Tag Archives: Cultural Studies

May 12, 2016 · 2:51 pm

New U.S. Class for International Students

Prepare for USA College and University!

young man using tablet

Take Your First U.S. University Class Online with a U.S. Professor

Class Name: U.S. Academics and Culture

Class Topics:  Western Academics, Culture and Communication, Professional Readiness

Student Rewards:  U.S. Transcript Record with 3 Class Credits, Letter of Recommendation, Certificate of Completion

Class Introduction Video: https://youtu.be/fdtVvKSHqew

Website: www.USAclass.online

Who should enroll?

  • Students who want to prepare for U.S. study
  • Students who want to become more competitive
  • Students 14 years old, or older who can complete the class in English

What do students learn?

  • Success strategies for U.S. study and cultural adjustment
  • Western interaction and communication styles
  • Professional development and networking skills
  • Western student responsibilities
  • University communication, readiness, & socialization skills

When to enroll?

  • A new class starts the first Monday of every month
  • Upcoming class start dates:
    • June 6, July 4, Aug 1, Sept 5, Oct 3, Nov 7, Dec 5
  • Students must complete the class within 12 weeks from the official class start date
  • Students finish class at their pace

Why students enroll?

  • To become ready for U.S.education and western culture
  • To earn a letter of recommendation (in English) from a U.S. Professor
  • To earn a Certificate of Completion for resumes and school applications
  • To earn 3 U.S. university credits towards an undergraduate degree
  • To save money online compared to taking the class in the U.S.
  • To complete their first university class at their pace, conveniently online

 

Student Quotes:

“Knowing culture before coming to U.S. decreases anxiety for adjusting to new country. Just for my culture, I think it’s really mandatory, before.”

— Minjae L., Seoul, South Korea

“Knowing culture gave me confidence to talk, get involved, and participate.”

— Wayne L. Beijing, China

“It is helpful to learn American subjects using the class videos. I feel more able to express myself when I get to the California school.”

— Jackie Wang

“This study is helpful for me. It helped mentally prepare me studying and to meeting new friends.”

— Wei C., Shanghai, China

Contact US

www.USAclass.online

USA  Academics and Culture Facbook

@SNCTahoe Global Facebook

 

 

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January 3, 2016 · 11:18 am

WEBINAR: Three Tips for Succeeding in U.S. Universities (Jan 10)

 Strategies to Succeed in the U.S.A!

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Are you preparing for undergraduate study in the United States? 

Learn three strategies proven to increase student success at U.S. Universities in FREE WEBINAR on JANUARY 10, 2016

 

You will learn:

  1. How to Start U.S. University Early and Why U.S. Universities Want You to

  2. How to Make the Most out of Your Time in the USA and Graduate from Universities Faster

  3. How to Get Ready for Internships and Jobs as a Student

 

Webinar Times – Wednesday, January 10, 2016

Register for the Webinar that Works Best for Your Time Zone:

WEBINAR 1:

Time: (Japan 1900 / 7 pm JST;    South Korea 1900 / 7 pm KST;    China 1800 / 6 pm CST)

Registration URL: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/9134209712079716610
Webinar ID: 101-847-563    United States: +1 (415) 930-5321    Access Code: 337-877-485

WEBINAR 2:

Time: (Colombia and Peru 1800 / 6 pm COT;     USA  6 pm EST & 3 pm PST)

Registration URL: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5194110893457792258

Webinar ID: 113-033-235  United States: +1 (914) 614-3221    Access Code: 239-072-648

WEBINAR 3:

Time: (Western Europe and Central Africa  1800 / 6 pm CET,   UTC/GMT +1 hour)

Registration URL: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5892876921188446210

Webinar ID: 112-670-603  United States: +1 (562) 247-8422    Access Code: 166-492-316

WEBINAR 4:

Time: Kuwait and Saudi Arabia 1800 / 6 pm AST;      Brazil 1300 / 1 pm BRST

Registration URL: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/187050389286685954

Webinar ID: 111-060-659  United States: +1 (415) 930-5321   Access Code: 267-977-595

Space is limited so register today!  Looking forward to meeting you on Sunday!

 

Helpful Resources: International Student video testimonies about U.S. study:

Many international students struggle with understanding and adjusting to U.S. academics and culture after they arrive for school.  It can negatively impact their grades, health, communication and socialization, professional development, and home country relationships (Video Example: Research).

1 (China), 2 (Graduate Student; China), 3 (London), 4 (China), 5 (Senegal) , 6 (Greece), 7 (Mexico), 8 (Japan), 9 (Congo, South Africa), 10 (Bangkok, Thailand), 11 (Vietnam), 12 (China), 13 (France), 14 (Vietnam), 15 (Turkey). See more at http://www.taramaddendent.com.

 

ABOUT HLSL INSTITUTE

HLSL Institute provides cultural training and preparation for students and scholars.

MISSION: We improve the quality of life for international students by teaching U.S. academics and culture.  By taking our class, international students are more able to navigate U.S. college and university classrooms, campuses, and social networks to achieve academic, social, and professional goals.  Through cultural education, we’re connecting the world, one person at a time.

HLSL Institute teaches the world’s first U.S. university preparation class called, “U.S. Academics & Culture”

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September 12, 2015 · 6:16 am

FREE WEBINAR: International Students Earn 3 College Credits on U.S. College Transcript (September 15)

Your Opportunity to Start U.S. College Online, Prepare for U.S. Study, & Graduate Faster!

Register at http://www.thestudyabroadportal.com/hlsl-institute/earn-u-s-college-credits-online-and-graduate-sooner?w2palt=2

Are you a high school or college student preparing to study in the United States? 

If yes, you may qualify for the world’s first U.S. college preparation course: “U.S. Academics & Culture”!  Join us on Tuesday, September 15 to learn how this online, 3 college credit class can help you learn U.S. success skills before their first semester.

There’s no need to apply and wait for U.S. college acceptance… take our class and start today! Pass the class and earn a U.S. college transcript accepted at accredited U.S. colleges and universities!

Students who pass “U.S. Academics & Culture” will earn:

  • Greater knowledge of U.S. success skills for study, communication, work, and socialization
  • U.S. college transcript with 3 course credits
  • Letter of recommendation from Ph.D. Professor for college applications and resumes
  • Certificate of competition for college applications and resumes
  • Acceptance into an elite 4-year private U.S. college (for high school seniors and older)
  • Entry into select scholarships (high school seniors and older)

Moreover, this course SAVES YOU MONEY!

cost comparison

Class space is limited due to high interest from students from all over the world.  Learn more on Tuesday’s webinar about the world’s first U.S. college prep course worth U.S. college credits!

During this webinar you will learn about:

  • Great benefits of passing this online, self-paced “U.S. Academics and Culture” Course
  • How to successfully enroll and pass the online course
  • Reasons why U.S. universities want you to enroll and pass this course
  • Reasons why global employers want you to enroll and pass this course
  • Ways you can help other students prepare for U.S. study and earn money

The Need for Early Preparation for U.S. Study

Many international students struggle with understanding and adjusting to U.S. academics and culture after they arrive for school.  It can negatively impact their grades, health, communication and socialization, professional development, and home country relationships(Video Example: Research).

AVOID the hardships by learning key transition and success strategies from the comfort of your home country. Our faculty (Ph.D. and MBA Professors) are the best in the world and specialize in the cross-cultural skills you need.

“This on-line course will provide the keys to success for studies in the United States.  From how to effectively apply to your school of choice to strategies of how to integrate on campus when  you first arrive, Tara and her team will guide you through the entire process.” Susie Askew, Director at the University of Nevada, Reno  Office of International Students and Scholars

“Knowing culture before coming to U.S. decreases anxiety for adjusting to new country. Just for my culture, I think it’s really mandatory, before.” — Minjae L., Seoul, South Korea

“This study is helpful for me. It helped mentally prepare me studying and to meeting new friends.” — Wei C., Shanghai, China

“Knowing culture gave me confidence to talk, get involved, and participate.” — Wayne L., Beijing, China

International Student video testimonies about U.S. study and transitions:

1 (China), 2 (Graduate Student; China), 3 (London), 4 (China), 5 (Senegal) , 6 (Greece), 7 (Mexico), 8 (Japan), 9 (Congo, South Africa), 10 (Bangkok, Thailand), 11 (Vietnam), 12 (China), 13 (France), 14 (Vietnam), 15 (Turkey). See more at http://www.taramaddendent.com.

HLSL Institute is an international education service providing pre-departure cultural training and preparation for international students and scholars.

MISSION: We improve the quality of life for international students by teaching U.S. academics and culture.  By taking our class, international students are more able to navigate U.S. college and university classrooms, campuses, and social networks to achieve academic, social, and professional goals.  Through cultural education, we’re connecting the world, one person at a time.

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March 11, 2015 · 10:49 am

Preparing East Asian Undergraduates for the Cultural Challenges of U.S. Study

One of my publications, “Preparing East Asian Undergraduates for the Cultural Challenges of Study in the U.S.”, is a policy white paper discussing how a pre-departure cultural preparation treatment influenced a group of international students’ experiences before, during, and after their first semester at a western U.S. research university.  This topic is key to 21st century international education and I see it becoming the next wave of expected coursework for international students.

In this research study, although all participants wished they had taken a formal course about U.S. culture and academic systems while they lived in their home country, not one participant had received or even heard about organized cultural training or U.S. college preparation classes for study abroad before they arrived in the U.S.!  This is significant since research indicates that cultural knowledge, realistic expectations, and adjustment management skills speed up cross-cultural adaptation, increases student success, and fosters student engagement (increases student retention rates).

Dr. Dent Team DI found that eastern Asian students are eager to learn about the U.S. culture and academic systems prior to leaving home for U.S. study during my 2014 International Education Tour in South Korea and China last fall.  Many parents, schools, businesses, and government organizations have asked me to return this year… so I am!

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In addition to teaching eastern Asian students about U.S. culture and academic systems, this year’s 2015 International Education tour will also share the research findings from my forthcoming publication entitled, “International Student Support Services Index” (ISSSI).

ISSSI organizes internationally related services by school and ranks institutions in relationship to other U.S. campuses. The index is grounded on five key research indicators that make up cross-cultural adjustment best practices to foster international (inbound and outbound) student success from pre-departure to repatriation/re-entry stages. 

Teaching U.S. College Preparation Skills in Seoul, South Korea, 2014

ISSSI’s research findings are made available through a free internationally circulated online publication used by domestic and international students, parents, study abroad organizations/placement services, recruiters, government organizations, secondary schools, and post-secondary international programs to better understand the U.S. international climate and individual campus internationalization efforts.

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For more information, contact:

www.hlslinstitute.org or see www.taramaddendent.com

HLSL Institute provides educational services to international students, expatriates, international programs, and government organizations that bridge cultural gaps and connect the world, one person at a time. 

HLSLinstituteLOGO

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December 5, 2013 · 3:05 am

What is Cultural Competence?

A student of mine shared a link to the State of Washington’s Superintendent of Public Instruction website during a discussion about cultural competence.
The website shared the following definition of what cultural competence is and what it is not.

“…cultural competence goes beyond memorizing a checklist of surface-level customs and cultural differences.
Cultural competence allows educators to ask questions about their practice in order to successfully teach students who come from different cultural backgrounds.

Developing skills in cultural competence is like learning a language, a sport or an instrument. The learner must learn, re-learn, continuously practice, and develop in an environment of constant change. Cultures and individuals are dynamic — they constantly adapt and evolve.

Cultural competence is:

•Knowing the community where the school is located.
•Understanding all people have a unique world view.
•Using curriculum that is respectful of and relevant to the cultures represented in its student body.
•Being alert to the ways that culture affects who we are.
•Placing the locus of responsibility on the professional and the institution.
•Examining systems, structures, policies and practices for their impact on all students and families.

Cultural competence is not:

•Good intentions.
•Cultural celebrations at designated times of the year, in designated ways.
•Kumbaya diversity.
•A list of stereotypes about what people from a particular cultural group do.
•Assumptions that all students from one culture operate in similar ways and have had similar experiences.
•The responsibility of children, their parents or the community.
•Color-blindness (treating everybody the same).
•Simple tolerance.”

As future educators and school administrators, we need to identify how intercultural and cross-cultural competence influences teacher preparation, student development, curriculum design, and educational policy.

“As educators, we want the best for students and seek ways to meet the needs of all learners in our classrooms. We sometimes find that this requires skills and knowledge far above and beyond the content area we are teaching…
Cultural competence provides a set of skills that professionals need in order to improve practice to serve all students and communicate effectively with their families. These skills enable the educator to build on the cultural and language qualities that young people bring to the classroom rather than viewing those qualities as deficits.

Cultural competence training asks educators to confront the stereotypes held both consciously and unconsciously about students. Bias affects the way that we perceive and teach students and has the potential to negatively affect student achievement.

Teachers who aspire to become more culturally competent can build relationships based on trust with students and their families, even though they experience the world in different ways. This is essential to closing academic achievement gaps and to fulfilling all students’ civil right to a quality education.”

My students are primarily future teachers and administrators. Read the comment section of “Cultural Studies & International Education” for a very interesting dialog about how they perceive the roll of multicultural, intercultural, and cross-cultural K12 education.  Other resources are introduced such as a great video: Why We Need Multicultural Education and a helpful webpage: Building Culturally Competent Organizations.

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November 22, 2013 · 3:05 am

Cultural Studies & International Education

Middle school

What impact does cross-cultural and international education have on the individual, the U.S. and the world? What are some benefits that come from cultural education and self-reflection? Is there any relationship connecting cultural awareness to personal development, social justice, international business, environmental sustainability, and world peace? If so, should more K-12 curriculum introduce multicultural studies and international education?

These are a few questions I challenge you to consider and then share in the comment section below. Feel free to provide resources that stimulate thought about this subject. We can all learn something from others. This is your opportunity to discuss an increasingly important and popular subject in the educational system.

Interesting resources include:

Programs like The Global Classroom in Portland, Oregon and the K-12 Global Education Outreach at Texas Tech University suggest that cultural studies are critical elements to well-rounded educational programs.

The short videos, Education: Culture Matters, Multiculturalism in the Modern World, and The Audacity and Beauty of Multi-Cultural Education also share the importance about culture based education.

Thank you for taking the time to invest in this subject matter.

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