ACTION AMERICA, on the campus of Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, will enhance your English skills through short-term intensive language study, cultural and professional experiences, travel, and interaction with native English speakers.
Andrews University is home to 3,000 students from more than 90 countries and offers over 200 academic programs. Founded in 1874 by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Andrews is accredited by the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
Located near the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan, Andrews University lies in the midst of grape vineyards and apple, peach and cherry orchards. Lake Michigan, well-known for its white sandy beaches and small coastal towns, is one of the largest of America’s five Great Lakes.
As an integral part of the program, ACTION AMERICA students will enjoy a variety of activities, both locally and in Chicago. Just across the lake from Andrews, Chicago is famous for its dazzling waterfront, excellent shopping and exciting cultural opportunities. The Art Institute of Chicago, the Shedd Aquarium, the Sears Tower—one of the tallest buildings in the world—and the Field Museum of Natural History are some of Chicago’s greatest attractions.
Fruit and berry picking at local farms and orchards is a favorite activity for visitors to Southwest Michigan. Those who enjoy the outdoors will find the area beaches, lakes and rivers excellent for swimming, canoeing, cook-outs and picnics. Nearby forest trails are ideal for hiking.
Sports fans will also find plenty to do while visiting the area and may attend local games in nearby towns and Chicago. For those who wish to participate in sports, the Andrews campus is equipped with baseball, football and soccer fields, basketball, tennis and racquetball courts, and an Olympic-sized, indoor swimming pool. On-campus health clubs with state-of-the-art exercise equipment are also available.
Students will also attend local indoor and outdoor concerts, theaters, and museums and will enjoy restaurants with foods from around the world. Summer fairs and festivals provide excellent opportunities to experience small-town and big-city American culture at its finest.
Requirements
Action America offers short-term intensive language study, combined with cultural and professional experiences and travel, for non-credit students. The 2013 Action America session will take place June 28 - July 26. We recommend that participants arrive on Friday, June 28, and plan to stay through July 26 or, at the latest, July 28.
Participants must be at least 16 years of age and must acquire a student visa for entry into the United States. The application for Action America includes the information needed for the I-20. After receiving the I-20 document from Andrews University, the student will need to make an appointment with the American Consulate in the country of origin to apply for the visa.
Customized sessions can be arranged for groups of twelve or more.
Students will be given English placement tests on arrival and assigned to appropriate courses.
Fees
Fees for Action America are based on individual or group rates.
Program Description
One four-week intensive is offered in June/July of each year.
All students participate in 30 hours a week of intensive language instruction, including:
- TOEFL preparation
- Grammar, reading and writing
- Listening, pronunciation and idioms
- Interaction with native English speakers
- Instructional videos and games
- Field trips
- Institutional TOEFL
All students who fulfill program requirements will receive a certificate of completion.
Experiencing the American culture is also an integral part of the program. Out-of-class activities—designed for professionals as well as students—include:
- Trips to Chicago
- Opportunities to meet people from America and around the world
- Sporting events such as baseball and basketball
- Theater attendance and dining out
- Shopping locally and in Chicago
- Conversational training in everyday situations
- Seasonal sports such as skiing & beach volleyball
Choices for Professionals
ACTION AMERICA also offers a variety of activities specifically designed for professionals. These include:
- Lectures on diverse topics
- Tours of American organizations
- Interviews with professionals
- Visits to university classes (as available)
- In-class, career-related assignments
Tailor-made Sessions
In addition to the regular schedule, ACTION AMERICA will design sessions at any time throughout the year based on the scheduling and curriculum needs of an organization. The group sessions must include 12 or more participants.
Those interested in tailor-made sessions should contact action@andrews.edu regarding session costs.
Professional
The Professional option includes classes and activities which promote language learning in the general professional area of the participants (business, medicine, religious institutions, etc.). Communication skills will be enhanced through in-class assignments, interaction with American professionals, tours of local organizations and other career-related field trips.
Cultural
The Cultural option is for groups of students and professionals who wish to experience the American culture in addition to improving language skills. Groups may select the activities they prefer.
