A summer program for International students, especially those whose native language is not English, that combines advanced-level language instruction with orientation and cultural activities.
August 26, 2008
Media Contact: Cindy Matheny
Program Manager | Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management
(615) 322-7799 | cindy.matheny@owen.vanderbilt.edu
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Incoming international students, especially those whose native language is not English and those who have not studied or worked in an English-speaking country for at least two years, may be required to participate in the U.S. Business Communication and Culture Program, a two-week program exclusively for Vanderbilt MBA and MS Finance students that starts in late-July.
The U.S. Business Communication and Culture Program (USBCC) is specifically designed to help international students begin the fall semester with the language skills and cultural knowledge necessary to benefit more fully from Owen’s academic program. This summer program combines advanced-level language instruction with orientation & cultural activities.
This year we hosted 26 MBA students and 2 MSF students at USBCC. They represented the following countries: Peru, India, South Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam and Turkey.
The program helps international students to:
- Adapt more quickly to the Owen environment
- Communicate effectively in groups and individual presentations
- Comprehend rapid American speech in lectures and discussion
- Read and write English efficiently and effectively
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As an introduction to Nashville culture, 30 international students and some locals headed to the Wildhorse Saloon for an introduction to country music and the country phenomenon of ‘line dancing’. After a few eight-counts of grapevines, rocksteps, stomps and claps, nothing gets the crowd going quite like shaking your bottom. Of course, if you’re in the back of the line, you get to watch everyone else shake theirs! The USBCC discovered that “Shake your bottom” can cause giggles in any language.
Owen’s international MBA Class of 2010 met Madison Avenue in the annual USBCC Apprentice competition. Six teams each selected a product to add to the Trump repertoire and simulated pitching it to Mr. Trump’s marketing advisors (a.k.a. Owen and ELC faculty and staff). The students created original and compelling advertising campaigns featuring their marketing concept, a print ad and a TV ad. They were judged on their teamwork, presentation skill, originality and the quality of their campaign.
From The Students:
I had a very pleasurable experience during the 2-week USBCC. The courses are very helpful. Other sessions such as bowling, line dancing, Ann Margruder's Chat, the apprentice competition etc. were very interesting. It is so great to learn communication skills and U.S. culture in such a cheerful environment. Most importantly, we made lots of friends with our classmates. It is a beneficial program, as the warm-up, for international students before starting MBA study.
Maggie Shen
USBCC gave me a glimpse of how Vanderbilt MBA will be. There were students from India, Peru, China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Indonesia, etc. and there could not have been other opportunity to know so much about different cultures. I am really proud of my decision to come to Vanderbilt for my MBA.”
Manik Mahajan
"USBCC was a wonderful time that I had at Owen. In 2 weeks, I made friends, understand Black Board and learned line-dancing. USBCC let me live in a future before it arrives".
Lua Tran
“USBCC provided me with a challenging but fun 2 weeks. Being new to the US culture and education system, the exposure to the classroom ahead of the actual classes helped me in understanding my strengths and weakness. The study and party based program helped me make a comfortable transition. During the various outings, I came out of any reservations, which one normally faces when moving to a new country. It also helped me develop friendships with other international students in my class, which I consider a highlight of the program. Over all, for me USBCC was a confidence booster and prepared me for the challenging academic year ahead.”
Sarang Tipre
Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management is ranked as a top institution by BusinessWeek, the Wall Street Journal, U.S. News & World Report, Financial Times and Forbes. For more information about Owen, visit www.owen.vanderbilt.edu.
