English for Business & Entrepreneurship

Course Description

Classes will be built around American Business & Entrepreneurship. Each class will focus on developing students’ listening, speaking, reading, writing, and vocabulary skills with a focus on business vocabulary and how to communicate in a business setting, while also increasing their understanding of American culture. Classes are communicative in approach and student-centered in its delivery. Visits to local non-profit and start-up companies will give students an opportunity to explore different business types. Discussions with local entrepreneurs and touring local businesses will further provide insight into how businesses are structured.

In addition, 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.

Class Activities and Class Excursions (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 American Business, Entrepreneurship and American culture; and experience volunteering in the community.

Activities (Tentative Winter 2026 Calendar) and field trips may include:

• Attend weekly international coffee hour to chat with other PSU students

Entrepreneurship Excursions

• Learn about entrepreneurship from immigrants who own their own business in the U.S.
• Visit start-up companies like ADX (Art Design Portland) and Mama & Hapa's
• Tour local businesses

Other Excursions

• Visit scenic places like Multnomah Falls and the Columbia River Gorge
• Trip to Mt. Hood
• Enjoy tax-free shopping
• 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 the Farmer’s Market, Powell's Bookstore, coffee shops, etc.

Program Dates

Winter 2026: February 2 - 20, 2026  

Program Fees and Homestay Information

The payment fee is due by December 22, 2025. For the program fee, please contact us at isp.programs@pdx.edu. 

For the homestay program, students will all stay with host families arranged by ACES International Homestays, for more information please contact their team at aces.or@exploretheworld.org or read their Homestays for PSU Open Enrollment Groups guide. 

Program Eligibility

• Participants must be 18 years of age or older
• Most participants are students at a university or college, but it is not a requirement
• There is no required English test score

Deadlines and Notifications

• You must apply by November 21, 2025 to secure a homestay placement; space is limited.
• A 2.95% credit card processing fee will be applied to all credit card payments.
• All meals are included as part of the homestay program.
• Please wait to purchase flight tickets until you have received the visa support letter from PSU AND have received confirmation about your homestay placement.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

• The program fee includes a $120 non-refundable application fee.
• If you cancel 30+ days prior to the program start date, you will receive a full refund of the program fee minus the $120 non-refundable application fee.
• If you cancel between the 30 and 15 days prior to the start of the program, you will forfeit 33% of the program fee minus the $120 non-refundable application fee.
• If you cancel within 14 days prior to the program, you will be refunded 50% of the program fee minus the $120 non-refundable application fee.
• Once the program has started there will be no refunds.
• Please contact ACES for their separate refund policy. 

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this open-enrollment program, please contact us at isp.programs@pdx.edu.