Arab World English Journal (AWEJ).Vol.6 No.1.2015                                                        Pp.366-377
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol6no1.28

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Sociolinguistic Challenges Faced by Iraqi Graduate Students at U.S. Universities: A Case Study for Iraqi Graduate Students at University of Cincinnati  

Ahmed Fahad
Department of Literacy and Second Language Studies
School of Education, University of Cincinnati
USA

 

 

 

Abstract:
This study addressed the challenges encountered by Iraqi graduate students at both the Intensive English Program (IEP) and the regular academic degree programs at U.S. Universities. Using a case study approach, the study focused on five Iraqi graduate students studying at the University of Cincinnati to address those challenges and seek solutions that help both current and future students adjust to an American college campus culture. Two questions guided the research: 1) How do Iraqi graduate students perceive their challenges in a new setting with English as the medium of instruction for the first time, and 2) what social, psychological, and linguistic factors are behind those challenges. Study results revealed the linguistic, social and psychological challenges as experienced by the participants. This study is significant as it describes the types of challenges encountered by the students and offers recommendations to improve the practices of the intensive English programs and better meet students’ needs.
Key words: Academic language, Content-Based second language instruction, Graduate students, Intensive English Programs,

Cite as: Fahad, A.  (2015). Sociolinguistic Challenges Faced by Iraqi Graduate Students at U.S. Universities: A Case Study for Iraqi Graduate Students at University of Cincinnati. Arab World English Journal, 8 (1).
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol6no1.28

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https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol6no1.28

Ahmed Fahad is a doctorate candidate at the University of Cincinnati in the Second Language
Studies department. Besides teaching ESL at Miami University, he also taught at the University
of Cincinnati Center for ESL. He is also now a Graduate Assistant at the same department.