know your way around JMU. The wonderful weather and the dorm experience are just too awesome."

All of the instructors and staff at the JMU ISC welcome this semester's new students and look forward to helping each new and returning student reach their goals.

Adam Copeland, Director of the James Madison University International Study Center said, "I'm thrilled to see a larger-than-expected number of students for Spring 2012 intake. The students enjoyed the photo-scavenger hunt around campus, the orientation sessions with ISC faculty, and campus life sessions with JMU staff. This intake increases our total countries represented to 16 and total enrollment to 117. I'm glad these students are a part of this program."

The new students intended majors are accounting, business administration, computer information systems, educational leadership, economics, finance, health science, marketing, public administration, science/technology, and pre-pharmacy.

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