Lecturer IV
Preparing for Graduate Study in the U.S.: A course for international students
What You'll Learn
- Learn to introduce yourself and your area of study to a variety of academic audiences.
- Identify ways to advocate for your role and communicate effectively in teams.
- Build awareness of campus discussions around diversity, equity, and inclusion.
5 Modules
20 Hours
4 hrs per module (approx.)
Rating
About Preparing for Graduate Study in the U.S.: A course for international students
Preparing for graduate school in the United States can be nerve-wracking. Many international students have questions about what the programs are like and what resources they can use to excel in their studies. This course allows potential and incoming international students to practice their communication skills, identify tools that support academic success, and gain confidence as they prepare for their advanced degrees.
Alongside advancing your English skills, get the chance to hear from international students who have attended graduate school in the United States as they explain how they adapted to campus life, utilized resources, and fostered community on their new campus. Throughout the course, learners from across the world can connect with other students to dive deeper into course topics, discuss perspectives, and network.
Skills You'll Gain
- Cultural Competency Training
- English Language
- Higher Education
- Public Speaking Preparation
What You'll Earn
- Certificate of Completion:
- Certificates of completion acknowledge knowledge acquired upon completion of a non-credit course or program.
Welcome Message
Welcome to Preparing for Graduate Study in the U.S., a course designed to support international learners transitioning into U.S. graduate education. Learners build academic communication, collaboration, and campus engagement skills in a supportive, low-stakes learning environment.
This abbreviated syllabus description was created with the help of AI tools and reviewed by staff. The full syllabus is available to those who enroll in the course.
Course Schedule
Module 1: Getting Acquainted
- Reading: Community Guidelines for Participation
- Video: Introducing Yourself
- Reading: Help us learn more about you!
- Video: Meet Your Course Instructor
- Video: Introducing Your Target Institution
- Video: Review Example Introduction to Michigan (From U-M Rackham Graduate School)
- Discussion Prompt: Post Introduction to Your Target Program/Institution
- Video: Graduate Student Identity
- Video: Reflection: Walking in new shoes (From U-M School of Information)
- Discussion Prompt: Reflection: Walking in New Shoes
- Discussion Prompt: How Does Graduate School Differ from Undergrad?
- Video: Getting Ready for Graduate School (From the U-M Rackham Graduate School)
- Graded: Video Self-introduction
Module 2: Introducing Yourself Professionally
- Video: What is an Elevator Pitch?
- Discussion Prompt: Example Elevator Pitch
- Reading: Our First and Second Language Selves
- Discussion Prompt: Your First and Second Language Self
- Video: Language for the Elevator Pitch
- Video: Expanding Your Speaking Vocabulary
- Video: Introduction to MICASE Transcribed Real Speaking Situations
- Video: Introduction to Vocabulary.com to Generate Personalized Lists and Quizzes
- Graded: Verbs to Describe Your Experience
- Graded: Language for Introducing Yourself Professionally
- Graded: Share Your First Draft Elevator Pitch
- Graded: Reflect on Your Elevator Pitch
Module 3: English for Interactive Learning & Teamwork
- Video: Interaction & Teamwork Overview
- Video: How Diverse Groups Can Positively Impact Learning
- Discussion Prompt: How Diverse Groups Can Positively Impact Learning
- Video: Tips to Promote Mutual Understanding in Groups
- Discussion Prompt: Tips to Promote Mutual Understanding in Groups
- Discussion Prompt: Negotiating Group Roles
- Reading: Strategies for Negotiating One's Group Responsibilities
- Video: Language for Negotiating One's Group Tasks (Part 1)
- Video: Language for Negotiating One's Group Tasks (Part 2)
- Discussion Prompt: Reflection on Negotiation Strategies
- Discussion Prompt: Group project: Profile an Example of Graduate Student Collaboration on 1-2 Target Campuses
- Graded: Reflection on Group Project
Module 4: English for Research & Scholarship
- Video: Joining an Academic Discipline
- Video: Munger Graduate Residences (From U-M Housing)
- Discussion Prompt: Bringing Your Expertise to the Table
- Video: Introducing Your Research (From U-M Engineering)
- Discussion Prompt: Communicating and Collaborating with Faculty
- Video: Communicating and Collaborating with Faculty
- Video: Ownership & Sharing of Scholarship
- Discussion Prompt: Exploring Academic Integrity
- Reading: Using the MICUSP Corpus to Explore Language Use, Organization, and Citations in Academic Writing
- Discussion Prompt: Citation Practice: Situating Yourself in Your Discipline
- Graded: Communicating with Faculty at Your Target Institution
- Graded: Using the MICUSP Corpus to Explore Language Use, Organization, and Citations in Academic Writing
Module 5: English in Campus Life
- Video: Getting Connected
- Discussion Prompt: Building Bridges
- Video: Advice from Experienced Graduate Students (From U-M Rackham Graduate School)
- Discussion Prompt: Advice from Experienced Graduate Students
- Discussion Prompt: Exploring Language Used to Talk About Diversity and Inclusion
- Video: Exploration: Work-life Balance (From U-M Rackham Graduate School)
- Discussion Prompt: Exploration: Work-life Balance
- Discussion Prompt: Making Friends
- Discussion Prompt: Reflection: Handling the Unexpected
- Peer Review: Final project: Your Recorded Elevator Pitch
- Graded: Final reflection: Using Your Elevator Pitch in Your Target Institution
Grading Policy
Graded quizzes at the end of each module allow learners to demonstrate their understanding and gauge their progress. Learners must earn an overall grade of 80% to pass.
Course content developed by U-M faculty and managed by the university. Faculty titles and affiliations are updated periodically.
Beginner Level
No prior experience required
