With students hailing from more than 110 countries, Harrisburg University takes pride in its efforts to build an inclusive, diverse student population.
And to support our international students, the University offers numerous resources to help them adjust to the American educational experience.
Our International Student Office staff is dedicated to all international student needs. There are numerous student clubs and other organizations where all students are welcome to participate. Brainfuse is an online tutoring service where students receive live one-on-one sessions with a professional tutor in an array of subjects. HU offers international students a Technology Literacy Program, and has built partnerships with numerous local international organizations and communities that hold cultural events to help our students transition and feel at home.
HU’s newest resource created for international students is dubbed The English Lounge, an online environment Academic Success Coordinator Alisha Albidress introduced for all learners who want to improve their linguistic, comprehension, and writing skills while meeting new peers in an open atmosphere outside of the classroom environment.
“Since we have a large international student body, it originally began as an English as a Second Language (ESL) workshop. However, I realized it was more than just ESL students that could use the extra assistance in learning writing conventions,” Albidress said. “The English Lounge is a place for all learners at all skill levels. Whether an undergraduate in their first year or a graduate student, it is a place for all students to come together.”
The English Lounge was launched at the start of this semester. It is held every Friday from 12-1 p.m. An ESL and writing lab tutor oversees the sessions. And, as it grows, students who wish to be a leader of a club could take over a role on a short-term basis, Albidress said.
Participants can exchange ideas, receive feedback, advance their vocabulary, practice their speaking skills, learn grammar rules, and improve their writing skills, she said.
Going forward, plans may include adding asynchronous opportunities and additional synchronous sessions. Albidress hopes to receive feedback from the students to see what they would like added. Ideas could range anywhere from a debate team to a book club. All ideas will originate from students.
“It’s important to have fun and make connections outside of the classroom. The English Lounge broadens one’s network and expands opportunities for students to meet new people,” Albidress said. “Most of our graduates work in their chosen field. It would be great for undergraduate students and graduate students to have more of collaboration or networking opportunity. And, at the same time, they are learning.”
Students who wish to participate in The English Lounge should send an email to ELounge@HarrisburgU.edu/. Students are under no obligation to attend every week. The hope is that students find it useful to network, meet other peers, and improve their writing skills along the way.
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Harrisburg University is a private non-profit university offering bachelor and graduate degree programs in science, technology, and math fields. For more information on the University’s affordable demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, call 717.901.5146 or email, Connect@HarrisburgU.edu.
