Transition with Purpose: Pathways from English Language to Academic Study

103 PART TWO: TRANSITION WITH PURPOSE TO THE UNIVERSITY Part 2 of this book presents a variety of activities to facilitate the transition to full-time university study. Because many international students come from countries that prescribe the entire course of a student’s education, through high school and higher education, beginning undergraduate study at an American university can produce a new kind of culture shock, even for students who have studied in an American intensive English program. SECTION 1: PREPARATION OF GOALS The American university system embraces a liberal arts structure, requiring students to choose three types of courses: major courses, non-major electives, and required general education electives. Non-major and required general education courses can be the same classes, depending on the university. At Portland State University, non-major electives and general education courses are not the same. General education at Portland State University is housed within the University Studies department. Consequently, students need to learn to navigate the resources of each department in which they enroll in courses, and meet with advisors from the various departments, to gain the full advantage of a liberal arts degree. Understanding the purpose of each category of courses within the liberal arts structure will help students to gain useful insight about how the departments offering the courses work. Winding path through high mountains