Bootcamp: "Communicating Effectively in English: Building Linguistic and Cultural Strategies for Scientists"

This course is an English boot-camp specially designed to meet the linguistic and cultural demands of international PhD Scientists. This tailored curriculum spans over three days of workshops. Participants are encouraged to attend all three, in order to reach the highest level of effectiveness. Learners will participate in a variety of interactive activities targeting.

Topics such as:

  • Cultural Intelligence (CQ)
  • The Importance of Small Talk
  • Networking and Presenting in an International Context
  • Making your Message Clear
  • The Importance of Collaboration
  • English for Scientists- Telling a Story with Data
  • Developing your Scientist Voice
  • Strategies for Self-Reflection
  • Email Etiquette
  • Linguistic Repair Strategies    
  • Linguistic and Cultural Strategies for Video and Tele-conferencing

This course is designed and facilitated by language connectED, an education consulting firm based in the USA. With a focus on English for Specific Purposes (ESP) and English for Academic Purposes (EAP), language connectEd works with non-profits and academic institutions to develop and facilitate custom-made curricula to meet learners’ needs. They’ve recently developed curriculum, programming and tutorials for the Biomedical Postdoctoral Program at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) and at Nihon Koden Corporation, among others.

Course info:

  • Target Group: OIST Researchers and PhD students
  • Workshops 1: Thursday, December 8th, 2016 (12:30-16:30)
    • Topic: Intro to Cultural Intelligence, Presenting in an International Context, Developing Your Voice as a Scientist, Telling Your Science Story
  • Workshop 2: Friday, December 9th, 2016 (12:30-16:30)
    • Topic: Making Your Message Clear, English for Scientists (Clear Pronunciation), Describing Data,  Small Talk and Networking
  • Workshop 3: Saturday, December 10th (10:00-16:00)
    • Presentation Simulations- come and present your research in front of an audience and get instant feedback for improvement
  • Venue: Central Building - SR C210
  • Instructor: Alyssa Swanson is the Intensive Program Manager at the University of Pennsylvania's English Language Programs and has been teaching English as a second language since 2010.  Ms. Swanson has taught for several universities including The University of Pennsylvania, Temple University and Northeastern University.  She is passionate about teaching and enjoys working with international students as a teacher, advisor, and mentor. Ms. Swanson holds a B.A. in Communications and Spanish from Penn State University and an M.S.Ed in TESOL from Temple University.
  • Registration deadline: Tuesday, Dec. 7th. To register, please fill out the form below.