Strategies for Academic Success: International Version
The idiom easier said than done has been in the English language since the 15th century (Osmond, 2023). But, what if studying at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) really could be easier for international students? This Fall, the Office of International Engagement (OIE) is addressing that question by teaching an interdisciplinary course, Strategies for Academic Success, for first year international students enrolled at UNI.
Strategies for Academic Success is designed to guide students in finding resources on UNI’s campus as well as provide tips and tricks for academic success. Over the first few weeks of the course, students learned about time management, study skills, and creating S.M.A.R.T. goals.
Because success can be measured differently for each person, students are asked to create their own personal and academic goals for the semester. To help overcome obstacles, students meet with a Strategies Coach every two weeks as a way to check in on their progress and receive personalized guidance toward achieving their goals.
As this course section is offered to international students, U.S. education and American culture are common themes throughout 
the coursework. So far this term, students have heard from an international student panel about their experience adapting to campus and American culture, visited the Rod Library and learned about the Learning Center, listened to guest speakers, and taken part in a campus office scavenger hunt. Furthermore, outside of class, students have been encouraged to learn more by attending UNI Traditions Challenge Events as well as OIE activities. In the coming weeks, students will get a chance to conduct research on a diversity topic, prepare for Spring class registration, learn from an American student panel about involvement on campus, hear from other guest speakers, and focus on wellness as they approach the end of the semester.
All in all, the OIE hopes that students will apply the skills learned in the course throughout their studies at UNI. In the end, students may instead say, “I’m done, and it was easy.”
October 2023 | Jaime West