Lesson Level: Senior Duration: 40 minutes
Lesson Title: Studying Abroad
NOTE - Although I used this lesson it proved to be too difficult for all but the highest level class. Therefore it will need to be simplified before using it again.
Grammar and
Vocabulary
The
following phrases and phrasal verbs:
“broaden
the mind”, “study abroad”, “academic requirements”,
“adjust to”, “fit in”, “pros and cons”, “choose wisely”.
Lesson Objectives
Students
will be able to compare and evaluate texts and to discuss pros and cons of
different Universities.
Students
will be able to discuss possible problems and solutions when travelling.
Materials Required
Prepared
audio or text to read.1
A
handout containing information about three fictional Universities.2
Preparation
Record
the audio or prepare a text to be read in class.
Prepare
enough handouts for the groups in class.
Procedure
1
Write on board.
“Studying abroad”
Ask various students
these questions.
Do you think studying abroad is a
good idea?
Would you like to study abroad?
What would you like to study?
Where would you like to study?
Ask about three or
four students for each question. Follow up each question with “Why?”
2
Put students into
groups of four.
Write these
instructions on the board.
You will see
information about three (fictional) Universities.
Read the information.
In your group, talk
about which University you would choose.
Say why you would
choose it.
3
Explain the task and
give each group a copy of the handout of University information.
Give students ten
minutes to discuss.
Monitor and assist.
When assisting be sure that students in groups understand the basics of the text
but DO NOT take time to explain ALL vocabulary.
4
Feedback. Ask each
group in turn which University they would choose to attend and ONE reason why
they chose it.
5.
Write these
instructions on the board.
You will hear a
description of life at an overseas university.
Listen for these
phrases.
Try to write down the
meanings of each phrase.
“broaden
the mind”, “
study
abroad”,
“academic
requirments”,
“adjust
to”,
“fit
in”,
“pros
and cons”
“choose
wisely”
6
Read or play the
prepared description2.
Elicit the meanings
of the phrases and write them on the board.
Ask various students
questions about the text to check understanding.
7
Write on the board.
In your groups
make a list of any problems or difficulties when living
in another country.
Try to think of at least five.
What would you do to solve these problems?
Explain the task and
check understanding.
Give an example of a
problem (“don’t understand the local culture” and elicit solutions).
Monitor and assist
the discussions
8
Ask for feedback of
one problem and solution from each group. Ask other groups if they have any
other solution to the problem.
Notes
1
University 1 (Lowlands University, United
Kingdom)
Lowlands University is located in Birmingham
in central England.
The University was established in 1910 and
has an excellent reputation in all subjects. It is in the top ten UK
Universities for science and engineering.
Academic Requirements for Chinese Students:
Students must have completed the Chinese
University entrance exam (gaokao) and achieved a passing grade for entry to a
Chinese tier 2 University
and
also completed a one year foundation course at one of the following Chinese
Univerities: Beijing, Changsha,
Chendgu, Chonqqing, Guangzhou, Kunming, Lanzhou, Qingdao, Shanghai, Suzhou,
Wuhan or Xi'An
Alternatively students may have completed a
first year of study at a Chinese University in their chosen subject.
English Requirement: IELTS 5.5 or higher.
Students will be required to submit, in
English, a 500 word description of why they wish to attend Lowlands University
and why they have chosen their academic program.
University 2 (Home State University, USA)
Home State University is located in Wisconsin
in the USA.
The University was established in 1956 and focuses
primarily on studies in arts and languages. Courses are also available in other
disciplines.
Academic Requirements for Chinese Students:
Students must have completed the Chinese
University entrance exam (gaokao) and achieved a passing grade for entry to a
Chinese tier 2 University
and
also completed additional international qualifications in their chosen subject
(eg. A-levels or Baccalaureate)
English Requirement: IELTS 6.5 or higher.
Students will be required to submit, in
English, a 1000 word description of why they wish to attend Home State
University.
University 3 (Central Victoria Technical University,
Australia)
Central Victoria Technical University is
located in Melbourne, Australia.
The University has an excellent record in
technical subjects as well as mathematics, science and engineering. It was
expanded in 1989 to include faculties of arts and music.
Academic Requirements for Chinese Students:
Students must have completed the Chinese
University entrance exam (gaokao) and achieved a passing grade for entry to a
Chinese tier 2 University
Alternatively students may have completed a
first year of study at a Chinese University in their chosen subject.
English Requirement: IELTS 6.0 or higher.
Students will be required to a personal
statement of no less than 1000 words in English.
2
People
say that travel broadens the mind. They mean that when you travel you gain a
better understanding of the world we share. This is one reason that it is good
to study abroad, in a country that is not your own. Of course first you must
meet the academic requirements of the University where you wish to study.
However that is not the only thing you may find difficult. When you go to live
in another country you will find many things are different to your own culture.
You will need to adjust to a new way of life and learn to fit in with your new
surroundings.
As
with any big decision in your life you need to consider the pros and cons
before jumping in. You need to think of what are the advantages and
disadvantages of your choice.
Studying
abroad can be a wonderful opportunity, as longas you think carefully and choose
wisely.
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