Johns Hopkins University

SAIS Summer Programs | ESL and International Issues June 6–July 22, 2011 ESL and International Issues is an intermediate/advanced course that prepares international students and professionals to communicate effectively in academic environments. To complement daily classroom instruction, students participate in afternoon seminars and class trips to meet with policymakers and innovators and to visit cultural and political points of interest in the U.S. Capitol city. Diplomats, journalists, museum curators, executives and students from around the world are among past participants. English classes are held daily, Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Seminars and site visits average two afternoons per week from approximately 2 to 4 p.m. Course Number: 903.700 English Language Studies English instruction focuses on practical, communicative applications of the English language. Effective writing, reading, listening and speaking skills are taught using a variety of printed and multimedia materials. Classes are composed of students at similar skill levels, with approximately eight to 10 students in a class. Placement evaluations are conducted at the beginning of the program to ensure that students receive instruction appropriate to their skill level. Course requirements include writing a formal report or article, making oral presentations and participating in a debate on an issue of international importance. Students also have the opportunity to take an institutional Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Exploring International Issues In addition to formal language study students use the English language to probe provocative international issues such as global migration, outer space law and the psychology of cultural difference. Current academic and political points of view will be reviewed. Through classroom discussion and debate, individual research projects and group activities, students develop informed opinions and gain the confidence to communicate their thoughts in a relaxed and collegial atmosphere. Cross-cultural and critical thinking skills are boosted by the daily exchange of ideas between international classmates. Afternoon Seminars and Site Visits Afternoon seminars and lectures by guest speakers representing various government, corporate and nonprofit organizations address students on current international issues. Lectures will be followed by in-depth roundtable discussions to provide opportunities for students to ask questions and compare points of view. Students also visit points of interest around Washington. They may go to Capitol Hill to meet with a U.S. senator, attend briefings at the Department of State and tour educational, cultural and media institutions such as The Washington Post and the National Gallery of Art at the Smithsonian Institution. Additional Opportunities Students may take advantage of a number of resources at SAIS. The Multimedia Center provides a range of interactive technology and software programs available for students to strengthen their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. In addition, students are given full use of the SAIS Library and its comprehensive array of print volumes and full-text electronic resources.