Intensive English & Culture Program

This program is designed for high school students who want to experience U.S. university life while practicing their English language skills in an immersive setting. During the program students will take English language classes, learn about U.S. and university culture, tour university departments, and meet with the admissions team to learn more about U.S. application processes and scholarship opportunities.

The program will be hosted by PLACE (Programs for Learning Academic and Community English), which is the home for English language instruction and training at CSU.

Additional details and registration information can be found by expanding the tabs below.

Course and Program Descriptions

U.S. University Admissions Workshops
This series of workshops leads students through the Common App, the application used by many U.S. universities. Students will write a personal statement and learn more about scholarship opportunities. They will meet with CSU’s admissions team and have an opportunity to tour various departments on campus.

Academic English for Listening & Speaking
Students will be integrated into Listening & Speaking classes with other students from around the globe. A placement test will be given to determine the appropriate class level. For advanced English speakers, the class will include listening to academic lectures, podcasts, and other authentic audio as well as giving presentations, discussions, debates, and other activities.

Culture Workshops
To coincide with students’ language courses, these workshops use Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory to discuss the differences in culture across the globe. Students are encouraged to be curious and take note of differences that they see on excursions. Not only will students become more aware of their surroundings while traveling, but they will also gain a new perspective of their own culture and personal experiences in relation to the world around them. These realizations will be integrated as part of their capstone project. Students will practice all language skills during these workshops.

Language and Practice
This course is all about experiential learning. Students will participate in activities on campus and in the community, while using their English language skills. The theme for this course centers on community and what it means to be an international student. Participants will be integrated into class with students from various linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

Cultural Activities

Since a large part of studying abroad is to learn more about that culture, PLACE will organize weekly cultural activities for the participants to engage with the local culture, as well as the broader U.S. culture. Specific day trips and activities may include Rocky Mountain National Park, Denver, Fort Collins downtown tour, movie night, sporting events, and some activities that are for all the international students at CSU.

Accommodations

Students will stay in the on-campus residence hall during the program, so they will get full experience living on campus with other students. The on-campus residence hall provides free Wi-Fi, towels, linens, and pillows. Each residence hall has common space which includes a lobby, TV lounge, kitchen, game room, and more.

All weekday meals are included in the cost of the program. Students will eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner on campus during class days in the university dining halls by swiping their student ID cards. When participating in full-day cultural activities, meals will be provided. There are also many local restaurants near to campus that students may choose for weekend meals, etc.

Transportation

PLACE provides transportation to all program-sponsored activities, via either university vans or the City of Fort Collins Transfort bus system.

Participants will be responsible for their own airfare to the United States The closest airport to Fort Collins is Denver International Airport. PLACE will provide airport pick-up and drop-off for all student groups.

Safety

Safety is our number one priority. During the program, students will be added to a Whatsapp group monitored by all program leaders. They will also have a 24/7 phone line to call in case of emergency.
A chaperone will stay in the residence halls on campus with the students, and be available in the evenings and overnight should an incident arise.

International Activities

On-Campus Initiatives

Resources

English Language and Culture Program