International Programs
The impact of international education is being felt strongly by American colleges and universities. In this age of a global workforce, there is a “two-way street” of students (and professional scholars) seeking to study outside of their own borders – in regions of different cultures, different languages, and different educational systems. The Division of Extended Education, through its English Language Program (ELP), offers opportunities for intensive English Language study for full-time international students who wish to gain competency and confidence in mastering academic English. The language training provided by the English Language Program is designed to ground international students in the fundamentals as well as fine-points of contemporary, American English, both written and spoken. Since many international students must pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) to further their education at English-speaking colleges and universities, the ELP helps prepare students to perform successfully on the TOEFL exam – through preparation courses and quarterly institutional practice tests. In addition, study in the ELP may be an international student’s first exposure to the “culture” and practices of a major, urban American university. So, language students not only learn the intricacies of English grammar and the tongue-twisting difficulties of the phonetic alphabet, but also gain understanding of “how college works.” Their time in the ELP gives students the opportunity to receive counseling and guidance in taking their next steps toward pursuing higher education at an American university. A special, advanced study level in ELP, designated “University Bridge,” helps students with the study skills, as well as critical thinking tools, that will ease their transition to university classes. In fact, the University Bridge level gives students an option to take a regular university course, through Open University registration, while supported by their language teachers and peers.
Similarly, the Division’s Semester Abroad programs invite visiting scholars, or contingents from foreign colleges and universities, to study for up to a 12-week session in the United States, again on a full-time, F-1 Student visa, while Short-term, Specialty programs allow foreign visitors to study on an “incidental basis,” usually for a period of 1 to 2 weeks. While the Semester Abroad programs are academically based, the specialty programs involve more conversational language training and introduction to American culture. For the Division’s offerings of Travel/Study programs for Americans abroad, see the descriptions under Enrichment programs.
Currently, the Division of Extended Education offers programs designed for international students in three areas: (a) the English Language Program (ELP), which offers intensive language training; (b) semester abroad programs, blending language study with two-week intensive study (in English) of American politics and institutions; and (c) short-term, specialty language and content courses.
English Language Program (ELP)
The English Language Program (ELP) offers intensive English training for students 18 and older via daily classroom instruction. Classes are scheduled during a 10-week quarter at six proficiency levels. University Bridge level offers academic preparation and access to open university credit courses. Instruction centers in the language areas of: Reading and Writing; Structure (Grammar); Speaking; Listening and Pronunciation; and Preparation for the TOEFL exam (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Visa applications (I-20) are issued by the ELP office for international students applying for student visas. The program is also available to permanent U.S. residents, visiting scholars, and any student on campus wishing to improve reading, speaking, or writing proficiency in English to succeed in his or her major.
Semester abroad
Semester abroad programs allow visiting scholars at the university, or contingents from foreign colleges and universities, to study for a 12-week semester in the United States. These are flexible programs designed to meet the needs of the undergraduate or graduate contingent to study in an academic content area as well as receiving language training. A common model is a two-week intensive course on American politics and institutions, combined with a regular 10-week session in ELP.
But other designs are possible.
Short-term, Specialty Programs
Short-term, Specialty Programs allow visitors to the U.S. to study on an incidental basis, usually part-time for a period of 1 or 2 weeks. Some conversational language training and introduction to American culture or other current topics are typical of the specially designed short-term programs. Other content areas might include: teacher training; English for nursing, business or other specific purposes. Generally, the incidental study in these specialized programs is permitted on a tourist visa. The program may be supplemented with field trips in the Southern California area.
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