Navigating U.S. Academic Culture

In this workshop series designed for international faculty, scholars, and graduate students, we will discuss how differences in educational culture impact academic communication. Participants will learn and practice nuanced communication strategies that work in the U.S. multicultural academic environment.

Balancing Directness and Politeness

This workshop will examine the uses of directness and politeness in dealing with students and colleagues, and in dealing with advisors and supervisors.

Directness and Politeness when Giving Instructions

Giving instructions to students and colleagues in English can be tricky because of differing cultural assumptions about formality and directness. Using the wrong words may cause listeners to misunderstand your meaning or misinterpret your intentions.

Talking to Your Advisor: Avoiding Rifts

Communicating with your advisor or supervisor in English can be challenging based on differing assumptions about power dynamics. When making a request or responding to your advisor’s suggestions, it’s important to use language that clearly communicates your meaning and intention. This segment will provide practical information about advisor-advisee U.S. cultural expectations and how to use appropriate language to avoid communication rifts.

Facilitators: Colleen Meyers, Elena Stetsenko