Course Description
Classes are built around American Culture, including the unique “deep culture” of Portland and the Pacific Northwest Region. The focus is on developing students’ oral communication skills, fluency, and confidence through exploring current global problems relevant to the international student population. Students will explore “hot topics” that are tied to SDGs including sustainability (SDG 11 & 12), houselessness (SDG 1 & 2), racial and gender inequality (SDG 5), LGBTQIA+ rights, and other social issues.
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 hours of classroom instruction and 4 hours of small group conversation partner sessions, Monday through Thursday, totaling 20 hours per week. The small-group conversation partner sessions are facilitated by PSU students and provide students an opportunity to practice their English in a smaller setting. 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 can visit and write about places in Portland, attend cultural events, talk with PSU students and discuss topics related to American culture and the culture of their home country.
Activities (Summer 2024 Tentative 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.
- Attend music festivals or go to see movies in the park to experiencing American culture
STUDENT TESTIMONIAL:
“Honestly, I didn’t expect I could have this high quality and well-prepared English lessons in this program. It was very good that I could learn “practical English” not the “exam English”. I will never forget this experience in my life.” (Chloe Lee, a student in the Summer 2022 ICP)