USC Language Academy Viewbook & Application (2013-2014)

Page 1

Intensive English Program usc.edu/langacad


For 20 years, the USC Language Academy

has provided the best university experience for international scholars and professionals through a rigorous program of study, campus involvement, and cultural and educational activities. Rapidly improve your English language skills, discover life at a top American research university and enjoy one of the world’s most vibrant cities. Let the USC Language Academy be your bridge to the world.


USC Language Academy The USC Language Academy is proud to offer high-quality English as a Second Language instruction on the University of Southern California campus in the heart of exciting Los Angeles.

Achieve academic success •• 21 hours of class per week

•• The top destination for international students

•• Small, fast-paced classes

•• Eight levels of instruction

•• Year-round campus housing

•• TOEFL and Business Tracks

•• Access to all campus facilities

•• Language laboratories

•• Friendships with Americans and international students from around the world

•• University preparation curriculum

•• Sporting events, lectures, art performances, film screenings and more

Study with highly qualified faculty •• Who hold M.A. or Ph.D. degrees in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), linguistics or related fields •• Who help you adjust to American academic standards and culture •• Who are multilingual

•• Who have lived and taught abroad

Join a prestigious American university

•• The “Trojan Family,” a global network of students and alumni Experience Los Angeles •• Weekly activities

•• A culturally diverse population •• A global center for technology and international trade •• A cosmopolitan environment •• Arts and entertainment

•• Mountains and beaches •• Year-round sunshine

Welcome

“Thank you for considering the USC Language Academy for your English studies. Welcome to our worldclass, intensive English program on the campus of the University of Southern California, the number one choice in the United States for international students. We are proud to be part of the USC Rossier School of Education, ranked in the top 15 among graduate schools of education in the United States. Our experienced faculty and staff will help you learn English in a dynamic learning environment that will inspire and motivate you to become leaders in today’s global marketplace. Come join students from more than 30 countries as you live and learn in Los Angeles, discover university life and experience your future!” – Kate O’Connor, Director 1


University of Southern California The University of Southern California is one of the world’s leading private research universities and for more than 10 years has enrolled more international students than any other U.S. institution.

229,000 USC Trojan alumni worldwide

USC

leads the nation in international student enrollment

Quick Facts

A Global Leader

Campus Life and Services

•• USC has 38,000 students, 3,400 full-time faculty members and 229,000 alumni worldwide.

•• USC students come from all 50 states and 115 countries.

•• 16 university libraries, computer labs, parks, fitness centers, an Olympic swimming pool, restaurants and cafés

•• USC is internationally recognized for strong academic departments and cutting-edge research. •• USC awards more than 11,000 degrees annually through more than 550 different programs of study. •• Trojan athletes regularly win national championships and have a long tradition of competing in the Olympic Games. There have been more Olympians, medalists and gold medalists from USC than any other U.S. university.

•• USC’s international student population numbers 7,200, surpassing any other U.S. university. •• USC is the founder of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities. •• International offices in Asia, Europe and Latin America support global recruitment, partnerships and exchanges. •• Notable Trojan alumni include George Lucas, Neil Armstrong, Frank Gehry, Kang Young-Hoon, John Wayne, Sol Price, Warren Christopher, Abdurrahim El-Keib and Kantathi Suphamongkhon.

•• Student health center for medical, counseling and health promotion services •• 750 student organizations to explore academic, professional, social, artistic and spiritual interests •• Sporting events, lectures, arts performances, exclusive film screenings and more

Graduate Degree Program Partners

The USC Language Academy offers intensive English instruction to complement departmental curriculum for several degree and preparation programs at the University of Southern California. Some of these programs include: •• Master of Public Policy and Management •• International Master of Business Administration (IBEAR MBA) •• Master of Communication Management •• Master of Strategic Public Relations •• Master of Journalism •• Master of Accounting – Language & Culture Workshop •• Summer Law & English Program

A Note about Conditional Admission: Successful completion of USC Language Academy courses does not guarantee admission to any degree program at the University of Southern California. All students must apply to the university degree programs through the regular channels, including the USC Office of Admission and individual departments. 2

For more information about these programs, please visit the Degree Partners section of the USC Language Academy Website, usc.edu/langacad.


Los Angeles Often called the “City of Angels,” Los Angeles is a global hub of creativity, innovation, business and culture.

The City

•• Second largest city in the United States. Metropolitan population: 13 million people

Entertainment capital of the world

•• One of the most diverse counties in the United States: more than 3 million non-native residents, 90 languages and 600 religious groups •• Strong industry sectors: business and management, aerospace, international trade, technology and tourism •• Subtropical/Mediterranean climate

266

•• Notable destinations: Downtown, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Malibu and Beverly Hills

Driving Distances from USC:

days of sunshine per year

SAN FRANCISCO

Average climate (high/low):

• 10 minutes to Downtown LA

Spring: 22° C / 12° C (71° F / 54° F)

• 20 minutes to beaches, airport

Summer: 29° C / 17° C (84° F / 63° F)

• 25 minutes to Hollywood

Fall: 25° C / 14° C (77° F / 58° F) Winter: 20° C / 9° C (68° F / 49° F)

• 45 minutes to Disneyland • 90 minutes to Palm Springs

CALIFORNIA

• 90 minutes to ski resorts • 2 hours to San Diego

Ski Resorts SANTA BARBARA

• 8 hours to San Francisco

HOLLYWOOD

Dodger Stadium

• 8 hours to Grand Canyon

Deserts

USC

PACIFIC OCEAN CATALINA ISLAND

LA PALM SPRINGS

Disneyland

GRAND CANYON

N

SAN DIEGO

MEXICO

“The skills I have learned here will allow me to expand my family business to the U.S. and other English speaking countries. My vocabulary has increased, my reading and writing skills have improved, and my oral skills have jumped to a higher level. I have learned so much by communicating with students from different countries and cultures and am thankful for the nice and helpful teachers who have guided us through the learning process.” – Danfeng Chen (China) 3


Academy Courses and Schedule The USC Language Academy will help you develop academic English for university course work and practical English for real-life situations.

Average class size

14

Courses

Language Labs

Interactive courses focus on academic reading, writing, speaking and critical thinking skills necessary for you to succeed in the university classroom and in global business.

•• Chance to practice everyday English outside the classroom

Courses are non-credit; certificates of completion are awarded to qualified students at term end.

Tracks

Core Courses

•• Reading and Writing: American essay format and style, research skills, scholarly articles •• Oral Skills: Conversation, public speaking, pronunciation, discussion leading •• Grammar: Grammatical structures and forms Elective Courses

You may choose one elective course each term based on level and interest. Popular elective classes include: Pronunciation, Slang and Idioms, Business Communication, Life in Los Angeles, English through Film, Journalism, Drama, Current Events, Spelling, Vocabulary and iBT TOEFL Preparation. Class Level:

Eight levels of proficiency based on your placement exam score at term start:

6 High Advanced Morning

4 High Intermediate 3 Intermediate 2 High Beginning 1 Beginning Foundations 4

•• TOEFL Track for iBT test preparation •• Business Track for professional focus (offered in Summer Session B only) Length of Study

•• 14-week fall and spring semesters •• Two 6-week summer sessions: A and B •• You may enroll in one or both summer sessions. •• Combined A and B summer sessions equal one semester of study. •• One full year of study is three semesters. •• Each semester is one level. If you study at the Academy for more than one semester, your class performance grades will determine whether you advance to the next level in each course.

Sample Weekly Schedule

7 Advanced Academic 5 Advanced

•• Language lab choices include: conversation partners with USC students, GRE/GMAT preparation, USC admissions advising, writing and grammar tutorial, and American culture.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Reading and Writing

Grammar

Reading and Writing

Grammar

Reading and Writing

Oral Skills

Oral Skills

Grammar

Oral Skills

Oral Skills

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

Elective/Track

Language Labs

Elective/Track

Language Labs

Academy Activities and Trips

Afternoon

Classes typically start between 8 and 9 a.m. and end between 2 and 3 p.m.


Interactive, student-centered approach

Program Dates and Deadlines Dates

Program Length

Deadline for Early Payment Discount

Spring Semester

January 23 – May 3

14 weeks

December 14, 2012

Summer Session A

May 21 – June 28

6 weeks

May 3, 2013

Summer Session B

July 1 – August 9

6 weeks

June 28, 2013

Fall Semester

September 10 – December 13

14 weeks

August 9, 2013

Term 2013

Fees Include: •• Full-time instruction •• Textbooks and course materials •• Use of USC Student Health Center with staff clinicians •• Mandatory health insurance to help cover the cost of primary and urgent care

2014

Spring Semester

January 22 – May 2

14 weeks

December 13, 2013

Summer Session A

May 20 – June 27

6 weeks

May 2, 2014

Summer Session B

July 1 – August 8

6 weeks

June 27, 2014

Fall Semester

September 9 – December 12

14 weeks

August 8, 2014

Spring Semester

January 21 – May 1

14 weeks

December 12, 2014

Summer Session A

May 19 – June 26

6 weeks

May 1, 2015

Summer Session B

June 30 – August 7

6 weeks

June 26, 2015

Fall Semester

September 9 – December 11

14 weeks

August 7, 2015

Spring Semester

January 20 – April 29

14 weeks

December 11, 2015

Summer Session A

May 17 – June 24

6 weeks

April 29, 2016

Summer Session B

June 28 – August 5

6 weeks

June 24, 2016

Fall Semester

September 7 – December 9

14 weeks

August 5, 2016

2015

2016

•• Weekly activities at reduced or no cost •• Access to campus facilities: recreational, banking, medical, dining, computing and library •• Student services: academic advising, USC ID card, email account, orientation program and closing ceremony •• Airport shuttle van pick-up from LAX to USC •• Express mail of admission documents NOTE: Program fees do not include the cost of housing, meals, immunizations or personal expenses.

*Discount granted to full-time intensive English students who pay total program fees (not including housing) by specified deadline.

“Studying at the USC Language Academy has been the best experience I’ve had in my life. I loved how I got to be a part of the journalism class because it not only helped my English skills, but also made me more creative in my writing. I also got to experience countless wonderful things that I never thought I would experience in my life. I met amazing students from all around the world including countries from Saudi Arabia, China, Thailand, South Korea, Colombia, Guatemala, Kazakhstan, Vietnam and many more. All the skills I have learned will help me in my undergraduate and graduate studies.” – Yara Hadi (Kuwait) 5


Campus Housing Living in the USC residential facilities is a great way to build friendships, get involved with campus life and complete your American university experience.

Enjoy

year-round campus housing

Parkside Apartments

Troy East Apartments

Fall and Spring Housing at Parkside Apartments (PKS)

Campus housing offers:

•• Studio apartment for two students •• Combined living/sleeping area, bathroom and kitchen

•• Safety and security – keycard access to building •• Convenience to campus

•• Community rooms, lounges and dining facilities •• Approximately four meals per week included in the total housing cost (the “apartment” meal plan)

Fall /Spring: Studio 2-person apartment

•• Resident advisers who provide guidance, cultural adjustment support and social activities •• Apartment-style living

Summer Housing at Troy East Apartments (TRE)

•• A non-smoking environment

•• Two-bedroom apartment for four students •• Living room, dining area, bathroom and full kitchen

Other Housing Options

•• No meal plan required

If you choose to live off campus, private apartments are available near USC. For information about off-campus housing options, visit the “NonUSC Housing” page on the Language Academy Website.

Both USC housing options include one Internet connection per student; extra-long, twin-size beds; dressers; desks; sofa; table and chairs; pillow; sheets and bath towel. Summer: 2-bedroom, 4-person apartment

6


Student Services Language learning takes place both inside and outside the classroom. The USC Language Academy’s full-time staff encourages your learning in many settings and helps you benefit from your time in the United States. Activities and Events

Students can participate in a variety of social, cultural and educational activities each week at a very low or no cost. Typical outings include: Disneyland, the J. Paul Getty Museum, Santa Monica beach, Hollywood Boulevard, USC Trojan football games and more. Advising

The Academy offers three types of student advising: academic, immigration and general. Academic Advisers help you reach your academic goals and can answer questions about Academy classes, USC departments and submitting college applications to U.S. institutions.

Fight on!

The Immigration Adviser helps you with questions about visas, SEVIS, travel regulations, transfers and extensions. The Student Services Coordinator helps you with questions about housing, campus involvement, living in Los Angeles, adjusting to American life and USC services such as email, USC ID card and health facilities.

“Being on an American university campus has been a dream since I saw it in movies back home. The Academy has helped my English greatly, and is giving me a solid foundation to start working on my Master’s degree. USC’s faculty and staff are far better than anything I have experienced before.” – Bayarmaa Bayarkhuu (Mongolia) 7


How to Apply Program Application

1

Complete the online or paper application.

Go to the “How to Apply” page on the Language Academy Website: usc.edu/langacad/app OR

•• Paper:

Fill out the application in the back pocket of this booklet.

2

Include a bank statement. •• Bank statement in your name OR •• Bank statement and Letter of Support from your sponsor, if the bank statement is not in your name

3

Pay the $150 non-refundable application fee.

4

Submit the application.

•• Online: usc.edu/langacad/app •• Fax: +1-213-740-0088 USC Language Academy University of Southern California 950 W. Jefferson Blvd., JEF 200 Los Angeles, CA 90089-1292

8

Program fee refund

If you cancel in writing with the Academy immigration adviser •• before the start of Orientation, you will receive a 100 percent refund of tuition and service fees.

1. RESERVE

•• Pay a $150 non-refundable housing processing fee. •• Check “YES” on item #5 of the Language Academy application. 2. CONFIRM

•• Online:

•• Mail:

Housing Application

•• The Academy will email/fax housing placement information and required forms after we receive your housing request and processing fee. •• Submit the Preliminary Housing Contract by the stated deadline to confirm your reservation for housing space. 3. SECURE

Submit the Required Arrival Form with your flight information by the stated deadline to secure your housing space. NOTE: Failure to submit the appropriate forms by the stated deadlines may result in your housing space being given to another student.

Credits and Refunds Early payment credit

We encourage you to pay your total program fee before arriving in the United States to help simplify the check-in and orientation process. If you pay before the early payment deadline (refer to page 5 of the guidebook for dates), you will receive a $100 discount. Re-enrollment credit

Enroll for an additional term of study at the Academy before the end of the final day of the current term and receive a $100 semester or a $50 summer-session discount.

•• before the start of Orientation and plan to transfer to another program, you must present the Academy with an acceptance letter from the new school and pay the university services fee of $900 per semester/$500 per session and a $500 cancellation fee. •• during Orientation but before the start of classes, you will receive a refund of only the tuition fees. (The service fee is not refundable once Orientation begins.) •• before 5 p.m. on the fifth day of classes, you will receive a 50 percent refund of tuition fees. •• after 5 p.m. on the fifth day of classes, you will receive no refund. Note: The Academy application fee is not refundable at any time.

Frequently Asked Questions Is there a deadline to apply?

How much money should my

No, there is no specific deadline to apply. However, we recommend that you apply at least three months prior to your intended program start date. Keep in mind that the longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to gain admission, secure campus housing and receive your visa in time for the start of the term.

bank statement show?

How do I pay?

To receive an F-1 student visa, you need to show the Academy and the U.S. government that you have enough money to pay your expenses. If you are coming alone to the United States, you will need up to $2,900 per month to pay for the total program fee, housing, meals, etc.

Academy tuition and service fees are due by the first day of Orientation. Fees can be paid in several ways: •• Credit card: Visa, MasterCard, Discover

How long will it take to process

The bank statement must show: •• One summer session: $5,800

my application? When will I be notified of my admission?

Once we receive your complete application, you will receive confirmation of receipt by email or fax within two business days. Allow at least one week for complete processing of your admission. All admission documents (Form I-20, important arrival and health information, housing forms, an orientation schedule, a USC campus map and a fee statement) will be sent to you via express mail at no additional cost.

•• One semester (or two summer sessions): $11,600 •• Two semesters: $23,200 •• Three semesters (one year): $34,800 •• If your spouse or children will be accompanying you on F-2 visas, add an additional $600 per month for your spouse and $300 per month for each child.

When must I pay program fees?

•• Cashier’s check or money order in U.S. dollars •• Personal check written in U.S. dollars from a U.S. bank •• Traveler’s checks in U.S. dollars •• Make the check payable to USC and write the student’s name and current address on the check. CASH AND WIRE TRANSFERS ARE NOT ACCEPTED.


USC Language Academy University of Southern California 950 W. Jefferson Blvd., JEF 200 Los Angeles, CA 90089-1292 Tel: 1.213.740.0080 Fax: 1.213.740.0088 langacad@usc.edu usc.edu/langacad

Intensive English Program

Application 2013-2014 SECTION 1: Personal Information

Please print your name exactly as it appears on your passport.

Name

Last Name

Sex

First Name

Male

Female

Date of Birth

Middle Name

Country of Birth

/

(Must be at least 17 years old to enroll)

/

Month / Day / Year

Country of Citizenship

Student’s Permanent Home Country Address

Address

Street and Building

City

Country

Phone

State / Province

Fax

Postal Code

Email

*Contact information MUST be the applicant’s direct contact information, not another person’s. Failure to provide the applicant’s contact information may result in delays in processing the application or denial of the application. Mailing Address

Care of Address

(Name of individual, relative or agency who will receive the Admissions Packet and I-20 for student.)

Street and Building

City

Country

Phone

State / Province

Fax

Postal Code

Email

SECTION 2: Program Dates Put a check

✓ next to all terms you would like to attend. Please let us know your university plans.

Spring Semester 2013 . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .January 23 – May 3, 2013

I plan to apply to USC.

Summer Session A 2013...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 21 – June 28, 2013

I have already applied to USC and am waiting for admission.

Summer Session B 2013 . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 1 – August 9, 2013

Major:

Fall Semester 2013. ........... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 10 – December 13, 2013

I have been admitted to USC.

Spring Semester 2014 . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . January 22 – May 2, 2014

Major:

Summer Session A 2014 . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 20 – June 27, 2014

USC Student ID #:

Summer Session B 2014 . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 1 – August 8, 2014

I have been admitted to another U.S. university.

Fall Semester 2014 ........... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 9 – December 12, 2014

University name:

None of the above

SECTION 3: Visa Information If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you will need a student (F-1) visa in order to study full time at the Language Academy. Check at least one of the following items: I need a Form I-20 for an F-1 student visa.

I do not need a Form I-20. My visa status is: I have a Form I-20 from USC. My major is:

I have a Form I-20 from another school. I want to transfer to the USC Language Academy and will submit the following: 1. Current Form I-20 2. Copy of I-94 Card 3. Copy of passport and visa 4. Name of current school

My family will accompany me on F-2 visas. If more than one child, please attach additional information. Spouse

Child

Last Name

First Name and Middle Name

Country of Birth

Country of Citizenship

Last Name

First Name and Middle Name

Country of Birth

Country of Citizenship

Sex:

Male

Date of Birth:

/

/

Date of Birth:

/

/

Month / Day / Year Month / Day / Year

Female

SECTION 4: Financial Statement Students who need a Form I-20 must provide proof of financial support, including living expenses, for the number of terms they will attend. Submit the documents listed:

1. Bank Statement showing an available balance of:

One session - $5,800

Two sessions - $11,600

One semester - $11,600

Two semesters - $23,200

Three semesters - $34,800

Note: If your spouse or children will accompany you on F-2 visas, add an additional $600 per month for your spouse and an extra $300 per month for each child.

2. Affidavit/Letter of Support if bank statement is not in the student’s name. For sample letter, see our Website or contact the immigration adviser. Letter must include the

student’s name, study dates and amount of support.


Application 2013-2014 Student Name

SECTION 5: Housing Request I would like to apply for Academy Housing.

YES

NO

If YES, you must submit the $150 housing processing fee.

Do you have any physical difficulties that require specific accommodation?

YES

NO If yes, please explain:_______________________________________________________

Housing Costs The Academy will notify you of exact cost, details and payment information in the Housing Confirmation packet. Fall and Spring Semesters

Parkside Apartments: Studio/2 students (includes rent, fees and “Apartment Plan” meal plan). . ................................ $4,550/semester

Summer Session

University Apartments: 2 bedroom/4 students (includes rent and fees).. ............................................................ $1,700/session

SECTION 6: Program Fees Check the tuition and fees for the first term you will attend. You can study for more than one term and pay at the start of each term. Check

Tuition and Fees

Application Fee (required to process application, non-refundable)..................... $150

Fall or Spring Semester, 14 weeks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................$5,550 (tuition: $4,650; required university service fee: $900)

Summer Session, 6 weeks.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................... $2,900 (tuition: $2,400; required university service fee: $500) Housing Processing Fee (required if applying for housing).. . . . . . ....................... $150 Early Payment Discount (must pay all fees by early payment deadline)............. (-$100)

Total Due............ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SECTION 7: Payment Type of Payment

Credit card

Cashier’s check (U.S. dollars only)

Personal check (U.S. dollars only)

Please make checks payable to USC and write the student’s name and most current address on the bottom of the check. Amount enclosed:

Traveler’s check (U.S. dollars only)

$

I authorize the USC Language Academy to charge my credit card in the amount of $

Visa

Cardholder’s Name

Name of Student

Cardholder’s Address

Credit Card Number

Cardholder’s Phone

Card Expiration Date Month

Cardholder’s Email

Cardholder’s Signature

MasterCard

Discover

/ Year

SECTION 8: How Did You Hear About the USC Language Academy? Friend or relative

USC Language Academy Website

Internet/Website

Past/current Language Academy student

USC Website

Educational agent

USC Office of Admission

Advertisement

USC department

Education fair

Other _____________________________________________

SECTION 9: Signatures Required To Process Application Read the following statement carefully. Your signature indicates that you have read and understand this statement, and that you agree with it. I authorize the USC Language Academy to verify all information included in this application. I, my guardian or sponsor (as indicated below) accept full responsibility for program fees, housing, meals and any other living expenses incurred while at the Academy. I understand that Academy fees are due on or before the program start date. I have read and agree to the refund and cancellation terms on the Application Instructions.

Signature of Student

Date

If student is under 18, please complete the section below:

Name of Parent/Guardian

Phone Number

Signature of Parent/Guardian

Date


USC Language Academy Faculty and Staff “The goals of USC Language Academy students stretch beyond basic language learning. They are motivated to succeed in the nation’s top universities and professional industries. It is an honor to be part of the quality experience that USC Language Academy provides for these high-performing students from around the world.” – Marisa Garcia-Crocker, USC Language Academy faculty “I love the students: they are a motivated, energetic, diverse, funloving, funny, involved, delightful group. I can have a class full of students from all over the globe, and they will work together and help each other. I am always learning new things from them.” – Priscilla Taylor, USC Language Academy faculty


“The Trojan Family brought me so many opportunities that words cannot fully express. I have been fortunate enough to have attended the best ESL program in America, and I truly feel that it has given me the opportunity to come back to California to begin my career as a young professional.” – Sebastian Leria, France

usc.edu/langacad The USC Language Academy is a division of the USC Rossier School of Education.


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.