Academic Transition Support

We know that it can be overwhelming to study in another country, especially if there are differences in culture and academic expectations. Brock International’s academic transition supports are there to assist students in transitioning to academics in Canada and at Brock.

PRE-ARRIVAL WEBINARS

Brock International offers pre-arrival webinars before the start of each term to help with your academic transition. Topics include introduction to technology tools, introduction to academic skills at Brock, and introduction to seminars & communication at Brock.  Find dates and times on ExperienceBU. 

One-on-One Appointments

If you have specific questions or concerns that are not addressed in a webinar, you can book a one-on-one appointment with an international student advisor. Common challenges we can assist with include adjusting to university expectations and language skills (e.g., grammar, speaking, reading strategies, etc.).

Tip Sheets & Resources

Explore our tip sheets and resources to find answers to popular questions or common challenges students face. Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Email isa@brocku.ca

University Success & Academic Stress

Tip Sheets

Goal Setting
Brock Learning Services

Tips for Online Learning
Brock Learning Services

Tips for Online Learning: Preparing for a Video Call
Brock Learning Services

Etiquette and Expectations for Online Forums
Brock Learning Services

Academic Skills Checklist
University of Saskatchewan / usask.ca

A Colourful Way to Learn Visually
Ontario Tech University / ontariotechu.ca

Dealing with Cultural Differences in the Classroom
canadianimmigrant.ca

Time Management & Organizing Your Time

Academic Integrity, Citation & Referencing (APA, MLA, Chicago)

Resources

What is Academic Integrity?
Brock Academic Integrity

Citing & Referencing
Brock University Library

Citation Help
Brock University Library

Preventing Plagiarism
plagiarism.org

Academic Integrity Cartoon Video Series
Toronto Metropolitan University / torontomu.ca

Tip Sheets

Referencing Sources and Citation Guides
Brock Learning Services

Exam/Assignment Prep & Studying

Resources

Studying in University – Develop Academic Skills
Open Library / ecampusontario.ca

Taking Exams – Develop Academic Skills
Open Library / ecampusontario.ca

Avoid Procrastination – Develop Academic Skills
Open Library / ecampusontario.ca

Different types of assignments/writing
Duke Trinity College of Arts & Sciences / trinity.duke.edu

Assignment Planner
Queen’s University / queensu.ca

Study Less Study Smart
Pierce College / YouTube

Tip Sheets

Study Strategies
Brock Learning Services

Tips for Online Exams
Brock Learning Services

Common Assignment Terminology
Queen’s University / queensu.ca

Writing to Answer an Assignment
Ontario Tech University / ontariotechu.ca

Seminars, Group Work & Collaboration

Resources

Working with Others – Develop Academic Skills
Open Library / ecampusontario.ca

Group Work
Queen’s University / queensu.ca

Tip Sheets

Tips for collaborating successfully in online group projects
Brock Learning Services

Getting the most out of seminars
University of Portsmouth / port.ac.uk

A Guide to Group Work
University of Saskatchewan / usask.ca

Seminar Phrases
academic-englishuk.com

Group Work Planning Template
University of Saskatchewan / usask.ca

Presentation Skills & Speaking/Listening Skills

Tip Sheets

Class Discussion Strategies
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Learning Center / learningcenter.unc.edu

Academic Listening Strategies
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Learning Center / learningcenter.unc.edu

Preparing and Delivering Oral Presentations
Trent University / trentu.ca

Talking with Your Professor
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Learning Center / learningcenter.unc.edu

Writing Skills & Note-Taking

Resources

Academic Phrasebook
University of Manchester / manchester.ac.uk

Email/Letter Writing Exercises & Examples
blairenglish.com

Taking Lecture Notes – Develop Academic Skills
Open Library / ecampusontario.ca

Note-Taking
Queen’s University / queensu.ca

Tip Sheets

Tips for Reaching out to Professors and Supports
Brock Learning Services

Essay Writing
Brock Learning Services

Formal Academic Writing at University
Ontario Tech University / ontariotechu.ca

Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing Basics
Ontario Tech University / ontariotechu.ca

Paragraph Writing – General
University of Toronto / utoronto.ca

Integrating Research in Writing
Ontario Tech University / ontariotechu.ca

Writing Introduction Paragraphs
Ontario Tech University / ontariotechu.ca

Writing Body Paragraphs
Ontario Tech University / ontariotechu.ca

Writing Conclusion Paragraphs
Ontario Tech University / ontariotechu.ca

Note-taking Tips
Brock Learning Services

Grammar & Vocabulary Skills

Resources

Grammar Explanations
perfectenglishgrammar.com

How to Use Punctuation: 14 Rules Every Writer Must Know
masterclass.com

English Vocabulary: 10 Ways to Improve It
grammarly.com

Vocabulary Building with Corpora
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Writing Center / writingcenter.unc.edu

Resume Action Words for an Impactful Impression
indeed.com

Tip Sheets

Linking Words & Conjunctions to Help with Flow
smart-words.org

Quick Guide: Use of Articles (a, an, the)
Ontario Tech University / ontariotechu.ca

Reading Skills

Resources

Reading
Queen’s University / queensu.ca

Taking Reading Notes – Develop Academic Skills
Open Library / ecampusontario.ca

Academic Reading Skills
englishforuniversity.com

How to Improve your Reading Skills
indeed.com

Tip Sheets

Active Reading Strategies
University of Saskatchewan / usask.ca

Dissecting Word Problems in Math & Science
Brock Learning Services

Still need help?

Book a one-on-one appointment for academic transition support.