Course Description
Classes are built around Tourism and Hospitality. The focus is on developing students’ oral communication skills, fluency, and confidence through exploration of topics relevant to the tourism and hospitality industry in Portland and around the world. Students engage in authentic, hands-on learning opportunities within Portland’s unique restaurants, hotels and attractions. Other topics include effective customer service, professional communication, and entrepreneurship in relation to Portland’s vibrant hospitality industry.
Students will have the chance to expand their English language skills through small group projects, volunteer opportunities, reflective activities, and interaction outside the classroom in the PSU and greater Portland community.
Students will participate in 16-17 hours of classroom instruction, along with 3-4 hours of field trips and volunteer time, Monday through Thursday, totaling 20 hours per week. Weekend programming also includes plenty of entertainment, such as tax-free shopping and local sporting events, as well as outdoor exploration of the Pacific Northwest’s beautiful natural environment.
CLASS ACTIVITIES AND FIELD TRIPS
Classes give students the opportunity to use and practice their English in real-life situations. Students will visit tourist attractions and businesses in Portland, attend cultural events, talk with PSU students and discuss topics related to the tourism and hospitality industry.
Activities (Tentative Summer 2024 Calendar) and field trips may include:
- Tours of local resorts and hotels
- Exploration of Portland’s unique food culture, such as Voodoo Donuts, Salt & Straw ice cream, Stumptown Coffee, and food carts from around the world
- Informative surveys and research at local tourist locations
- Meeting with Portland tourism professionals
- 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
- Visit other popular Portland places like Saturday Market, the Farmer’s Market, Powell's Bookstore, coffee shops, etc.
- Attend music festivals or go to see movies in the park to experience American culture