Emery Younger
The first semester of college is difficult for every student. Adjusting to classes, forming friendships, and acclimating to a new environment are just some of the many challenges that most new students share. Some international students, however, face a unique challenge: developing the ability to learn in English. St. Lawrence has established a set of courses aimed at easing this transition process. Known as English for Academic Purposes (EAP), it is a growing academic field within the university. Headed by Robin Rhodes-Crowell, a professor in the Modern Languages Department, these courses teach students basic concepts of the English language. However EAP courses also introduce students to concepts that they have not encountered before, such as using different rhetorical styles and understanding plagiarism. Rhodes-Crowell uses a variety of methods in order to help students develop their English language skills. “I love using authentic materials in class,” she says. “A student examining a TED talk will be able to hear and see the speaker and read the transcript.” Using resources, such as TED talks, helps students to improve their vocabulary, grammar, and speaking skills.
To aid students in improving their conversation skills, the EAP program matches international students with conversation partners. Meeting on a weekly basis, these conversation partners speak with the students and help them improve both their conversation skills and their cultural transition. However conversation partners develop a relationship that is not just limited to their weekly dialogue practice. “Many teams also cook together, attend sporting events, go off campus, and visit homes during breaks,” says Rhodes-Crowell. “This fall, one of my American partners taught an international student how to ride a bike. It was pretty great!”
Although roughly 90% of the students who are enrolled in the program are Chinese, students of numerous language backgrounds are part of the EAP courses. This year 15 students are taking EAP courses, while another 12 are being tutored individually by Rhodes-Crowell. This year’s students hail from three different continents and include participants from China, Egypt, Burundi, and Mexico. Working with the WORD studio to improve students’ writing ability, and incorporating conversation partners to develop students’ speaking skills, the EAP program gives much needed assistance to incoming international students.
Yunjia Wang ’17, was enrolled in the EAP program during her freshman year. “I think writing is the biggest problem for Chinese students,” said Wang. Although she had taken English for seven years in China, Yunjia had never written academically in English before she arrived at SLU. EAP allowed her to improve her reading and writing skills, so she could put them to use in her other courses. During her first few weeks at St. Lawrence, Wang said the reading from her first year courses overwhelmed her. “In high school I read some English books,” she said, “But not nearly as many as I had to read at SLU.” Yunjia also noted that EAP helped her with her cultural adjustment. “Robyn explained to us how American students study differently than Chinese students,” said Yunjia, “She also taught us about American holidays like Halloween.”
While Wang saw the EAP program as a way to improve her reading and writing skill, other believe the program has made a more noticeable impact in their ability to converse in English. Olivia Ouyang ’18 is currently a student in the EAP program. “For me as a Chinese student, the hardest part is listening,” says Ouyang. “I’ve practiced my English for a long time before coming to America, including writing and speaking, but I do still have a problem listening,” she says. Ouyang also noted, “After taking the EAP class, I feel much more confident when talking to others.”
Students at St. Lawrence are grateful that they have the opportunity to take such a comprehensive course. “Some of my friends at other schools, like U.C.-Irvine and Virginia Tech, do not have a course like this,” commented Wang.
The EAP program has become an important aid for international students as they adjust to learning in the United States. Focusing on conversation, reading comprehension, and writing skills, it is making a true impact on the students who are enrolled in the course. EAP is a program that is yielding real results at St. Lawrence, and helping to ease a difficult aspect of the college transition process.