Programs

The Institute for International Studies offers English study programs that prepare students to effectively serve in today’s global community. Depending on interest, students may enter the following programs:

• The Academic Preparation Program (APP) prepares students for university level academic pursuits
• The Study Abroad Program (SAP) allows students to spend a semester experiencing American culture and improving English ability
• The Summer American Adventure Program (SAAP) allows students to spend summer vacation immersed in Southern California’s language and culture and touring famous sites
• The Business Internship Program (BIP) prepares students to enter a business internship in the Los Angeles area

Programs are built around a core of oral, listening, reading, and writing skills courses and are supplemented by a variety of electives to meet program-specific goals. Program participation may be on an individual or group basis.

Academic Preparation Program (APP)

The Academic Preparation Program (APP) is designed for students who intend on enrolling in an undergraduate or graduate program in the United States. This 6-level program is offered on a 16-week semester basis, and includes three required courses and an elective course, which total 18-20 hours of classes per week for all full-time students in the Academic Preparation Program.

• Oral Communication
  Offered in levels 1 through 6. Develops listening and speaking skills used in social and academic settings.
• Reading & Writing
  Offered in levels 1 through 6. Develops reading and writing skills for personal and academic purposes.
• TOEFL or TOEIC
  Test preparation courses assist students in obtaining the score to enter an undergraduate or graduate program.
• Elective Courses
  • American Culture (required for all students in their first semester)
    Offered in levels 1 through 6. Observes, compares, and analyzes American culture in natural settings, readings, and discussion.
  

Study Abroad Program (SAP)

The Study Abroad Program (SAP) is for any student who wishes to improve their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills for personal and academic purposes. This program focuses on the immersion of culture and language to dramatically improve knowledge of American culture and English fluency. This program includes two required courses and an elective course, which total 9 hours of classes a week for all students in the Study Abroad Program. Students interested in a more intense semester of language study or who must fulfill requirements of the F-1 visa may take up to 20 hours/week of additional language courses.

• Oral Communication
  Offered in levels 1 through 6. Develops listening and speaking skills used in social and academic settings.
• American Culture
  Offered in levels 1 through 6. Observes, compares, and analyzes American culture in natural settings with readings and discussion.
• Elective Courses
  Offered in levels 1 through 6 depending on needs and interests of current students.

Summer American Adventure Program (SAAP)

The Summer American Adventure is a 4-week summer program that introduces students to American culture and gives them practice communicating in English with native speakers and teachers. As an integral part of the program, students will take part in field trips and will be given the chance to practice the English skills they are learning. Students will participate in 18 hours of class a week, which focus on conversation, vocabulary, idioms, and American culture.

• Oral Communication
  Offered in levels 1 through 6. Develops listening and speaking skills used in social settings.
• American Culture
  Offered in levels 1 through 6. Observes, compares, and analyzes American culture in natural settings with readings and discussion.
• Vocabulary and Idioms
  Offered in levels 1 through 6. Builds vocabulary skills and introduces commonly used idioms for everyday English.
• Elective (elective options vary each summer)

Business Internship Program (BIP)

The Business Internship Program is offered to students who wish to gain working experience in the U.S. through an internship in a local company. Prior to applying for this program, students must obtain a TOEIC score of 730 and/or be placed in a level 4 or higher after taking the IIS placement test. Business Internship Program students enter the US on a J-visa and will attend 18 hours of classes each week for 15 weeks before they begin their 15-week internships. Our Business Internship Program includes the following four mandatory courses.

• Oral Communication
  Offered in levels 1 through 6. Develops listening and speaking skills used in social and academic settings.
• American Culture
  Offered in levels 1 through 6. Observes, compares, and analyzes American culture in natural settings with readings and discussion.
• Business English
  Offered in levels 4 through 6. Practices English language skills in a business context. Analyzes business culture in America and social skills used in working with Americans.
• Business Internship
  Offered in levels 4 through 6. Focuses on the process of obtaining an internship in the United States. Practices skills in resume writing, interviewing, and more.