American Language and Culture (ALC) Program Session 1 |
Participants on the Stanford campus
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Program Overview
The American Language and Culture (ALC) Program at Stanford University combines daily morning English-language classes with educational field trips, lectures, and panel discussions aimed at exploring contemporary American culture. The ALC program has been run since 1977 and is jointly offered by Stanford University, the Stanford Language Center and VIA, a nonprofit organization based at Stanford University that has promoted US-Asia international education and exchange for over 40 years.
ALC Session 1 includes around 65-70 students from National Taiwan University in Taiwan, Seoul National University in Korea and Keio and Waseda universities in Japan. There are also seven to eight American Stanford students who host and live with the Asian students in Stanford University dormitories. The 2008 ALC1 program will be held from July 27 to August 27*, 2008. (*Students will return to Asia the following day.)
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Participants sharing their English class project |
English Classes
Daily morning English classes, taught by the Stanford Language Center, build students' English communication skills while furthering their knowledge of contemporary American culture. Through classroom discussions and individual writing projects, students will explore and investigate cultural themes such as independence and diversity, race and gender relations, family life, sexuality, poverty, and the American education system.
Because class size is small, with no more than 12 students per classroom, students are assured personal attention as well as an interactive and meaningful learning experience. Students can expect two to three hours of homework per day and will receive three units of Stanford credit with successful completion of the program. Additionally, as official Stanford students, the participants will have access to a wide range of University facilities including libraries, computer centers, athletic facilities, etc.
Further information about the English classes are available at the English for Foreign Students (EFS) website. A detailed course description from last year (2007) can be viewed here. |
Participants visiting Google
Participant showing a local boy how to make sushi
Participants and Stanford hosts at Yosemite |
Out-of-Class Activities
Students continue to develop English skills and foster an understanding of American culture during the afternoons, evenings and weekends through scheduled field trips, panel and group discussions, workshops, and other program events. These events take place on the Stanford campus, throughout Silicon Valley, and within the city of San Francisco (one hour away by train).
Possible educational activities include visiting Silicon Valley companies, attending a multi-racial gospel church, and volunteering for the elderly or children in impoverished communities. There are also evening presentations and panel discussions which allow students to meet with and hear the personal stories of diverse Americans. Such speakers might include from someone living with AIDS or a group of Asian students now in graduate study at Stanford.
Recreational activities include a major league baseball game, music performances, museum trips and a visit to the Great America amusement park which provide program participants with the opportunity to socialize with one another and use their language skills in an enjoyable environment. The program also includes a 4-day trip to Yosemite National Park at the end of the program.
The program calendar from last year (2007) can be viewed here. |
Participants and Stanford hosts eating together in the dormitory
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Multi-National Experience
ALC Session 1 participants include students from leading universities in Japan, Taiwan and Korea, and seven to eight American Stanford students. These Stanford students, the Claude Buss Fellows, serve as hosts who help organize program activities, serve as instant friends and act as interpreters of American culture.
Everyone lives together in the same dormitory (in fact, participants will usually have a roommate from a different country). Students also eat together in a residence dining hall and participate together in daily activities. In this atmosphere, international friendships flourish. |
Stanford Hosts' visit to Taipei
ALC pariticipants reunite at an event in Tokyo |
Post-program Connection
Past participants report that the close and long-lasting personal ties which they developed with other participants and Stanford hosts during ALC provide many of their greatest moments of personal growth.
The Stanford hosts will visit Asia several months after the program as part of their Fellowship and this gives the Asian students a chance to show their cultures to the hosts.
Additionally, the participants will be part of the VIA Stanford Programs alumni community, and by joining reunion events and programs for alumni, they will have an opportunity to meet new people who have shared similar experiences through VIA's programs.
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Cost
- $5,600.00 program fee includes Stanford University tuition, dormitory housing, a complete meal plan, most scheduled out-of-class activities and transportation costs, scheduled field trip including a 4-day trip to Yosemite National Park, and VIA staff services.
- The program cost does not include international airfare, medical insurance, textbooks, personal shopping and expenses, optional activities, and meals taken outside of the dormitory.
- Participants must obtain traveler’s medical insurance prior to arrival in the U.S.
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Information Meeting Schedule for 2008
| March 5, 2008 |
Seoul National University |
4:00 - 5:00 pm: Building 152, 1F, CJ International Center Seminar room |
| March 7 , 2008 |
National Taiwan University |
12:00 - 2:00 pm: 2nd Administration Building, 5F, 4th Meeting Room |
| May 10, 2008 |
Waseda University |
1:00 - 4:30 pm: Building 18, International Conference Center (Kokusai Kaigijo) |
| May 12, 2008 |
Keio University, Hiyoshi Campus |
12:20 - 1:00 pm & 1:20 - 2:00 pm: Kasetsu Kosha 3, Room 16 |
| May 15, 2008 |
Keio University, SFC |
3:00 - 4:00 pm: Lambda 301 |
| May 15, 2008 |
Keio University, Faculty of Nursing and Medical Care |
4:30 - 5:30 pm: place to be determined later |
| May 15, 2008 |
Keio University, Mita Campus |
12:20 - 1:00 pm: Nishi Kosha, Room 513 |
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Links
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Application
- Application information is available here.
- If you have any questions, pelase contact Kazutoh Ishida (Senior Stanford Programs Director) by email (kazutoh@viaprograms.org).
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