Four-Year Academic Success Plan for International Students

Four-Year Academic Success Plan for International Students

The Four-Year Academic Success Plan is designed to assist international students in honing their learning strategies, as well as developing their mindset and personal management skills, throughout their undergraduate studies at Lafayette College. It is organized into four sections: Academic Success, Career Preparedness, Networking, and Professional Development. Academic advisors could also use this Four-Year Plan to ensure students stay on the right track during their academic and personal journey at Lafayette College. 

Notes: You can use the above links to jump to different class years. If you are a transfer student or in upper-class years but are first time reading this document, please spend some time reading the document from the very beginning. Also, the English for Academic Purposes Center would like to thank Lafayette colleagues from the Gateway Career Center, Office of Intercultural Development, and Office of Advising & Co-Curricular Programs for providing help and feedback on this project.  

First Year

Get settled and identify your resources

First Semester

Academic Success

  1. Understand the syllabus, grades, office hours, and other academic terms
  2. Learn about the services provided by the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Center and attend the center’s workshops and Conversation PARDners’ Group Chats sessions
  3. Meet with Faculty Advisor and/or Class Dean to consider degree requirements, sequencing of courses, steps to considering alternatives
  4. Explore degree requirements through department websites and DegreeWorks
  5. Understand the importance of academic integrity
  6. Focus on improving English language skills
  7. Identify other academic support services (e.g., Academic Resource Hub and College Writing Program) and health and wellness resources (e.g., Bailey Health Center and Recreation Services)

Career Preparedness

  1. Explore opportunities through the Gateway Career Center
  2. Attend one “Meet Your Gateway Counselor” session
  3. Attend a First year Students: Career Tools session
  4. Establish a relationship with your assigned Gateway Career Counselor
  5. Create a profile in Handshake
  6. Create or update the resume
  7. Set up your Interstride account
  8. Apply for a January Career Track
  9. Attend at least one “Gateway Career Center Career Tools” sessions
  10. If you are Pre-Health, visit the Health Professions Program to make a plan for pre-requisite courses, involvement and experience, admissions tests, applications, and more
  11. If law is an interest, please complete this form https://lafayettec.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7TA0IBaF8O9oTNb to receive information about related programming

 Networking

  1. Identify and meet with your academic advisor, peer mentor, and First Year Class Dean
  2. Visit your course instructors during their office hours at least once per semester
  3. Join ISAnchor to meet current students and get connected with international alumni
  4. Participate regularly in at least one College-recognized student organization
  5. Connect with your Leo in the Lafayette Extended Orientation (LEO) program

Professional Development

  1. Understand your visa documents and responsibilities of maintaining visa status through regular attendance at programs offered by International Student Advising
  2. Attend the mandatory International Orientation at the beginning of your first semester
  3. Seek scholarship & fellowship opportunities by making appointments with advisors in the Scholarships and Fellowships program

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Second Semester

Academic Success

  1. Understand the Common Course Studies requirements
  2. Take the ENG 100-01 Intro to Academic Writings [W] to refine your writing skills
  3. Attend the Global Expressions Institute to work on your English pronunciation and speaking skills
  4. Attend your academic major open house or meet with professors in the departments that you are interested in majoring in
  5. Become a power user of DegreeWorks
  6. Make an appointment with your academic advisor to review your course plan for the next semester
  7. Get familiar with the Registrar Office and various course registration related forms

Career Preparedness

  1. Develop a summer plan (as early as possible): internship, research, job shadowing, community service/volunteering, taking courses, or other skill building opportunities
  2. Search for internship opportunities through Handshake, LinkedIn, Interstride, and other resources. Be sure to search early and pay close attention to application deadlines.
  3. Make an appointment with your Gateway Counselor to review your resume.
  4. Attend at least one “Gateway Career Center Career Tools” sessions
  5. Attend (required) workshops related to working and handling government processes under F-1 status

Networking

  1. Visit your course instructors’ office hours at least once per semester
  2. Visit your academic advisor, the director of EAP Center, Class Year Dean, and Gateway Counselor at least once a semester
  3. Get to know one or two classmate(s) from each of your classes on a more personal level – ask them to have coffee or study together
  4. Participate in alumni career-related engagements across campus
  5. Start building your professional network
  6. Remain active in ISAnchor

Professional Development

  1. Be familiar with study abroad opportunities and develop a study abroad plan (if interested)
  2. Attend a CPT workshop for information about eligibility to intern/work in the U.S. for an employer other than Lafayette College.
  3. Participate in at least one College-recognized student organization and plan to take a leadership role
  4. Seek scholarship & fellowship opportunities by making appointments with advisors in the Scholarships and Fellowships program

Summer

  1. Internship
  2. Community Service/Volunteering
  3. Classes
  4. Research
  5. Summer Job

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Second Year

Declare your major and consider an internship or research experience

Third Semester

Academic Success

  1. Declare academic major and understand the requirements of any majors you are still seriously considering to prepare for the Declaration of Major process. Discuss your ideas with your professors and solicit advice
  2. Prioritize academic goals and prepare an academic plan for degree completion
  3. Explore minor, double major, dual degree, or interdisciplinary program opportunities
  4. Consider taking the ENG 100-01 Intro to Academic Writings [W] to refine your writing skills if you have not already

Career Preparedness

  1. Explore opportunities through the Gateway Career Center
  2. Apply to participate in the January Externship Program and/or January Career Tracks Program
  3. Create a LinkedIn account
  4. Create an account in GatewayLink networking platform
  5. Actively work with your Gateway Counselor to explore career interests and plan for career opportunities
  6. Look into on-campus employment opportunities that will help develop communication skills and content knowledge through Handshake
  7. Apply for a summer job, internship, or on-campus Excel Scholars opportunities
  8. Attend (required) workshops related to working and handling government processes under F-1 status

Networking

  1. Connect with a faculty member to explore/request an Excel Scholar research opportunity in the summer
  2. Visit your course instructors’ office hours at least once per semester
  3. Visit your academic advisor, the director of the EAP Center, PDSO, Class Year Dean, and Gateway Counselor at least once a semester
  4. Participate in alumni career-related engagements across campus
  5. Continue building your professional network
  6. Remain active in ISAnchor

Professional Development

  1. Visit the study abroad office and identify opportunities
  2. Take a leadership role in campus organization(s)
  3. Explore opportunities through Lafayette Leadership Education, Landis Center, Dyer Center, etc.
  4. Participate in at least one community engagement activity
  5. Seek scholarship & fellowship opportunities by making appointments with advisors in the Scholarships and Fellowships program

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Fourth Semester

Academic Success

  1. Complete Declaration of Major Process, complete and submit petitions for dual degrees
  2. Explore major-related clubs, professional organizations, and honor societies
  3. Consider taking the ENG 100-01 Intro to Academic Writings [W] to refine your writing skills if you have not already
  4. Attend the Global Expressions Institute to work on your English pronunciation and speaking skills
  5. Request a new I-20 if the major has changed since document was issued

Career Preparedness

  1. Explore professional organizations
  2. Research graduate program admission requirements
  3. Continue to apply for summer jobs, volunteer work, Excel Scholars, or internships
  4. Use the services provided by the Gateway Career Center to practice interview skills and work on your application materials
  5. Attend the SophoMore Success Program
  6. Attend (required) workshops related to working and handling government processes under F-1 status

Networking

  1. Meet with a faculty mentor at least twice a semester
  2. Set up study groups with your classmates for your major-specific courses
  3. Visit your course instructors’ office hours at least once per semester
  4. Visit the director of the EAP Center, your Class Year Dean, and Gateway counselor at least once a semester
  5. Participate in employer career-related engagements across campus
  6. Continue building your network
  7. Meet with your assigned Gateway Career Counselor for support tapping into the Lafayette alumni network using GatewayLink and LinkedIn
  8. Remain active in ISAnchor

Professional Development

  1. Take a leadership role in campus organization(s)
  2. Participate in community engagement activities
  3. Explore certification opportunities (Excel Training & Certification Program, LinkedIn Learning)
  4. Seek scholarship & fellowship opportunities by making appointments with advisors in the Scholarships and Fellowships program

Summer

  1. Excel Scholar Program
  2. Internship
  3. Community Service/Volunteering
  4. Job
  5. Classes
  6. Study Abroad

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Third Year

Narrow down your options, gain experience, and build your network

Fifth Semester

Academic Success

  1. Revisit your academic plan with your advisor
  2. Discuss the value of soft skills with your advisor

Career Preparedness

  1. Attend the “Writing Cover Letter” workshop provided by the EAP center
  2. Apply for summer jobs or internships relevant to your career. Be aware of early fall application deadlines
  3. Attend Gateway Career Center’s special programs, including Fall Career Fair, employer information sessions, and industry week programs
  4. Apply to participate in January Externship Program and/or January Career Tracks Program
  5. Meet with your assigned Gateway Career Counselor to review/update your resume and LinkedIn profile, as well as to get support with your internship search
  6. Attend workshops related to working and handling government processes under F-1 status

Networking

  1. Visit your course instructors during their office hours at least once per semester
  2. Visit your academic advisor, the director of the EAP Center, the Class Year Dean, and Gateway counselor at least once a semester
  3. Participate in networking events
  4. Line up faculty members and other professional staff who can write recommendations for you
  5. Participate in alumni career-related engagements across campus and utilize GatewayLink and LinkedIn for informational interviewing
  6. Remain active in ISAnchor and attend International Alumni Homecoming Brunch

Professional Development

  1. Connect with a faculty member and ask for the Excel Scholar research opportunity in the summer
  2. Develop additional skills and obtain professional certification relevant to your major (e.g., Excel certification)
  3. Become a leader in campus organization(s)
  4. Create a list of graduate schools of interest (if applicable)
  5. Plan to take GRE, LSAT, MCAT, or GMAT for graduate school (if applicable)
  6. Seek scholarship & fellowship opportunities by making appointments with advisors in the Scholarships and Fellowships program

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Sixth Semester

Academic Success

  1. Meet with your academic advisor or Class Year Dean for an official degree progress check
  2. Review Degree Works for accuracy and progress toward your degree

Career Preparedness

  1. Get involved with the Externship program
  2. Meet with your assigned Gateway Career Counselor to review your updated resume and discuss internship search strategies
  3. Practice professional interview skills
  4. Use Interstride to identify organizations in your fields of interest that have a history of providing visa sponsorship
  5. Attend Gateway Career Center’s special programs
  6. Attend workshops related to working and handling government processes under F-1 status (especially the immigration attorney session on post-graduation visa options and an OPT workshops for working in the U.S. during the academic year if not using CPT)

Networking

  1. Visit your course instructors during their office hours at least once per semester
  2. Visit your academic advisor, the director of the EAP Center, Class Year Dean, and Gateway counselor at least once a semester
  3. Create a list of academic and professional references
  4. Participate in alumni connection programs and utilize GatewayLink and LinkedIn for informational interviewing.
  5. Participate in networking events
  6. Remain active in ISAnchor

Professional Development

  1. Participate in research opportunities
  2. Develop additional skills and obtain professional certifications relevant to your major (e.g., Excel certification)
  3. Attend a CPT workshop for information about eligibility to intern/work in the U.S. for an employer other than Lafayette College.
  4. Become a leader in campus organization(s)
  5. Create a list of graduate schools of interest (if applicable)
  6. Plan to take GRE, LSAT, MCAT, or GMAT for graduate school (if applicable)
  7. Seek scholarship & fellowship opportunities by making appointments with advisors in the Scholarships and Fellowships program

Summer

  1. Excel Scholar Program
  2. Internship
  3. Community Service/Volunteering
  4. Job
  5. Classes
  6. Study Abroad

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Fourth Year

Make a plan for after graduation

Seventh Semester

Academic Success

  1. Verify degree progress towards completion with Degree Works and your advisor
  2. Ensure all senior seminar or capstone requirements have been met
  3. Consider completing an honors thesis
  4. Meet with your advisor to discuss any academic challenges or concerns you have
  5. Meet with your academic advisor to discuss articulating the value of soft skills and the liberal arts education
  6. Apply for Graduation through the Registrar’s Office

Career Preparedness

  1. Attend the “Writing Cover Letter” workshop provided by the EAP center if you have not yet
  2. Apply to participate in the January Externship Program and/or January Career Tracks Program
  3. Apply for jobs as early as possible. Pay close attention to application deadlines
  4. Use Interstride to identify organizations in your fields of interest that have a history of providing visa sponsorship
  5. Attend sessions and workshops on job search strategies
  6. Practice interview skills
  7. Update resume, as well as LinkedIn and Handshake profiles
  8. Attend at least one of the mandatory OPT workshops if seeking to work in the U.S. after graduation

Networking

  1. Visit your course instructors’ office hours at least once per semester
  2. Visit your academic advisor, the director of the EAP Center, Class Year Dean, and Gateway Counselor at least once a semester
  3. Participate in networking events and utilize GatewayLink and LinkedIn for informational interviewing
  4. Remain active in ISAnchor and attend International Alumni Homecoming Brunch
  5. Reconnect with previous connections to remind them of your upcoming graduation
  6. Regularly check Handshake for campus/virtual visits from company recruiters
  7. Search LinkedIn for alumni connections at companies of interest

Professional Development

  1. Apply for graduate school (if applicable)
  2. Attend a workshop on the F1 graduate school transfer process (if applicable)
  3. Develop additional skills and obtain professional certifications relevant to career interests
  4. Seek scholarship & fellowship opportunities by making appointments with advisors in the Scholarships and Fellowships program

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Eighth Semester

Academic Success

  1. Verify degree progress toward completion with DegreeWorks
  2. Maintain a close watch on your Lafayette email address
  3. Update mailing address to ensure your diploma is mailed to the proper address

Career Preparedness

  1. Apply and interview for jobs
  2. Attend at least one of the mandatory OPT workshops, sign up for your OPT 1:1 appointment within International Student Advising, attend the OPT Fiesta and the immigration attorney session on post-graduation visa options

Networking

  1. Connect with alumni by joining the Lafayette’s alumni online network, LeopardLink, and  Lafayette’s professional networking platform, GatewayLink
  2. Remain active in ISAnchor
  3. Connect with classmates who intend to enter similar types of workplace after graduation

Professional Development

  1. Finalizing your graduate school application process (if applicable)
  2. Attend a workshop on the F1 graduate school transfer process (if applicable)
  3. Seek scholarship & fellowship opportunities by making appointments with advisors in the Scholarships and Fellowships program

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References:

Academic success compass for international students. Syracuse University College of Arts & Sciences.