By Amy Norton
Manik Mahajan chose to leave his native India and travel abroad for business school to fulfill a long-held dream of pursuing graduate studies in the U.S. so that he could, ultimately, work in the apparel industry. He selected Owen over several other institutions, believing that this school was the right place to make his dreams a reality. Beginning with his first visit to campus during Discover Weekend, Manik recalls seeing his country’s flag displayed among other international ones and immediately feeling part of the community. He says he “was amazed to see how professors, alumni and first-year students took time out and interacted with so many prospective students.” His positive feelings have carried over through orientation into the first weeks of the semester, and he credits the smooth transition to the two weeks he spent prior to orientation with other new international students learning about American culture and classroom best practices.
The U.S. Business Communication and Culture Program (USBCC) evolved out of a growing population of international students (about 20% of the Class of 2010) and their need to assimilate from other cultures into the American way of life. Compound an already rigorous course of study with language and culture barriers, and the pressure to perform and succeed grows exponentially. Specifically designed to help students like Manik begin the fall semester with the language skills and cultural knowledge necessary to benefit more fully from Owen’s academic program, USBCC eases culture shock and offers yet another way Owen lives into its mission to be about its people by creating a strong sense of community.
For two weeks in August, prior to the start of Mod I, Manik and 27 other students from Peru, India, South Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam and Turkey participated in advanced-level language instruction, as well as orientation and cultural activities. Partnering with Vanderbilt’s English Language Center (ELC), USBCC devotes part of the program time to teaching international students how to comprehend rapid American speech in lectures and discussion. Improving efficiency in reading and writing English is also addressed, with the goal of helping the students get ahead of an already heady learning curve.
In addition to decreasing language barriers, USBCC also helps international students adapt more quickly to the Owen environment, especially where group communication and individual presentations are concerned. Organization Studies professor Tim Vogus introduced USBCC participants to the Owen classroom so that they could gain a sense of its inherently dynamic structure. “Our classroom culture at Owen is predicated on student participation. The faculty are here to help and want their students to ask questions and visit us during office hours.” Speaking up to professors is not part of the classroom culture in some other countries, nor is case-based classroom discussion, but both are fundamental to the Owen experience.
To address that important lesson, Professor Vogus conducted a simulated classroom, modeling the process for working through a case in a discussion-based format, then inviting students to generate content and work in teams to present their findings. This simulation allowed the students to be exposed the process of collaborating, project management and managing diversity without the added pressure of being graded. A dress rehearsal, of sorts, before opening night and subsequent critics’ reviews.
Professor Vogus says he is impressed with his group’s efforts and notes that although his Mod I core class, “Leading Teams and Organizations,” has historically been a challenge for international students, participation in the USBCC program seems to be tangibly improving their performance.
To further enhance presentation skills, USBCC students also participated in an Owen version of Donald Trump’s television hit, The Apprentice. Six teams selected a product and created original and compelling advertising campaigns which they then pitched to Owen and ECL faculty and staff. Judging was based on teamwork, presentation skills, originality and quality of their campaign.
In addition to classroom simulations and presentation, participants also had plenty of opportunities to experience American culture, sharing many meals with faculty and staff and enjoying tours of Nashville sites and sounds. In particular, a bowling outing with faculty allowed these new international students to experience a great American pastime, as well as learn about feedback.
Prior to going bowling, USBCC students were divided into teams and asked to come up with a team name, uniform and cheer. During the outing, student teams bowled alongside a faculty team, who afterward modeled how to give and receive feedback. The student teams, after a few instructions from Professor Neta Moye, Leadership Development Program faculty director, were asked to provide positive and constructive feedback to their teammates. Although the impetus behind the experience was to help students gain some practice with a skill that is often an exception and not a norm in their native cultures, the event allowed the students to relax and get to know one another better, a real win-win.
Overall, the USBCC provides a confidence-boosting warm-up for like Manik to help prepare them for the challenging two years ahead. And, as fellow participant, Lua Tran says, “USBCC let me live in a future before it arrives.”
Read more about USBCC 2008
