Research Guide for IESL094-5 (Thomas): Study Abroad
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Prepared by Elinor Appel NSCC Library (this will open in a new window) After this workshop you should be able to:
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Before you begin, think about your topic and your keywords. Keywords are your search terms. Search terms you use may include: study abroad, international students, culture shock, language acquisition, language immersion, homestay, residence. "Mix and match" your terms to create a search for your topic.
Finding Articles
Academic Search Premier (online library resource)Academic Search Premier is a database. It contains articles from magazines and newspapers. You will probably not be able to find these articles online using Google.
Very important! Make sure you select Full Text when you search Academic Search Premier, or any other databaes of articles:
Search Academic Search Premier using your keywords. If one keyword doesn't work, try another.
You will find Academic Search Premier on the library website, under Search for Articles / Periodical databases. You can search Academic Search Premier from off campus. Log in with your Student ID and last name.
Your turn!
- Try a different database: ProQuest.
- Search for articles on language acquisition AND immersion AND college.
- Limit your search to full text.
- What do you find?
The open Internet is often your best source of current (recent) information on your topic. You can use more keywords searching Google than you can searching a database:
Just make sure you know what kind of a website it is. Is it an article? A blog? An advertisement for a study abroad program? If you use the resource in your presentation, tell your audience what kind it is.
Examples of websites:
- Tips & Terms for the International Student's Job Search - this webpage is from the Writing Center at Purdue University
- Open Doors Online - facts and statistics (dates, amounts, percentages) on international students from the Institute of International Education
- Wryexchange - blog about international students and foreign exchange students (FES)
- Dating Advice from Foreign-Exchange Students - webpage from a website on dating and more
Online articles:
- "International Students at Community Colleges" - academic article (references are included to support facts stated in the article)
- "Overcoming Culture Shock" - short article with tips for international students living away from home
Research can take time. If you need help, come to the Reference Desk and talk to a librarian, or contact me directly. The easiest way is to find me here:
For writing help with this assignment, visit the friendly tutors in The Loft.
Part 1, International Student Experience, Columbia Business School (Jan 2008)