Fulbright Awardees Learning Language Skills, Cultural Knowledge at SILC

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Participants in the Fulbright Pre-Academic English for Graduate Studies program take a break from the classroom to explore the Buffalo National River trails

Twenty-two Fulbright award grantees from across the globe are participating in an intensive graduate program at the Spring International Language Center. The program participants, who represent four continents, have been awarded Fulbright Scholarships to pursue graduate education in the United States.

The six-week training program provides participants with the language skills and cultural knowledge needed to make a smooth transition into the American university system. The core program courses focus on the conventions of academic writing and speaking skills. Participants are also receiving tailored instruction in library research and technology skills.

Fulbright Program administrators recognize that students need to be armed with more than just English language skills to be successful in the American higher education system. Therefore, the program has been designed to include experiences that address American values and cultural norms of academia in the United States.

As part of the cultural learning aspect of the program, the Fulbright Scholars spent July 4 with local host families, to get an immersive experience for what Independence Day is like for Americans.

"My experiences so far in the program have fulfilled my expectations, and I would say it is a positive confirmation of my ideas of the United States and the values of this country," said Anisa Metalla, a Fulbright Scholarship awardee from Albania. "I hope that my academic program follows the same path as this inspiring start — through incredible people, exceptional educational standards and generosity towards international students."

The program, which began June 23, is set to conclude Aug. 4. After the program ends, the Fulbright grantees will begin their graduate educations at a variety of intuitions across the United States.