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The study evaluated the impact the Bologna (3-year European) degrees have had on graduate international students enrolled in a private university in the United States. The evaluation focused on the students´ preparedness for graduate level work. The research involved the graduate faculty who had experience working with the international graduate students. The action research, with the graduate faculty, found that international students with the 3-year Bologna degree struggled with critical thinking skills. The recommendations of the group were to incorporate a critical thinking component into the current academic bridge course to improve the success rate of the international graduate students.

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With over 15 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Heaster has spent most of his career exploring the field of diversity and global education. Dwight has worked with over 40 countries, minority groups in the United States, and those organizations who represent them. His exploration continues in the classroom and his research.

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