August 8, 2019
English Language Program hosts orientation for Fulbright graduate students
The English Language Program has been hosting 38 incoming Fulbright graduate students for their three-week pre-academic orientation in the United States. After the program, the scholars, who come from 31 different countries, will attend other universities across the country to pursue their graduate studies.
According to the Fulbright Foreign Student Program website, the program enables graduate students, young professionals and artists from abroad to study and conduct research in the United States. Each year, almost 4,000 international students from more than 160 countries receive this prestigious award to study in the United States.
Since their arrival three weeks ago, the Fulbright scholars have been attending courses, which are designed to provide support needed to be successful in academic communication at the graduate level. The participants brushed up on their grammar, learned standard punctuation rules and conventions, and refined their composition skills. They polished their oral communication skills by participating in small group discussions and practicing academic presentations. Moreover, they learned about academic culture and life in the U.S.
It hasn't all been work. The scholars attended the Riley County Fair and Rodeo and fed the bison at Lazy D Bison Ranch. They toured the Kansas Capitol Building and visited the Kansas History Museum in Topeka. They also shared Sunday meals with local families.
During their time at K-State, the Fulbrighters had the opportunity to share their own cultures with one another, other international scholars in the English Language Program — including a group of Brazilian public school teachers participating in the Programa de Desenvolvimento Profissional para Professores de Lingua Inglesa nos EUA program — and the local community.
On Aug. 2, the scholars organized a talent show and piano recital at All Faiths Chapel, where they performed classical music and traditional songs and dances.
The program will wrap up with the closing session at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, in Regnier Forum and lobby at Regnier Hall. K-State community members are invited to attend the certificate program and to stay for light refreshments.