American English And Culture
Spend your summer in historical Boston and beautiful New England, USA.
Study English, learn the culture, participate in a wide variety of activities and make friends with people from all over the world, on the beautiful campus of Boston University in Boston, followed by a Home Stay in Amherst, Western Massachusetts.
About the Program:
This 2-4 week intensive English program for International students (ages 14-19) is designed around an immersion-style learning experience. This is intended to strengthen students’ English language skills as well as acquaint them with various aspects of North American culture. Participants are involved in a wide variety of learning activities, both inside and outside the classroom.
When:
July-August
Location:
Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, a world -renowned United States university.As you engage with students from all over the United States, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and the Americas, you discover new academic challenges, experience university life in the U.S., practice and improve your English language skills, and immerse yourself in American culture in one of the most historic, exciting, and cosmopolitan cities in the nation.
Amherst is a small, vibrant, and safe town in Western Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley, and was recently voted as one of the “best college towns” in America by two independent surveys. It is located about two hours from Boston and three hours from New York City. You will tour campuses of the neighboring University of Massachusetts, Smith, Mount Holyoke, Hampshire, and Amherst College. The region is known for its natural beauty, progressive thought, and vibrant arts scene. You will love your visits at the National Yiddish Book Center, founded by Hampshire College alumnus Aaron Lansky, and the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, which is an international center for children’s book art.
Program Curriculum:
You will spend your morning hours in a more-structured, language-learning environment. These sessions are designed to improve your English knowledge and introduce you to American culture. You will strengthen your competence in speaking, improve your reading comprehension skills and practice your writing style. Your instructors are experienced English as a Second Language teachers.
You are also encouraged to take advantage of our exclusive English Study Groups. These groups, led by current University students, provide an excellent opportunity to practice your English in a less formal setting. Over a cup of tea or coffee you will improve your spoken English in our popular Conversation Circles; you will express your creativity in our Journal Writing Group and test your comprehension (while having fun!) by watching recent American movies with your peers. In addition you will also have a chance to attend lectures and lively panel discussions.
Wait… Have we mentioned fun?! Learning can be fun, right? We’ve planned social activities and group adventures to balance out your summer studies.
You will go for field trips that both extend the use of the English language while giving you a better understanding of American culture. On weekends you will take part in a very exciting excursion program and take advantage of social and cultural activities that are fun and connected to your studies.
Highlights of the Program:
• Intensive English study curriculum based on immersion-style learning
• Field trips to local historical and cultural attractions
• Our exclusive English Study Groups: Conversation Circle, Journal Writing Group and Language Comprehension Group
• Informal conversational opportunities with American peers
• Speaker lectures and discussion panels with current college students
• A trip to Northampton, the picturesque American town famous for fine shopping and dining
• Sightseeing tours of Boston with a visit at Harvard, MIT, the Museum of Fine Arts, a walk along the Freedom Trail, a visit to North End, the famous Italian section, shopping on Newbury Street and eating at Quincy Market
• Visit at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, where the game was invented!
• Summer fun at the unforgettable Six Flags, the largest amusement and water park in New England
• Shopping at local malls and outlets, evenings at movie theaters, mini-golf, rollerblading, and more.
Housing:
Boston University Residence Halls. Single, Double, or Triple bedrooms, shared bathrooms, kitchen and common room. Separate Residence Halls for boys and girls. There is one adult supervisor for students.
Highly selected Home Stay families in Amherst and the neighboring towns
Coined operated laundry machines are for students use.
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch and dinner in the campus dining hall and with the home stay families. Meals taken off-campus while on outings are not included in the program price.
Arrival Airport:
Boston Logan (BOS) or Hartford, CT (BDL) Please consult with us before you buy your ticket.
Sample Daily Schedule
8:00-8:30: Breakfast and Morning Group Meeting
9:00-12:00: English classes
12:00-1:00: Lunch and Afternoon Break
1:00-5:00: English Study Groups/ workshops OR Field Trip OR Recreational Activity
6:00-7:00: Dinner
7:00-8:30: Speaker’s lecture, OR English Study Groups OR Students panel
8:30-11:00: Evening social activities designed by current college students
11:00: Face-to-Face Nightly Check