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This text is an essential “University as a Second Language” roadmap for international ESL students which offers clear and concise explanations on a variety of cultural and language topics supported by discovery-based activities.

The College Experience for International Learners provides students with a roadmap for their exciting journey into American university life, and serves as a companion for the expedition. Readi... MOREngs and activities provide an opportunity to practice the kinds of English skills that will be experienced and needed on campus, from the most informal conversation to the most formal types of writing and presentation skills. Helpful strategies are included to enhance proficiency as an American college student, while building understanding of some of the most interesting facets of American culture. Through a learn-by-doing methodology, students will engage in discovery-based learning and research.

The College Experience for International Learners helps students:

• Gain greater self-awareness
• Define their personal identity
• Visualize stories of success from within their reference group
• Identify their resource network
• Establish their personal strategy for success

Amy Baldwin is an instructor of writing, literature, and college success at Pulaski Technical College in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Since 1996, she has served the college in various roles including self-study editor, distance education coordinator, and professional development coordinator. She is also the author of four student success textbooks that were the first on the market that addressed the special needs of students: The Community College Experience 3rd edition (Pearson, 2013), The First-Generation College Experience 1st edition (Pearson, 2012), The Community College Experience PLUS 3rd edition (Pearson, 2013), and The College Experience 1st edition (Pearson, 2013). She has also facilitated over 120 workshops and breakout sessions all over the country–at community colleges, K-12 professional days, and national conferences--on teaching and learning issues such as transitioning to college, student engagement practices, and active learning. Amy will complete her doctorate of higher education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock soon. The focus of her dissertation is student engagement, retention, and success for African-American males in college. She is also serving as the project manager for the Complete College America initiative for the state of Arkansas.

Brian Tietje is a Professor of Marketing and the Vice Provost for International, Graduate, and Extended Education at Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. His undergraduate business degree is from Bowling Green State University (1988), his MBA is from the University of Hawaii (1994), and his Ph.D. in marketing is from the University of Washington (1999). Dr. Tietje is passionate about student learning. He has won several teaching awards, is the co-author of Anybody’s Business with Barbara Van Syckle, and has authored the Wall Street Journal weekly educator’s review for over ten years. As Associate Dean at the Orfalea College of Business, he spearheaded efforts to improve student success and graduation rates and led the effort to develop alternative modes of course delivery to improve student learning. He also served as the principal facilitator of the College’s assessment of learning program for AACSB accreditation. Brian lives on the Central Coast of California with his family, friends, and pets.

Richard McGarry is Professor of Linguistics and ESL, and Director of the TESL Program at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina.  His research interests include teaching English as a second/foreign language, language and the mind, discourse analysis, applied grammar and second language acquisition.