Syracuse University (SU) is planning a bridge program in the summer for international students to acclimatize them to the academic and cultural aspects of the country.

The program will allow international transfer students and first-year graduate students to take two, three-credit courses prior to the start of the fall semester. Courses include one class each on Library Research Skills and Global Leadership, neither of which would add toward a degree.

At the same time international students can also enrol themselves in summer courses offered at individual SU colleges.

The Global Leadership course will encourage students to interact with professors, participate in group projects and contribute actively in classroom discussions. On the other hand, the Library Research Skills course will teach varied research methods, academic integrity and familiarize students with the library system.

Tarida Anantachai, a resident librarian with the Slutzker Center, said that it is important for the international students to take up the library research skills course as the functioning of library systems is different in different countries.

"The students are going to have a wonderful opportunity to immerse themselves in the U.S. academic system," Pat Burak, director of the Slutzker Center for International Services said. "They'll get to see Syracuse University in July and August, two of the most beautiful months, and they'll start practicing their English, which is very important."

This pilot program needs approval from all the colleges at SU. If it does not receive maximum support, interested students can apply for these courses independently.

The university is expecting around 15-60 students to enroll in the program this summer.

Previously too the university had initiated a bridge program but could not implement it due to the following reasons:

- International students are not permitted into the country 30 days before the start of their academic program.

- Students are expected to confirm the booking of their summer housing months in advance as the university offers only limited editions.

- Students attending the summer bridge program need to pay from their own pocket, which costs around $7,500-$8,000.