The American Experience Program is designed to be an interactive, informative, intellectually stimulating and spiritually refreshing learning activity. It will challenge non-native speakers to improve their English language skills, primarily through lessons, discussions and social interaction with native speakers.
The program has multiple objectives:
1) To promote a better understanding and appreciation of the founding principles and ideals embodied be America;
2) To provide students with an enhanced experience of America, through structured activities and independent interaction with locals;
3) To provide students with opportunities to practice their English language skills through small group discussions and social interaction with native speakers.;
4) To promote better understanding between peoples as individuals and as representatives of distinct cultures and societies, through social interaction and personal inquiry.
Meetings will be held once weekly, with one meeting of the month to include an informal dinner.
Lessons will be focused on English, American history, civics and contemporary social and political issues.
The program instruction will also include discussion panels by guests who have differing views on topics pertinent to the mentioned areas of study, with question and answer sessions and discussion groups following. Occasional guest speakers will also provide exposure to various topics for discussion.
International participants will be encouraged to give brief oral presentations about themselves and their country. They will also be given the opportunity to lead small discussion groups, in order to increase their confidence when speaking English.
Participants will also be made aware of opportunities to enjoy events and activities outside of the program.
