IGTAAP - Welcomes All International Graduate Students!
International Graduate Teaching Assistants Assistance Program
The International Graduate Teaching Assistants Assistance Program (IGTAAP) is designed for international graduate students, especially those preparing to become teaching assistants, to enhance communication skills.
In IGTAAP, international graduate students can work with a coach to improve English skills, gain presentation strategies, get oriented to campus and the community and share cultural differences.
IGTAAP has many resources for enhancing communication. During sessions students and coaches can work together on:
- vocabulary
- pronunciation
- slang and idioms
- conversation
- listening
- cultural understanding
- and more. . .
IGTAAP is required for students who do not pass the SPEAK Test and are referred to this program. Coaches will work with students, both one on one and in a small group setting to help them become better prepared to be a GTA at Michigan Tech. Students who are already teaching can practice lectures or lab presentations with their coach.
In working one-on-one and in small groups with undergraduate coaches, international graduate students gain insight into what students from the United States expect from their instructors.
IGTAAP is not just for students who do not pass the SPEAK Test. All international graduate students are welcome to attend and participate in the program.
For more information, please contact Sylvia Matthews, Program Director for IGTAAP. She can be reached by phone at: 906-487-3058, by e-mail at: samatthe@mtu.edu, or at her office, 102 Walker Arts and Humanities Center.
The IGTAAP Coaches look forward to meeting you!
Nick Brant
"I started working in IGTAAP in the Fall of 2008. Here at Tech, I'm studying civil engineering; soon I'll be graduating. Outside of my studies, I like to participate in a lot of outdoor activities including snowboarding and ultimate Frisbee. I also enjoy traveling. I hope you are excited to be in the U.S. and I look forward to getting to know you."
Tyler Fincher
"Welcome to our website. I am a second year civil engineering major here at Tech. I love the long Keweenaw winters where I get a chance to explore the Upper Michigan wilderness and carve the ski slopes. I've enjoyed working for IGTAAP for the last year. I look forward to meeting you."
Lauren Hayrynen
"I'm a second year IGTAAP coach from Negaunee, MI. I'm a third year psychology and biological sciences student who loves keeping a journal, traveling, trying new recipes, and amateur photography."
Sher!
"I'm a second semester coach! I love my job learning about different cultures and sharing about my life. I'm very energetic, outgoing and caring about others! I enjoy shopping, singing, and having a great time. Can't wait to meet you!"
Kristin Moriarty
"Hello! I am a fourth-year English education student at Michigan Tech. I love running, biking, skiing cross-country, and writing. I prefer sunrise to sunsets and morning is my favorite time of day. I've been working with international students for three years and have enjoyed every minute of being a coach."
Ben Piering
"Hi! I am a second year Mathematics major and currently working for my second semester in IGTAAP. My interests include indie-rock music, guitar, and learning new areas of science."
Eric Thomas
"I am a 24 year old Tech Comm. Major at Michigan Tech. Along with this, I am a guitar playing motorcycle enthusiast who loves traveling across the country on my motorcycle. I enjoy working in IGTAAP because of the exposure to new cultures and learning new things from international students."