Preparing for the Ph.D. Program as an International Student.
As an international student, the admission and acceptance process into any university here in the United States of America is different from that of a citizen. Since I applied to the various programs myself, the first thing I did was familiarize myself with the process for international students. When I got accepted into Texas Tech University, I immediately visited the international students’ page on their website to know what steps I needed to take. Although I am an international student, mine was a little bit different because I had just finished my MFA at another American university when I received my offer letter into the Ph.D. program.
After researching the International office and services provided by my new university. I reached out to the international student advisor assigned to me to ask for the required steps I needed to follow to settle in properly into the Ph.D. program and to acquaint myself with the rules governing international students. Since I was still at my previous school as a master’s student observing her OPT, I simply transferred my I-20 from one university to another instead of re-applying for an F-1 visa which was already expired at the time. This is one of the things you want to do as you prepare for the new phase of your life. Make sure you have your I-20 and confirm that all the details included on the document are correct such as your full name, degree, degree, and duration. The I-20 is the official documentation that allows you to travel outside of the U.S. when you need to travel.
Having lived in more than one state in the U.S. during my MFA, I had to figure out how to get all my stuff together and move them to my new location which is Lubbock, Texas where Texas Tech University is located. One thing I was really focused on was getting a cheap fare to transport my luggage from New York and Cleveland. In the end, I had to do this in bits. When preparing to move to the university for the Ph.D. program, you want to be mindful of the weather and environment. Depending on what state you’re going to, the climate varies. For example, when I was in New York, it snowed a lot. While in Lubbock, it rarely snows but the wind is no joke at all, especially during the winter. This means that you might still very much need to have your winter jacket with you in Lubbock even though it snows only twice. Understanding the climate or weather conditions will help you know what outfits, shoes, and other clothing will be essential for your relocation and life in the new environment.
If you are given the Graduate Part-time Instructor position as a Ph.D. student, I encourage you to prepare and make sure you attend the pre-semester or teaching workshop, especially as an international student. This might require you to schedule your trip either early or on time as this will provide you with both the opportunity to settle in and to familiarize yourself with the environment and university campus. Attending the pre-semester or teaching workshop is essential because it helps you understand how the educational system works, the laws and ethics of teaching, the course you are teaching, and the course materials, and prepares you for the classroom and how to use the classroom technology. You can also use this period to get your student identity card, and the keys to your department building, and office. One thing I came to realize is that the teaching culture is different in every country and being an international student is quite different from being an international instructor.
Another helpful thing I am glad to have done before the semester began in my first year of the Ph.D. program was to ask questions and interact with my fellow colleagues. It can be difficult navigating your way and reach out for help as an international student, but I encourage you to do so. If you do not understand anything, feel free to reach out to the graduate advisor or director of the teaching program. Stay in contact with them. Find out the various sources or resources available to international students and in the department or the program. Each department has its own email newsletter and announcement board that you should sign up for. Always make sure your notification is turned on so, you do not miss out on any opportunity. If possible, do this at the beginning of the semester. Try to get the course materials for your own classes and the classes you will be teaching before the semester begins to prepare yourself. Reach out to second-year Ph.D. students or Ph.D. candidates for more information, teaching advice, and their teaching materials as this will be extremely helpful during your preparation process.
Finally, I wish you all the best and I know that it might not be an easy journey but you will eventually settle in. Prepare yourself properly and effectively. If there are any questions, ask them. Below are some useful sources to help guide your transition into a new country or state.
Other Sources of Information are: