American Language and Culture (ALC) Programs 

Two sessions of the ALC program is offered each year. Each session includes around 70 students from the following universities:

• ALC Session 1: National Taiwan University in Taiwan, Seoul National University in Korea and Keio, Waseda, Doshisha, and Hitotsubashi universities in Japan

• ALC Session 2: National Taiwan, National Cheng Chi, National Cheng Kung, Yuan Ze universities in Taiwan and Keio, Waseda, Doshisha, and Hitotsubashi universities in Japan 

Both ALC1 and ALC2 programs will be held from August 1 to August 28*, 2010  followed by an optional trip to Yosemite National Park from August 28 to September 1*, 2010 (*Students will return to Asia the following day.). 

If students from universities other than those listed above are interested in joining, please contact Kazutoh Ishida (kazutoh@viaprograms.org).

English Classes

Daily morning English classes, taught by the English for Foreign Students at 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 of their choice such as diversity, race and gender relations, sexuality, religion, family life, poverty, education, the political system, music culture (e.g., hip hop, jazz), and sports in the U.S.

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.

Out-of-Class Activities

 
Participant showing a local boy how to make sushi 

 

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 calendar from the 2009 program can be viewed here.

Multi-National Experience

ALC participants include students from leading universities in Japan, Taiwan and Korea (only for ALC1), and also 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.

Post-program Connection 

Stanford Hosts' visit to Taipei

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.

Cost

The program fee for the 2010 program is $5,900 USD, which covers:

• Stanford University tuition
• Dormitory housing
• Complete meal plan
• Most scheduled out-of-class activities and transportation costs
• VIA staff services

The program fee does NOT cover textbooks, personal shopping and expenses, optional activities, meals taken outside of the dormitory, international airfare, and medical insurance. All participants are REQUIRED to purchase medical insurance before participating in the program.

The cost for an optional 4-day trip to Yosemite National Park (August 28 to September 1, 2010) is $350 USD, which covers:

• Housing in tent cabins at Yosemite
  
• Transportation to and from Yosemite
• Stay at hotel near San Francisco Airport

Information Meeting Schedule for 2010

Application

• Application form available here.
• If you have any questions, please contact Kazutoh Ishida (Senior Stanford Programs Director) by email at kazutoh@viaprograms.org.

Links to related pages

ALC Session 1 

• Program Staff Bios (for 2009 program)
• Program Calendar (for 2009 program)
• Student Host Groups (for 2009 program)
• Past Program Archives
  

ALC Session 2

• Program Staff Bios (for 2009 program)
• Program Calendar (for 2009 program)
• Student Host Groups (for 2009 program)
• Past Program Archives 

Partner organizations

•  Sesame Consulting Firm (Official recruiter for the Shanghai region)