Learn English through Youth Adventure | English Studies Institute

		Youth Adventure At English Studies Institute In Berkeley, California

Youth Adventure

This experiential course is designed for students ages 13 -17 who would like to improve their English while participating in exciting group activities outside the classroom to experience U.S. culture.

The course curriculum integrates daily activity with the classroom content. For example a class focused on California history is followed by a trip to San Francisco’s Mission District or Fisherman’s Wharf.

Course fees include the cost of room and board through the Orinda Homestay Program. The fee also includes all activities and daily chartered transportation between classes and homestay.

Teenagers learn English from active participation in the classroom and interaction with host families. An informal classroom environment encourages students to speak freely. Fun student-centered activities such as role-plays, pair-work, and group-work enable students to gain confidence and fluency in spoken idiomatic English.

The afternoon cultural and recreational activities provide students with opportunities to use the English they have practiced in the classroom and to observe and experience social aspects of American culture. Some activities are designed to facilitate awareness of American culture through cross-cultural contact and observations. Students make life-long friendships with their international classmates.

INSTRUCTORS
Our instructors are highly-qualified professionals with advanced degrees in Teaching English as a Foreign Language, or related fields. In addition, they have experience in teaching young students with limited English proficiency and their goal is to help students feel comfortable speaking in English and understanding a new culture.

LEVELS
Beginning to high-intermediate

CLASS SIZE
Average of 15 students

CLASS HOURS
15 class hours plus 15 hours of activities per week.

DESCRIPTION OF COURSE CONTENT

In the Communication Skills class (daily), students practice listening and speaking skills through the introduction of new vocabulary (including American idioms and slang), rhythm and intonation, listening comprehension activities, and communicative exercises. Grammar is taught in context only. Classroom practice is related as closely as possible to the students’ experiences outside of class, so that the skills learned can be used immediately in real situations. Students take tests and quizzes on a weekly basis. A textbook or reader is used in the Communication Skills class and is included in the student course fee.

The Communication Practice class (daily) provides additional opportunities for conversation practice and cross-cultural learning. Interesting topics on American society and history are introduced. Students work on assignments in pairs and in small groups. Activities include word games, jazz chants, interviews, discussions, role-plays and problem solving. Interview activities take place outside the classroom in the UC Berkeley community. Students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Participation.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES
Included in the program fee, the Cultural and Recreational Activities are selected to appeal to a wide range of interests. Activities vary seasonally and according to availability. All transportation and entrance fees are included in the program package. Examples of typical activities are:

Oakland Museum of California History; Lawrence Hall of Science
UC Berkeley campus; SF Fisherman’s Wharf; UC Berkeley Department visit;
Ferry trip from SF to Sausalito.

DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMMODATIONS, HOMESTAY

Most students participating in this course stay in homestay with American host families through the Orinda Homestay Program. We have found that the teens gain a deeper understanding of American culture when they live with an American family and fully participate in family life. The homestay experience also gives them additional opportunities for fluency practice and vocabulary development. Our students report that their homestay experience is a highlight of their time in the United States. Homestay accommodations include full board, breakfast - bag lunch – dinner. Please see the housing page for more information on homestay.

Course Dates and Fees

The $1660 fee covers 15 hours of evaluated instruction, class materials, and 15 hours of cultural/recreational activities per week for 3 weeks. Transportation to and from homestay and activities is also included. Homestay costs $990 for 20 nights and is payable to the Orinda Homestay Program. Airport transfers are not included in either fee.

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