The program aims to provide participants with English language training and a basic understanding of current U.S. societal values and norms.
SAN DIEGO – Thursday, July 23, 2015 – San Diego State University’s American Language Institute (ALI) is hosting a three-week pre-academic program for 35 Fulbright students from all over the world.
“Over 120 universities nationwide submitted proposals, of which 60 were considered, and a mere nine were selected to participate, so we are a part of an elite group,” said Barbara Bass, executive director of the ALI.
The program, which runs Aug. 3 to 21, is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs as part of its Fulbright Program, the U.S. government’s flagship international exchange program.
“While here at SDSU participants will receive English language training and a basic understanding of current U.S. societal values and norms,” said Joe Shapiro, dean of SDSU’s College of Extended Studies. “It is also meant to provide participants a sense of what American life is really like, beyond the books and lectures they experience in the classroom, and beyond how the media in their home country may have portrayed life to be like in the United States.”
The Fulbright students will participate in English language enrichment classes consisting of speaking, listening and writing taught by ALI instructors, including Ann Johns, SDSU professor emerita and one of the founders of the ALI. Additionally, SDSU faculty will lecture on topics such as the U.S. economy, cultural diversity and the role of the media in our country.
Alda Blanco, chair, department of Spanish and Portuguese and SDSU campus Fulbright advisor; and Eniko Csomay, associate dean, College of Arts and Letters and president of the Fulbright Association’s San Diego Chapter will welcome and lecture to the students as well. Mayor Mary Sessom of Lemon Grove will also speak in a course on American politics.
“The opportunity to be involved with this program, meet the students as well as the wonderful professors who will be working with us is a privilege,” said Theresa Perales, ALI’s Fulbright pre-academic coordinator.
The students are from countries/territories including Brazil, Thailand, Mexico, Germany, Turkey, Peru, Uruguay, Cameroon, Gaza, Uganda, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Panama, Vietnam, India, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, Azerbaijan and Morocco. While in San Diego, they will live together off-campus, which helps them bond in their shared experiences. They will also spend a weekend with an American family, allowing them to experience the American lifestyle first-hand.
About the College of Extended Studies
SDSU’s College of Extended Studies reaches out to San Diego, the nation, and the world with a wide variety of lifelong learning opportunities, and more than 50 certificate programs for career advancement. Topics range from contract management, construction, and craft beer, to grant writing, marketing, and human resources. And many programs are available online. The CES also offers one of the largest ESL programs in the U.S. through the American Language Institute; and university-quality courses to students age 50 and better through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Other opportunities include seminars, study abroad, corporate education and access to regular SDSU classes through Open University. For more information or to register, visit neverstoplearning.net or call (619) 265-7378 (SDSU).
About San Diego State University
San Diego State University is a major public research institution offering bachelor’s degrees in 91 areas, master’s degrees in 78 areas and doctorates in 22 areas. The university provides transformative experiences, both inside and outside of the classroom, for its 35,000 students. Students participate in research, international experiences, sustainability and entrepreneurship initiatives, and a broad range of student life and leadership opportunities. The university’s rich campus life features opportunities for students to participate in, and engage with, the creative and performing arts, a Division I athletics program and the vibrant cultural life of the San Diego region. For more information, visit www.sdsu.edu.
