Transcript Document
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT RETENTION AND TRANSFER SUPPORT SERVICES PANEL PRESENTATION FROM AREA EXPERTS PANELISTS Rikki Pierotti Assistant Center Director ELS Language Centers-Seattle Cynthia Okawara, M.Ed. Academic Advisor International Education Shoreline Community College Ellen Frierson Manager of Community Programs FIUTS – Foundation for International Understanding Through Students RIKKI PIEROTTI ASSISTANT CENTER DIRECTOR ELS LANGUAGE CENTERS-SEATTLE ELS: ONGOING ADVISING From the day a student arrives at ELS, we begin tracking the student. At orientation the student complete a college interest information sheet and then meets individually with our International Student Advisor (ISA). Our ISA then works with the student to discuss the best options for the student as they make their way through ELS. Each student in our Academic Program receives 1 free application to one of our partner schools. ESL: COLLEGE VISITS Each month we invite a college or university in to speak with our students. They usually go over the programs, what makes their school stand out as well as the admission process followed by a Q&A. ELS: UNIVERSITY GUIDE Students can create an account, search and find information on any of our 650+ partner schools. Information includes ELS completion level needed, docs and links to the college websites for more info. ELS: TRANSFER SESSION Each quarter our ISA conducts a general session which focuses specifically on the transfer process. CYNTHIA OKAWARA, M.ED. ACADEMIC ADVISOR INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION SHORELINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE SCC INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION ACADEMIC ADVISING Targeted services to address Transfer: • Letter to students with 15-45 credits • Transfer workshops and fairs • Alumni Success Stories and advice SHORELINE: TRANSFER 101 Preparation to apply to universities in and out of state to know what is needed to transfer. How to find prerequisites, the documents needed, etc. SHORELINE: TRANSFER TUESDAYS Many schools participate in this including UW Seattle, Tacoma, and Bothell SHORELINE: ADMISSION SESSIONS SHORELINE: TRANSFER FAIRS SHORELINE: I’M GRADUATING! A SUCCESSFUL TRANSFER! A seminar that specifically addressed the transition between the community college and university. Specifically we talk about the adjustment to a new “culture” and the possibility of a grade dip. SCC Alumni are invited to attend to share their experiences. ELLEN FRIERSON MANAGER OF COMMUNITY PROGRAMS FIUTS – FOUNDATION FOR INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING THROUGH STUDENTS FIUTS: WHO WE ARE FIUTS is an independent nonprofit organization based on the University of Washington campus. Founded in 1948, FIUTS connects university students with local and global communities through programs that build international awareness, crosscultural communication, and informed leadership. FIUTS: WHAT WE DO AT UW • International student orientation • Cultural and social events and activities • Pacific Northwest excursions • Homestay and community programs • Professional mentoring • English conversation groups • Leadership training ISSUES WE ADDRESS • Cross-cultural transitions (“culture shock”) • Need for community: “A sense of place regardless of physical space” • Peace-building through cross-cultural friendship (Transaction Transformation) INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION: WELCOMING NEW STUDENTS TO UW AND SEATTLE Sessions include: • U.S. classroom culture • Strategies for cross-cultural transition • Exploring Seattle neighborhoods • Immigration requirements • Banking in the U.S. • Pacific Northwest Culture FIUTS: STUDENT SUPPORT Provide ongoing support to international students by offering opportunities to: • Meet other students and community members • Experience life and culture in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest • Educate local community members and students about their own countries and cultures • Become a leader within the FIUTS community