Welcome to the American Language Institute's uSC/ITA Program

The uSC/ITA program allows undergraduate students to help refine international Ph.D. students prepare for the responsibilities of being a teaching assistant, with the added benefit of facilitating a cultural exchange between both parties.

How the Program Works

A significant part of participation in ALI Classes involves weekly meetings between Undergraduate Student Consultant (uSC) and their respective International Teaching Assistant (ITA). Starting week 4 of the semester, ITAs are expected to meet with their uSC for 2 hours every week for 10 weeks.

These two hours will offer ITAs an invaluable opportunity to hone their teaching skills, practice the English language (pronunciation, conversation, slang, idioms, grammar, etc.), and gain a broader understanding of American culture. These words will often be summarized as “TLC.”

“I learned about Chinese culture which was very valuable, but I think what was most valuable was specifically learning how similar people are across cultures. Mengya and I had so much in common in terms of ideas and interests, and it was really cool to hang out with somebody who is from an entirely different background and upbringing but can still relate to you.” - Brooke Weiner

Who is a uSC? Who is an ITA?

Undergraduate Student Consultants (uSCs) work on a personalized, individual basis with ITAs to help them overcome any challenges they face. They supplement ALI courses in helping ITAs learn about American teaching styles, effective English communication skills, and culture. Wherever ITAs need help, uSCs are ready to help.

An ITA is an International Teaching Assistant. They come from various disciplines and nationalities to pursue their Ph.D. at the University of Southern California. As a part of their program, they are required to fill the role of a teaching assistant for an Undergraduate introductory course, and they work with uSCs to help them prepare for this position.

What is expected of each uSC?

uSCs are expected to build a relationship with their ITA based on confidentiality and respect. ITAs are typically older than their uSC and have more academic experience. In turn, ITAs should respect the expertise that uSCs bring to the program as they share their English and cultural knowledge. Ideally, ITAs and uSCs will mutually learn from each other and aid in improving ITA's English performance.

When and where should I meet my ITA?

The uSC-ITA program is designed to be flexible to meet your needs and your schedule. You do not need to follow a conventional classroom schedule – you may want to meet mornings, evenings, or even on weekends. You will meet wherever is convenient for you—libraries, outside, classrooms, Zoom Video calls, coffee shops—anywhere that works for both the uSC and ITA pair.

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How are students recruited and trained for the uSC position?

Each uSC is a member of a select group of students who have been specially chosen based on their excellence in academic achievement, their solid English language skills, and their proven ability to work with folks from other cultures. Many are bicultural and bilingual themselves. They have received intensive training to participate in this program.

Welcome to the American Language Institute's uSC/ITA Program

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