On May 19th and 20th, Dr. Ray Miller from Appalachian State University in the USAmet with DTU lecturers and students to evaluate the 2016 Global Understanding Course and prepare for 2016-2017.
Dr. Ray Miller
Started in 2012 at Appalachian State University, the course quickly received positive reviews internationally. The course focuses on developing soft skills and helping students to learn more about other societies and world cultures. It teaches English language and intercultural communication skills. The thing that differentiates the course from traditional ones is that students from all over the world can interact directly with each other through video conferencing, and talk with experienced lecturers from developed countries.
DTU students
The Global Understanding course has been held annually at DTU since 2014 and attracted many DTU students. Students learn a lot and can convert marks accumulated during the course into other subjects, such as History of World Civilization (1 & 2), Environmental Health and Vietnamese Speaking and Presentation.
“The Global Understanding course has connected students from all over the world, and is really effective” Dr. Ray Miller explained. “Each year, we survey the students’ needs and aspirations concerning the program, in order to improve it. DTU students have enthusiasm and energy, and a deep understanding and self-confidence speaking English, like established global citizens. I believe that this course will enable you all to rapidly integrate into the global job labor market on graduation.”
Dr. Miller, DTU lecturers and students discussed the last two years’ achievements, the advantages and difficulties of the future development of the Global Understanding course in Vietnam and at DTU and ways of improving the course to achieve the best results.
Nguyen Thanh Lam of K19PSUQTH2 explained “I have been enrolled in this course for two years,and it is a really useful for those of us who plan to study abroad. Our lecturers raise many topics about life in general, different study environments, cultures, economies and societies to expand our knowledge and improve our teamwork. I have made new friends from different countries and learnt a lot about their lives, the English language and experienced some interesting cultural differences.”
The next course is expected to start on October 12th, with 20 to 25 students per class. Participants will video conference students from universities such as Appalachian State University in the USA, the University of the Americas in Puebla, Mexico, Burapha University in Thailand, Chien Hsin University of Science and Technology in Taiwan, North Eastern University in the USA and Beijing International Studies University in China.
(Media Center)