Communicating for Success

LEARN TO COMMUNICATE SUCCINCTLY, PROFESSIONALLY AND CLEARLY

No matter what path your career takes, it is essential that anyone responsible for communicating to the masses must have the skills to do so succinctly, professionally and clearly. As an international student at UF, we know that it may take some extra effort to master American English writing and speaking, as well as learn the nuanced language and rules of a career within the fields of journalism and communication. That’s why we offer our six-week Communicating for Success course.

About the 6-Week Course

Developed to assist UF’s incoming international students, Communicating for Success is designed specifically for non-native speakers. Through an interactive, immersion-style learning environment, students will gain essential skills to enhance their ability to write and present with a high level of proficiency, as well as gain the cultural awareness necessary to become familiar with the many standards and guidelines set forth by the journalism and communications industries.

Overall, this practical, hands-on course lays the groundwork to help non-native speakers prepare for the intensity of the UF Master of Arts in Mass Communications Program, as well as their future careers.

The Topics Covered Include:

  • U.S. journalistic-style writing techniques
  • Creating persuasive content for the U.S. market
  • Preparing and delivering spoken presentations, including tips to overcome public speaking anxiety
  • Pronunciation and intonation assistance
  • Tips to become an active listener
  • Cross-cultural conversation
  • Review of common idioms, jargon, slang and general vocabulary
  • Brief exploration of American classroom customs, attitudes and culture
TOEFL Score Requirements

Consistent with UF Admissions standards, graduate applicants are required to satisfy English proficiency by one of the examinations or exemptions listed at https://admissions.ufl.edu/apply/international.

For applicants taking the TOEFL, the College of Journalism and Communications Master of Arts in Mass Communication program normally requires scores of 27 or above on the writing portion and 26 or above on the speaking portion of the test. Students who score 24-26 on writing and 23-25 on speaking may be admitted under the condition that they successfully complete the Communicating for Success course, which is offered for on-campus students during the six-week Summer B term immediately prior to the student’s first fall semester.

International Master’s applicants who are conditionally admitted to the program with TOEFL scores that are below the minimum must maintain a minimum passing grade of B at the end of the class. If the student does not pass with the minimum grade, they will not be admitted to the MAMC program.

TOEFL Writing Score Totals

  • 30-27: Class is optional
  • 26-24: Class may be required as condition for admission
  • Below 24: Not recommended for admission

TOEFL Speaking Score Totals

  • 30-26: Class is optional
  • 25-23: Class may be required as condition for admission
  • Below 23: Not recommended for admission

 

Contact us for more information.

College of Journalism and Communications
University of Florida
2096 Weimer Hall
1885 Stadium Road
PO Box 118400
Gainesville, FL 32611

gradapps@jou.ufl.edu