The purpose of Pathway program of George Mason University is the chance to prepare English, academic knowledge and transition to the brand new culture of the US for international students. Through the first semester of accelerated pathway in Master of Science in Management, it is an opportunity for me to make myself familiar with the academic setting of School of Business of Mason and befriend with a lot of student both Americans and internationals.

Hjortshoj (2009) stated that “the most successful students take active responsibility for their own learning”. In my pathway program, I have chances to practice and experience active learning culture of the US, for example more time is spent on a project rather than other ones and how to read effectively. Other than that, throughout the program, it provides an environment for me to get used to the master program through two major courses which are IT management and statistic course. In these courses, there are difficulties that we have to face regarding contribution to group work. At this moment, during communication in class and the understanding of troublesome characteristics (Jalajas and Sutton, 1984), the group work’ performance is smooth leading to well performance of projects.

Through classes and extra-curricular activities from my pathway program, I have made a lot of new friends. It is meaningful for me at the first time in the US as socialization plays a crucial role in facilitate the process of adaptation in new academic and culture of the country. Furthermore, it is helpful in the next semester when people know each other and the interaction in class will be stronger, which will have a positive impact on the learning and analyzing knowledge and information of courses.

Bibliography

Hjorttshoj, K. (2009). The transition to college writing. Boston, MA: Bedford/St. Martin’s.

Jalajas, D. S. & Sutton, R. I. (1984). Feuds in student groups: Coping with whiners, matyrs, saboteurs, bullies and deadbeats. Journal of Management Education, 94-102.