Academic Details
During the program , you will learn about university life, participate in place-based learning experiences, volunteer in community service learning opportunities, and engage with faculty and students at the University of Oregon.
What is Place-based Learning?
Place-based learning takes you beyond the classroom to engage you in complex global issues as they relate to the local community of the language and culture you are studying - in this case, English and the United States.
Our place-based curriculum requires you to use your growing English language skills and cultural knowledge to interact with people and places in our community. We take advantage of mobile technologies, like smart phones and tablets, to facilitate learning and enhance your exploration of the local community.
This type of learning creates an engaging learning environment, increases motivation, encourages you to use English outside of the classroom, and engages you as a multilingual participant in everyday life.
Week 1: Introduction to U.S. university life
During the first week, you'll explore life in the U.S. and at the University of Oregon. You will meet with program staff and discover the university through a scavenger hunt and a game called Ingress. You will also observe college-level classes and learn about the admission process to higher education institutions in the U.S. - perfect for anyone interested in graduate school.
Week 2: Sustainability
The second week focuses on issues related to sustainability and eco-friendly approaches to business, architecture, policy, economics, and daily life. You will receive targeted language instruction to prepare you for the vocabulary and language functions related to sustainability. You will interact with a panel of experts discussing topics ranging from climate change, sustainable city planning, and more. You will take a guided trip to Portland, a vibrant urban city north of Eugene, to learn about sustainability. Portland is a model of sustainability, with many "green" initiatives, buildings, and businesses. The week's learning will culminate in a project using a game called ChronoOps, developed by the 503 Design Collective at Portland State University.
Week 3: Health & Emergency Preparedness
During week three, you will explore emergency response and health. At the beginning of the week, you'll receive targeted language instruction to prepare you for the vocabulary and language functions. Then, you will engage in an earthquake response simulation. As part of this experience, you will work in the classroom and explore the community. The week's learning will culminate in a reflection of the simulation and discussion of its application on a global scale.
Week 4: Service Learning
This week will involve engaging with the local community through hands-on volunteer work and reflection. You will visit two service sites for two days each.
Weekend Excursion
As a group, we'll take one weekend excursion to Newport, Oregon. We'll visit the Oregon beaches, enjoy fresh local seafood, and explore the Oregon Coast Aquarium.