Course Description
Classes will be built around Sustainability and Service Learning. Each class will focus on developing students’ listening, speaking, reading, writing, and vocabulary skills while also increasing their understanding of American culture. Classes are communicative in approach and student-centered in their delivery. Students will have ample opportunity to explore cultural topics and expand their English language skills through small group activities, projects, and interaction outside the classroom in the Portland State and greater Portland communities.
Students will be in class for 16-17 instruction hours and 3-4 service learning hours Monday through Thursday, totaling 20 hours per week. Fridays and Saturdays are filled with fun activities.
Class Activities and Field Trips
Classes give students the opportunity to use and practice their English in real-life situations. Students can visit and write about places in Portland; attend cultural events; talk with PSU students; listen to guest speakers; discuss topics related to Sustainability, Service Learning, and American culture; and experience volunteering in the community.
Activities (Tentative Summer 2024 Calendar) and field trips may include:
- Attend weekly international coffee hour to chat with other PSU students
- Go to outlet mall for tax-free shopping
- Participate in a downtown Portland walking tour
- Experience Portland Food Culture (Blue Star and Voodoo Donuts, Salt & Straw ice-cream, Stumptown Coffee, and food carts from around the world)
- Visit other popular Portland places like Saturday Market, the Farmer’s Market, Powell's Bookstore, coffee shops, etc.
- Participate in FOCUS (community organization) picnics
- Attend music festivals or see movies in the park to experience American culture
The class content will focus on one of the Sustainable Development Goals as established by the United Nations.
Below are some examples of topics, guest speakers, field trips, and service-learning activities.
Class topics may include:
We have used guest speakers who are affiliated with Portland State University:
Portland State University offices we're partnered with:
Guest speakers from community organizations:
Plus a service learning activity: