Program Description
The English Conversation & American Culture Program provides English Language instruction in the context of popular topics, such as sustainability & SDGs, social justice and gender identity issues, popular culture, and tourism / hospitality in Portland. Portland State University is one of the leading institutions in sustainability and is located in the heart of a sustainable city. Students will learn about PSU’s and Portland’s sustainability efforts, visit non-profit organizations and have the opportunity to volunteer in the community. Portland is also a desired tourist destination, allowing students to visit local coffee shops, restaurants and hotels.
Each class will focus on developing students’ listening, speaking, writing and vocabulary skills within these specific content areas. Classes are communicative in approach and student-centered in delivery. In addition to the 12 weekly hours of classroom instruction, students will participate in 4 weekly hours of small group conversation partner sessions with PSU students. This will further improve student’s communication skills and increase their confidence.
Through activities outside the classroom and with their host families students will have ample opportunity to explore cultural topics and expand their English language skills.
Tentative Schedule
Class Related Activities
- Volunteer at a non-profit organization
- Participate in the PSU Sustainability Tour
- Visit PSU Resource Centers (Queer Resource Center, Women’s Resource Center, etc.)
- Visit coffee shops, restaurants, hotels
Extracurricular Activities
- Attend weekly international coffee hour to chat with other PSU students
- Visit popular places like the PSU Farmers’ Market, Saturday Market & Powell Bookstore
- Explore neighborhoods
- Go to the mall for tax-free shopping
- Participate in a downtown walking tour
- Visit the Columbia Gorge and Multnomah Falls
Program Dates
Fall 2024 September 30 - December 13, 2024
Orientation and Farewell
- Orientation on September 30, 2024:
- Students will receive a PSU ID card and PSU computer account.
- Students will get a campus tour.
- Recognition ceremony on December 11, 2024:
- Students will receive a certificate of completion.
- Students will receive a grade report via email within 2 weeks after program completion.
Insurance
- Students are required to purchase their own health insurance in their home country.
- In case of illness or a medical emergency, students can use Zoom care and the nearby Oregon Health Science University Hospital (OHSU).
Program Fees and Homestay Information
Please contact us at isp.programs@pdx.edu for more information about program fees.
Please contact ACES at kellie@exploretheworld.org for more information about homestay fees.
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
- Anyone can attend the program on a visitor visa (ESTA)
Deadlines and Notifications
- You must complete both the application for the program and homestay by August 2, 2024.
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 14 days prior to the start of the program, you will be refunded 50% 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 33% of the program fee minus the $120 non-refundable application fee.
- Once the program has started there will be no refunds.
- If PSU has to cancel the program for any reason before the start date you will receive a full refund.