English Communication for Visiting Scientists

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1. Unit 1

   Navigating U.S. Culture

   • September 8, 2 – 3 pm

   Explore common expectations, communication styles, and social norms in U.S. research groups and the broader community. We’ll discuss greetings and everyday interactions as well as learning styles and goal setting practices that can help with your English learning and transition to the U.S.

   Note: This is a workshop session with a primary lecture component and time for questions.

   English Practice: Everyday Conversations

   • September 14, 2 – 3 pm

   Practice everyday conversations you are likely to have in your research groups and in the community. This is a low stress, welcoming environment to try greetings, small talk, and shopping and service interactions.

   Note: This is an interactive session focused on speaking practice, activities, and discussion. This session does not include a formal lecture.

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2. Unit 2

   Managing Stress During Cultural Transitions

   • September 29, 2 – 3 pm

   We will discuss the emotional and practical challenges of moving to a new country, joining a new research environment, and communicating in a new language. We’ll explore strategies for managing stress, building support networks, and recognizing when to seek help.

   Note: This is a workshop session with a primary lecture component and time for questions.

   English Practice: Transitioning to the U.S.

   • October 6, 2 – 3 pm

   Share experiences, challenges, and coping strategies related to cultural transition and academic life in a supportive group setting. This is a chance to practice your English while connecting with fellows with similar experiences and learning about resources for ongoing support.

   Note: This is an interactive session focused on speaking practice, activities, and discussion. This session does not include a formal lecture.

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3. Unit 3

   Networking and the Hidden Curriculum

   • October 13, 2 – 3 pm

   Learn the unwritten rules and cultural norms of American academic and scientific workplaces. We’ll discuss how this hidden curriculum affects networking, conference attendance, mentorship, collaborations, and professional visibility. You will learn how to introduce yourself, follow up with contacts, and build relationships in ways that feel authentic, comfortable, and appropriate in U.S. academic settings.

   Note: This is a workshop session with a primary lecture component and time for questions.

   English Practice: Networking Conversations

   • October 20, 2 – 3 pm

   Practice introducing yourself, describing your research briefly, and starting conversations at conferences, seminars, and campus events. You’ll also practice follow-up language for email or LinkedIn and learn strategies for continuing a professional conversation with confidence.

   Note: This is an interactive session focused on speaking practice, activities, and discussion. This session does not include a formal lecture.

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4. Unit 4

   Workplace Communication

   • October 27, 2 – 3 pm

   We will explore differing communication styles and the impact of culture on communication with your mentor and colleagues. We’ll discuss how to communicate clearly and assertively, ask for clarification, make requests, and respond to feedback professionally.

   Note: This is a workshop session with a primary lecture component and time for questions.

   English Practice: Common Workplace Scenarios

   • November 3, 2 – 3 pm

   Practice realistic workplace scenarios such as asking for help, disagreeing politely, discussing deadlines, and clarifying expectations. Roleplays will help you build confidence using assertive, professional, and effective language in challenging situations.

   Note: This is an interactive session focused on speaking practice, activities, and discussion. This session does not include a formal lecture.

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5. Unit 5

   English Grammar for Science Communication

   • November 10, 2 – 3 pm

   Review common grammar patterns that matter most in academic and workplace communication, including verb tense, articles, sentence structure, and concise writing. The focus will be on common mistakes and using grammar to make your meaning clearer in emails and formal scientific writing.

   Note: This is a workshop session with a primary lecture component and time for questions.

   English Practice: Grammar Clinic

   • November 17, 2 – 3 pm

   Practice identifying and correcting common grammar issues in scientific and professional communication. Participants will edit sample sentences and short texts, with opportunities to ask questions about grammar challenges from their own writing.

   Note: This is an interactive session focused on written practice, activities, and discussion. This session does not include a formal lecture.

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6. Unit 6

   Clear, Confident, and Compelling Scientific Presentations

   • November 24, 2 – 3 pm

   Learn strategies for organizing and delivering scientific presentations for US academic audiences. We’ll focus on communicating impact clearly, understanding your audience, dealing with pre-presentation jitters, and how to handle questions effectively.

   Note: This is a workshop session with a primary lecture component and time for questions.

   English Practice: Presentation Practice

   • December 1, 2 – 3 pm

   Bring a short 3 – 5 minute research presentation to practice in a low-stress environment and receive helpful, supportive feedback. You’ll work on delivery, pacing, pronunciation, transitions, and responding to audience questions clearly and confidently.

   Note: This is an interactive session focused on speaking practice and discussion. Registration is to attend and give feedback. Presenters should sign up in advance by emailing Laura Marler at [email protected].

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