Fulbright foreign scholars on campus for English, cultural immersion program
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Fulbright foreign scholars take part in English and cultural orientation at Kansas State University. | Download this photo.
MANHATTAN — Kansas State University is hosting 32 Fulbright foreign scholars in a three-week Fulbright English for Graduate Studies program July 14-Aug. 4. The university is one of nine selected nationally to host and implement the summer 2018 program.
The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Cultural Affairs and administered by the Institute of International Education in coordination with the university's English Language Program to immerse international students into the American culture.
"This Fulbright program is bringing international students to the U.S. and they will be enrolled in graduate programs all over the United States and in a variety of fields," said Ketty Reppert, English Language Program associate director of academics at Kansas State University. "Before they begin, the group will have three weeks of English and cultural orientation."
In addition to learning about the culture, the students will hone English language and academic skills, network and identify resources available for a successful transition to their graduate program.
"They will be in classes where they get some English practice as well as learn about the American education system and how a U.S. university might be different from their previous educational experiences," Reppert said
Along with structured learning, numerous opportunities are planned for the students to interact with current Kansas State University graduate students, campus resources and the local culture. The Fulbright students are also paired with volunteer community members, called Friendship Families. The Friendship Families host the visiting students for a meal or an afternoon on two separate occasions for a personal cultural experience.
"We are excited to welcome these scholars from around the world and to be their introduction to the United States," Reppert said.
The scholars represent 19 different countries in a variety of fields of study. Two of the students will begin graduate studies at Kansas State University in August.
