Living in/around the different universities

• Arizona State University
• Bluefield State College
• Bowling Green State University (Department of German)
• Columbia University
• Fayetteville State University
• Florida Gulf Coast University
• Gettysburg College
• Haskell Indian Nations University
• Indiana University
• Iowa State University
• Michigan State University
• Skyline College
• Southern University A&M
• Southern Illinois University
• Syracuse University
• Tougaloo College
• University of Alabama at Birmingham
• University of Arizona
• University of Georgia
• University of Kentucky
• University of Oklahoma
• University of Texas at Austin
• University of Utah
• Valdosta State University
• Virginia Commonwealth University

 

• Arizona State University
  The campus is huge and there are many opportunities available for students. Some of these include student clubs, a variety of campus events, campus seminars, lectures, and exhibitions. (FLTA 2007)
  Go to top
   
• Bluefield State College
  "Students, especially those that have not been out of the US are very eager to learn more about other countries." (FLTA 2008)
  "Be aware that the last bus takes students from residence halls to the campus at 5:00 p.m., but some evening classes take place after them. Students may have to schedule their own transportation to take these classes." (FLTA 2008)
  Go to top

• Bowling Green State University (Department of German)
  Help is always available from the professors in the department. In fact they might even be willing to sit in one of your classes and give you feedback.
  Computers will be used on a regular basis as most of the graded and course material will be needed to be posted online. In this case “asking, asking, asking is an essential asset”. There is no need to be afraid of asking questions.
  The course syllabus might be demanding especially with languages like German where the textbook, Na Klar!, contains a lot of information to be taught. The university provides weekly teaching workshops and these will help in organizing the information efficiently. (FLTA 2007)
  Go to top
   
• Columbia University
  The FLTA at Columbia will be a full lecturer and not a teaching assistant.
  Registration for classes can seem like a bureaucracy since you are only allowed to register at your assigned time. (FLTA 2007)
  Go to top
   
• Fayetteville State University
  Housing can be very expensive and when choosing, it is important to think about transportation.
  Students here are always interested in learning about a new language and culture. FLTAs usually work as teaching assistants who are also given the opportunity to share their culture with the class. (FLTA 2007)
  Go to top
   
• Florida Gulf Coast University
  Florida Gulf Coast University is a fast developing school whose international exchange programs are growing. Private and comfortable offices are available to teachers. (FLTA 2007)
  Go to top
   
• Gettysburg College
  The campus is small and is located in the center of Gettysburg. Classrooms are very well equipped.
  Most of the students are eager to learn. Do not be surprised if your students address you by your first name. It sometimes take an extra effort to make students participate in class.
  In addition to the teaching material provided by the university, material from online is also useful. (FLTA 2007)
  Go to top

•   Haskell Indian Nations University
  "The students in the midwest are very relaxed and informal. It's important to network with the other FLTAs as they are a great support network." (FLTA 2008)
  The institution had limited teaching materials, so you should bring some. One FLTA 2008 perceived a preference for Native American language instruction (Cherokee) over foreign language instruction. It is important to make an extra effort to attract and engage students.   
  Go to top

• Indiana University
  It can get very cold here during winters and there is usually some snowfall. The university has the necessary equipment for a successful teaching experience. (FLTA 2007)
  Go to top

• Iowa State University
  The setting is beautiful and because of the number of activities, it is a diverse and lively place. The student-run VEISHEA festival is amazing and brings in people from all over the country. (FLTA 2008)
  You will probably live 30 minutes away from campus and have to walk. Most professors are quite busy; try to do your own research about upcoming events, workshops and conferences. Also, it helps if you have your own computer. (FLTA 2008)
  Go to top

• Michigan State University
  "It is a really nice environment. People are friendly and helpful. (FLTA 2008)
  Students like to know clearly where the class is going, what is expected of them, and how grades will be calculated. (FLTA 2008)
  Go to top

• Skyline College
  The campus is small but there are many events and activities that will give the next FLTA an insight into people here.
  "They were using dated materials, so I wish I brought more reference materials from home." (FLTA 2008)
  Go to top

• Southern University A&M
  A good way to budget your money would be to choose on campus housing and meal plans. (FLTA 2007)
  Go to top
   
• Southern Illinois University
  Winters here can be very cold. Most people are friendly and the students are ready to learn. Expect to learn a lot from them as you teach. (FLTA 2007)
  Go to top
   
• Syracuse University
  Winter can be very harsh in Syracuse and there is a lot of snowfall. If you are looking to live in an apartment, places like Clarendon Apartment, East Genesee Apt, Hidden Valley, and Nob Hill are some good choices. Bus transportation to these locations is usually free.
  Explore the landscape surrounding campus especially during the summer. You can also take advantage of the Fulbright events held by the International Center. The Linguistics department can also provide you with a lot of help. Before you arrive you should also visit the university’s website and browse their course catalog to make decisions about classes you would like to take. (FLTA 2007)
  Go to top
   
• Tougaloo College
  It's quiet at Tougaloo and students generally stay in during the evenings. The campus is small, so you may have to share office workspace with the students as well.
  "Modern languages is a new program. Resources are limited and in the beginning TAs had to advertise the languages at certain events." (FLTA 2008)
  Go to top

• University of Alabama at Birmingham
  One FLTA recommended living in the dorm and having American roommates. (FLTA 2008)
  Try to take advantage of the meal plan, although you may want to vary between eating at the cafeteria and shopping for your own groceries. (FLTA 2008)
  Go to top

• University of Arizona
  It is a very peaceful campus. Having a car might be necessary. In regards to housing, one FLTA 2007 recommends not to rush too much to rent a house on campus.
  Go to top

• University of Georgia
  People will be interested in your country and culture. "I presented not only my country's culture, but also Iran and Tajikistan's culture in a Muslim Cultural Festival at the University." (FLTA 2008)
  Ask your supervisor before registering for classes to make sure you know the difference between credit and audit. Make sure you are enrolled in classes in a status that works for both IIE and the University. (FLTA 2008)
  Go to top

• University of Kentucky
  "Time management is a basic issue. Not only will you be teaching but also be responsible for the courses you take." (FLTA 2008)
  Try to stay in touch with the people at the Office of International Affairs for support and guidance. (FLTA 2008)
  Go to top

• University of Oklahoma
  The campus is big and there are many extracurricular activities offered for the students.
  It is also important to know that the syllabus for some languages may be demanding and students are sometimes at different levels.
  Be prepared to have students coming to class in pajamas, late or leaving class early without giving an excuse. But you can set rules about some of these things and inform your students that you expect them to follow these rules. (FLTA 2007)
  Having host families is a good idea for some students. Also, joining the European Association, German Stammtisch or OU Cousins are great ways to meet people.
  "Everyone tells you that you are going to gain weight and that everything is so unhealthy in the United States. You can have healthy food here too; it only depends if you want to make an effort to prepare it yourself or not." (FLTA 2008)
  Go to top

• University of Texas at Austin
  UT is one of the biggest campuses in the United States. So when you arrive, take the free orientation tour and carry a map on the first day.
  The Office is small and you will have to share it with other TAs.
  You are encouraged to bring teaching materials, especially if you are teaching an African language. (FLTA 2007)
  For your own classes be aware that "the assignments are extremely important" and you might have a lot of reading. (FLTA 2008)
  Go to top

• University of Utah
  The campus is quite large; there are about 30,000 students. Getting involved in clubs is a great way to form social network. A German FLTA 2008 said her department organized many "great events such as Karneval and Oktoberfest."
  In Utah, religion is a part of daily life for most people but students respect the fact that not everyone has the same belief.
  Go to top

• Valdosta State University
  The campus is the center of the city, it would therefore be more convenient to rent an apartment near campus. You should “prepare yourself for a year of simple, peaceful, and more inward life.” 
  The university does not have a Chinese department and therefore it is encouraged that you bring your own teaching materials and keep in touch with other Chinese FLTAs. Students here are very busy but they are willing to learn and with a little patience they can learn a lot from you. There are also some students who are unaware of the variety of languages that the university offers and it is recommended that you promote your language. (FLTA 2007)
  Go to top
   
• Virginia Commonwealth University
  You will be responsible for finding housing, as it is not provided by the university. (FLTA 2007)
  Go to top