Portland Center Program Overview

A class full of student listening to a lecture.

Our Program

Portland Center students take regular university courses while receiving targeted language instruction and academic skills support.

PROGRAM COURSE LOAD

Our program offers a 3- to 12-month academic study abroad program in cooperation with the Intensive English Language Program at PSU. The program students may register for up to 16 credits per term including a required course (4 credits) called Academic English every term. This Academic English course is open only to Portland Center program students and advantageous to our students because it's tailored to their specific needs. Students with a qualifying TOEFL score may also take more regular PSU courses as electives.

Courseload based on TOEFL/IELTS level

Students with a TOEFL iBT 70 /IELTS 5.5 or lower may take:

  • Academic English (4 credits)
  • ESL course #1 (4 credits)
  • PSU course #1 (4 credits)
  • PSU course #2 or ESL course #2 (4 credits, Optional)

Students with a TOEFL iBT 71/IELTS 6.0 or higher may take:

  • Academic English (4 credits)
  • PSU course #1 (4 credits)
  • PSU course #2 (4 credits)
  • PSU course #3 (4 credits, Optional)

PROGRAM SERVICES AND SUPPORT

We offer support for students in a variety of areas including:

  • Cultural and daily living adjustment
  • High level, program specific orientation and support
  • Designated ESL instructor
  • Academic advising
  • Homestay/housing placement
  • Activities and events
  • 24/7 on-call support
  • Extracurricular internship/volunteer assistance