By Patrick J. Aquilina
Columbia University

The United States, a country known for its diversity, offers a wide array of possibilities for the study of English as a second language, from language academies to small community colleges to large private universities, with many variations in-between.

Why a student picks one institution over another may depend on many factors: the location, the reputation of the school, the types of courses offered, the cost of the course, a recommendation of a friend, counselor or agent.

Everyone knows about American universities and colleges; however, perhaps not everyone is aware that many universities and colleges in the United States offer intensive English language study for foreign students. And although one purpose of studying English in a university setting may be to prepare to do academic work in the United States, students who just want to improve their English language skills will find a program to suit their needs in intensive language programs on American campuses. These programs do tend to be academically oriented, but functional and social skills, "everyday English," are also part of the curriculum.

Picking a program in which to study can be confusing and time consuming. However, if one decides to think about a college or university program, one possible way to choose would be to look at institutions that are members of the consortium of University and College Intensive English Program (UCIEP).

In order to be a member of UCIEP, a program must be administered by an accredited college or university and must follow UCIEP guidelines, which cover all aspects of the program, from general program content to testing and placement to faculty.

For example, according to these guidelines, attention must be paid to all language skills, testing and placement procedures must follow accepted professional standards, and UCIEP faculty members must hold at least an advanced degree or certificate in the Teaching of English as a Second (or Foreign) Language, applied linguistics or a related field, as well as have prior ESL/EFL teaching experience.

Of course, one major advantage that a college- or university-based program has is its connection to the institution of higher learning.

Full-time students in an intensive English program have the same privileges as any other matriculated student. This includes use of the libraries, physical fitness centers, and cafeterias, as well as the possibility of attending the myriad cultural, educational, and social activities that most colleges and universities offer.

In addition, there is a great possibility of meeting American students on an American campus. Some schools even allow students in intensive English courses to register for regular academic classes when they have reached a sufficiently high level.

A university-affiliated program also has resources that might be difficult to find in other programs. For example, The American Language Program of Columbia University offers intensive three-week summer programs in English for business or law purposes. In addition to English language study based on the content of business or law, these courses include guest lectures by professors of the schools of business and law of the university.
Colleges and universities all over the United Sates have intensive English programs for foreign students, so whether one wants to study on a country, suburban, or urban campus, all possibilities are available.

For those who plan to enroll eventually in an American college or university, a university-based program will offer the type of English study needed to succeed in academic work. But even for those who are not "university-bound," English-language study in an American college or university offers intellectual challenges, learning opportunities, and quality control as well as the possibility to see firsthand what life on an American campus is really like.