In the
past, the Summer English as a Second Language (ESL)
Institute enabled large or small groups of international
students to study conversational English and American
culture in a safe setting. Students lived among American
students, received intensive English instruction and
participated in a variety of cultural programs and
activities. The Institute was designed to meet the needs
of the client: future programs can be tailored to suit
specific group needs.
The Environment
Longwood University is a co-educational, liberal arts
institution, serving approximately 4,500 students.
Founded in 1839, the university is situated on a
beautiful, 154-acre campus located in historic
Farmville, in a region known as the "Heart of Virginia."
Longwood offers the highest quality education using the
latest technological advances in a safe environment.
Major
cities and historical sites are within a few hours'
drive. Charlottesville and Monticello, Williamsburg and
Richmond, the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah
Valley--these are all nearby. Washington, D.C. is only 3
hours away. It is this combination of safety and
accessibility that appeals to both American and
international students.
The
campus is adjacent to downtown Farmville--a busy
shopping and dining district. Institute participants
walk to shops, banks and restaurants. The town has a
Wal-Mart Super center, cinema, bowling alley, and other
recreational and sports facilities. Residents of
Farmville are friendly and extend warm "Southern
hospitality" to our students.
Instruction and
Educational Activities
At
Longwood's ESL Institute, qualified teachers of English
as a Second Language have usually provided 3 hours of
classroom instruction per day. Intensive instruction
includes such topics as:
|
 American
language and culture, conversation and
customs |
|
Virginia
and U.S. history, including American
holidays |
|
Phonetics
and the particulars of American
pronunciation |
|
Traveling,
shopping and dining in the U.S.
|
Upon completion of the program each student receives
an individual evaluation and certificate of
achievement.
Excursions to local and regional historic sites are
a valuable program component. In recent programs,
students traveled to Colonial Williamsburg,
Appomattox (U.S. Civil War site), and Richmond,
Virginia's capital, for tours of historic sites,
museums of history and art, and shopping. Future
field trips may include Charlottesville (Monticello,
Thomas Jefferson's
home), the Blue Ridge Mountains and Washington, D.C.
Peer Mentor Program
American students who have participated in
cross-cultural and language training are assigned to
small groups of international students for both
formal and informal interaction. Mentors eat meals
with participants, attend field trips and assist in
the presentation of classroom materials. The Peer
Mentor program helps participants practice their
spoken English and learn more about American life
and customs. Lasting friendships are often formed.
Recreation and
Entertainment
While at Longwood students may participate in the
following sports
|
golf
|
swimming
|
|
soccer
|
tennis
|
|
softball
|
volleyball |
In
addition to these facilities, the college has a
recreational center with bowling lanes, billiards,
ping-pong and video games.
Other exciting activities for participants include a
picnic and hayride, folk and square dancing, rock
music dances, pizza parties, and recent American and
classic movies.
Programs run for 3-4 weeks. Fees are comprehensive,
including:
|
Tuition,
room and board |
|
Housing
in modern, air-conditioned dormitories
|
|
Meals
in the College dining hall (Longwood has
a reputation for high quality food
|
|
Access
to all sports and recreation facilities
|
|
Transportation
to and from the airport and for field
trips |
Note:
Institute participants are responsible for their own
expenses on the field trips and for personal items.
