Short Term Programs
Learn more about what we do
Cultural Studies
Both programs include a fascinating Cultural Studies curriculum that highlights the American holidays and celebrations. Study Abroad students learn American traditions related to Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, July 4th to name a few and take part in cultural celebrations. Student experiences may include enjoying a Thanksgiving dinner (most international students have never eaten turkey or pumpkin pie), Baking & decorating Christmas cookies & gingerbread men, gift exchanges, dying Easter eggs, Easter egg hunt and others.
ESL Studies
The Study Abroad ESL curriculum chosen for each student program is determined by a variety of factors including the program selected, time of the year, and duration. Additional ESL classes are available upon request and can include:
- American History
-American Government
-Oregon history
-Science
-Biology
-Robotics
-Survival skills
-The American Home
-Family
-Cuisine & cooking in the US
-Money & Shopping
-The classroom in America
-Body and clothing
-Health and physical fitness
-Music
Field Trips and Activities
Field trips and activities play a large part of every ESL educational program. Some activities and field trips tie into the subject that is being studied in the ESL class, while others are field trips to explore the beautiful northwest and see many of the tourist attractions in the area
Learning Field Trips. May include visiting the Bonneville dam and fish hatchery, a local grocery store, Newell Pioneer museum and homestead, police station, fire station, Indian reservation, Oregon State Capital, District courthouse, or a Downtown scavenger hunt
Sightseeing Field Trips. May include Mt. Hood snow tubing, visiting Multnomah Falls, Crown Point, Downtown Portland, Seaside beach trip, Berry picking at Sauvie's Island, Hiking at various places in the Columbia Gorge, Sternwheeler boat excursion, The Portland Spirit boat, Powell Bookstore, Woodburn Outlets and day trip to Seattle.
University Tours. May include tours of Portland State University, University of Portland, Warner Pacific University, University of Oregon, and University of Washington.
Local Portland Business Tours. May include tour of Nike, Intel, and Columbia Sportswear properties. Boeing aerospace company tour option on the Seattle trip.
Host Families
Each student is placed in a host family who will provide three meals a day and transportation to and from school. Host families treat their student guests as temporary family members. They will speak English and will join in with the host family's daily schedules. and activities, allowing students to experience life in a typical American family during their stay.