Abstract:
This study examines whether the materials provided during new international student
orientation contain comprehensible input for the large number of low-level English speakers
attending the sessions. When the number of low-level speakers increases, the challenge becomes
how to communicate ‘critical first day’ information in language that is comprehensible to all
students. Materials are not effectively communicating key information to low-level speakers,
especially during a time period when they must familiarize themselves with a new campus or
facilities. The ultimate goal is to be able to provide this demographic with accessible materials
that will help them acculturate to the university campus environment.
A survey, comprised mostly of open-ended questions, was distributed to current Intensive
English Institute students to see what aspects of the orientation should be adapted to make
content more appropriate for low-level English speakers.