Nancy Keteku, REAC-Africa West & CentralU.S. Embassy, Accra

Teach Them to Fish:

Principles and Procedures for Advising Undergraduate International Students

Fundamental Principles• Teach students to think for themselves, take responsibility, and make

their own decisions• Teach them how to do their own research• Don’t do anything for them that they can do for themselves• Always act in the students’ best interests• Set high standards• Be transparent in everything you do• Be honorable: don’t say anything you couldn’t say to your own children • Everyone should leave happier and more confident than when they

came in• Learn from everyone you meet: this will make you a more respectful

listener

• Stay home or study abroad?• What to study?• Career goals?• List your options, evaluate,

and justify your decision• Listen to others, but don’t let

them influence you

Help Students to Make Their Own Decisions

• Become a serious reader: read a book every week without fail

• Use (proper) English at every opportunity

• Become highly proficient on computers

• Develop writing skills: keep a journal, write articles, essays, stories

• Get involved in community service – it broadens and deepens your thinking

• Learn to drive a car

Emphasize Using Their Time Wisely

Educational Systems

• 6-3-3-4 = 16• WAEC/WASSCE• University eligibility: 5

credits including English and math, or 3 A-levels

• 6-3-3-4 or 6-2-4-4 = 16• No school leaving exam• University eligibility: earn

credits by passing classes in English, math, science, social studies, languages, etc.

Characteristics of Undergraduate Education

Bachelor’s Degree: 4 years

College and University: no difference

Apply to the institution, not the degree program

Declare your major after first year

Freedom and responsibility

Heavy reading and writing requirements

Extensive independent work

How the Curriculum Works

4 years

X 2 semesters per year

= 8 semesters

X 4 or 5 courses

per semester

= ~ 36 courses to earn the Bachelor’s degree

What Does It Take to Earn a Degree?

~ 1/3 core or distributive

general education

requirements

~ 1/3 courses in the major, plus specific requirements such as seminars, thesis,

project ~ 1/3 elective courses: in

support of the major, a second major, a minor,

individual interests

But the school offers 2,000 courses!

Core Courses, 12

Courses in your major;

12

Elective courses; 12

What’s a Credit Hour?• Points awarded for each course you complete

and pass• Theoretically, one hour per week of class time

= one credit hour• Must earn a certain number of credits or

points to qualify for the degree, usually 120-128

Grades, grades, gradesA = 90-100% (~50% of all grades) = 4 pts

B = 80-90% = 3 pts

C = 70-80% = 2 pts

D = 60-70% = 1 pt

F = < 60% = FAIL

Grades of + and – also given

GPA = grade point average (average of points)

What’s a Major, and How Do I Declare It?

Flexibility

• Double major• Major and minor• Self-designed

independent major• Off-campus

independent study• Cross-registration

• Internships• Research with Professor• Relevant campus jobs• Study abroad• Language immersion

Classroom ResponsibilitiesAttendance, punctuality

Active participation in class discussions

Homework

Types of exams: quiz, spot quiz, tests, midterms, finals, take-home, open book…

Term papers

Discussion groups

Team projects

Professors’ office hours

U.S. Study: Excellent Return on Investment

• Students return home with big ideas• Able to create their own business• Practical experience• Global outlook and competence• Adaptable, confident• Analytical, problem solving abilities• Leadership, communication skills• No disruptions, finish on time!

5 Steps to U.S. Study1. Research Your Options

2. Complete Your Applications

3. Finance Your Studies

4. Apply for Your Student Visa

5. Prepare for Your Departure

Selection of SchoolsHelp your students to determine their criteria, and then research to

find their best “fit” Academic strength in their course(s) of study Cost and financial aid Quality/competitiveness Facilities Living Environment: size and location Housing: should be guaranteed Special opportunities: sports, activities, internships, cross-

registration, study abroad Religious affiliation Diversity Retention, Graduation Rates

Application Components:Neat, complete, professional

• Application forms • Transcripts and results slips or certificates• School profile• Counselor’s or head of school’s report• Essay(s)• Teachers’ recommendations• Standardized test scores: SAT/ACT, TOEFL• Application fee (may be waived)• Financial aid certification and application

The Year-Long Admissions Cycle

For entry in August 2015:

• Now August 2014: think, read, write, research, plan, select 10-15 schools. Take SAT. • If not in school, embark on major reading and writing program; take a MOOC.• August December 2014: active application period. Write essays, get transcripts, cultivate teacher recommendations, fill out

applications, take SAT again, take TOEFL/IELTS/PTE-A. Complete everything by January 1. • March-April 2015: Admissions decisions arrive. Renegotiate financial aid, complete required forms, finalize plans and commit to one

school by May 1.• May-July 2015: Prepare for visa application, participate in Pre-Departure Orientation.• August 2015: Embark on your new adventure in the United States!

Financing U.S. Education• The United States is the only country where

universities award significant funding to international students

• Knowledge and planning are the student’s/family’s responsibility

• The United States expects families to pay as much as they possibly can

• Each school has its own budget and policy for international financial aid

• International aid is separate from U.S. aid• Plan your finances before you start

Reality Check

• Admission with full funding is highly competitive

• Don’t apply to any schools that cannot fill your needs: academic, financial, or personal

• Don’t apply for more aid than you genuinely need

Student Visas

Bonafide Student Adequate financing

Intention to return home

Key elements: total honesty, a sound plan, and

the ability to discuss it

Pre-Departure Orientation

• EducationUSA welcomes all students who have been admitted to U.S. colleges and universities

• PDO in December and July

www.bigfuture.collegeboard.org

http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator

Hard Work: The Only Way

No Shortcuts

No Magic Tricks

No Formulas

Can We Make It?