Undergraduate Intensive English Language Study Program
This competitive program enrolls undergraduate students who demonstrate potential to become leaders in eight-week intensive English language courses at colleges and universities in the United States. The program provides participants with an introduction to American institutions, society, and culture. The program also provides them with intensive English language training, including English for academic purposes, as well as the development of general reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, and the testing of those skills. The program is extremely intensive and offers few opportunities for other personal pursuits. Participants are expected to participate fully in the academic program. They are expected to attend all lectures and organized activities, and complete assigned readings. Undergraduates who do not otherwise qualify for U.S. exchange opportunities based on limited English language ability have an opportunity to increase their English language skills through a substantive U.S. exchange experience, thereby making them more competitive to participate in other U.S. government-sponsored exchanges and/or admission to U.S. institutions.
Dates of program: Second half of spring academic semester
Preferred candidates will have the following qualifications:
- Hold a valid passport from the Kingdom of Bahrain and currently reside in Bahrain;
- Are first through third year undergraduate students from colleges, universities, or other institutions of higher education;
- Are typically 25 years of age or younger;
- Have TOEFL test results (or equivalent) of approximately 420-480 or other indication of a moderate proficiency level of English language ability;
- Have a sustained high level of academic achievement, as indicated in grades, awards, and teacher recommendations;
- Have demonstrated commitment to community and extracurricular university activities;
- Are mature, responsible, independent, confident, open-minded, tolerant, thoughtful, and inquisitive;
- Are comfortable with campus life, prepared to share living accommodations, and able to make adjustments to cultural and social practices different from those of their home country.
- Are willing and able to participate in an intensive academic program, community service, and educational travel; and
- Are committed to returning to their home country following completion of the program.