May 04, 2012
The Language
Connection of St. John’s University has been selected to host a
three-week English for Graduate Studies Program this summer for 35
Fulbright foreign students, some of the best and brightest
international graduate students coming to this country to commence
study this fall. The United States Department of State’s
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) provides
sponsorship as part of its flagship
Fulbright Program. The English Program is administered by the
Institute of International Education in cooperation with
ECA.
Pamela Fairman, Ph.D., Director of The Language Connection, said
the program features residential living on two campuses, English
language refinement classes, academic service learning, leadership
training and cultural enrichment opportunities. “This award
represents a strong vote of confidence in The Language Connection’s
recently redesigned ESL program,” suggested Dr. Fairman. “And it is
an excellent fit for the University because it mirrors St. John’s
commitment to fostering leadership, learning and understanding
between cultures.”
St. John’s is among a select group of institutions chosen to
offer the English for Graduate Studies Program which provides an
orientation for international Fulbright recipients beginning
graduate study in the United States. Dr. Fairman, who wrote St.
John’s grant proposal and coordinates the program, is a recognized
expert in English as a Second Language. She has designed highly
successful ESL institutes at Hunter College of the City University
of New York and at Sacred Heart University. She is the author of
Take it Easy, a widely utilized ESL text, as well as 11
other books on the subject. Dr. Fairman was also the lead academic
consultant and writer for “Connect with English,” a television
series produced by WGBH/Boston.
The
Fulbright students reside on the Manhattan campus for one week
where they explore the educative, aesthetic and artistic riches of
the city while they begin their classroom instruction. The
following two weeks are spent in Queens which gives them the
opportunity to become familiar with living on a large, traditional
campus – the type most will encounter when they begin their
graduate studies at institutions across the nation next fall.
The program curriculum includes English classes individualized
to emphasize language content relevant to the Fulbright student’s
academic discipline as well as graduate level lectures and
discussions led by
Konrad T. Tuchscherer, Ph. D., Associate Professor of History
and Director of the Africana Studies Program and
Joanne M. Carroll, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Pharmacy and
Allied Health. Service to others most in need is also a component,
involving volunteer work at locations associated with the
University such as the
Grand Central Neighborhood Soup Kitchen. In addition to the
personal benefits of helping the disadvantaged, the students learn
more about American society and culture through contact with
service providers, participants and those who receive
assistance.
To prepare them to play pivotal roles in government, business
and the community in their home countries, the Fulbright students
are provided valuable leadership training. Through a series of
seminars and workshops, they have the opportunity to develop skills
in decision-making strategies, project management and ethical
leadership. St. John’s faculty and other experienced professionals
lead these sessions to ensure quality, currency and lasting
value.
Commenting on receiving approval to offer the English for
Graduate Studies Program grant, Dr. Fairman said, “My team at The
Language Connection is excited about the chance to offer these
accomplished students an intensive learning experience. We look
forward to preparing them to meet the challenges and opportunities
of graduate study and cultural assimilation.” Anthony Pacheco, Vice
President,
Global Programs, added, “This program supports the University’s
leadership role as a Vincentian institution committed to global
education and service. Hosting this talented group of young women
and men will enrich our campus environment as well as create a
smooth transition for them as they begin their studies at
universities across the country.”
The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship
international educational exchange program and is supported by the
people of the United States and partner countries around the world.
Since 1946, it has provided more than 310,000 participants from
over 155 countries with the opportunity to study, teach, conduct
research, exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to
shared international concerns. Fulbright Program grantees are among
the more than 50,000 academic and professional exchange program
participants supported annually by the Bureau of Educational and
Cultural Affairs. For more information about the Fulbright Program,
visit fulbright.state.gov/.