4 Star proudly offers foreign students ages 14 - 18 the opportunity to increase their level of comfortably communicating in English, learn American history, government and culture, and experience the nuances of a college campus. Such instruction will allow those students contemplating college enrollment at an American institution the skills to complete the college application process and expand their knowledge of American life. The University of Virginia provides an excellent environment for these students as it is the creation of one of America's founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson.
The two-week program uses current teaching methodology and technology. A low student teacher ratio creates a learning atmosphere that is both engaging and effective. There is a state-of-the art speech lab where students can record themselves speaking in order to listen and critique progress. Students will take home a CD from the speech lab to continue to practice.
Targeted abilities include listening comprehension, oral reading, reading comprehension, discussion techniques, academic writing, and test preparation (including the TOEFL exam).
Campers will increase their speaking and reading skills in this immersion-style experience. Along with structured classroom learning the students will venture out to nearby historical landmarks including Monticello, home of Jefferson, Washington D.C., and UVA's Library of Special Documents. This philosophy presents many opportunities to speak English and assimilate into the American culture, which reinforces the classroom work.
Afternoons, evenings and weekends are spent on the University of Virginia campus or surrounding area where they will be with other campers from all over the United States in a traditional “summer camp” setting. This provides many opportunities to speak English and assimilate into the American culture, which reinforces the classroom work.
Faculty Information:
We have teamed up with St. Anne's-Belfield School to conduct this special program. Instructors are experienced secondary school teachers, advanced graduate students and other professionals in their fields, hired for their expertise and dedication to young people. Classes are small and stress personal interaction between students and teachers.
Other Activities:
Afternoon Activities include your choice of the following: Tennis Instruction, Golf Instruction, Recreational Sports or Enrichment Package.
Summer evenings are a time to relax, socialize, and have fun. We have planned an impressive schedule of "just for fun" activities including bowling, capture the flag, karaoke, dinner out, dancing, pizza and birthday night, Ice Cream Social, at-camp and in-town movies, and more! Activities may vary depending on site.
Campers attending multi-week sessions will have the occasion to attend one-day, supervised excursions at a variety of locations on Saturday and Sunday. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience what Virginia and surrounding areas have to offer while reinforcing the friendships built during the week’s activities.
These excursions might include:
- Paramount’s King’s Dominion
- Busch Gardens
- Watercountry USA
- Siteseeing in Washington, DC
- A trip to Virginia Beach
- Whitewater rafting
Facility Information:
Students are housed in university dorms at the University of Virginia. Our residential staff acts as big brothers and sisters to students, yet also provides supervision and mentoring. Living in a dorm is a great way to meet new friends, have fun, and learn how to live in a group setting.
Since most students come to the program not knowing anyone, each is assigned to a dorm group to facilitate meeting other campers. Each floor has its own Residential Advisor - experienced in residential life - and a better than four to one ratio of students to staff.
This system was designed to ensure student safety, the absolute best supervision, and a feeling of friendship and interaction among students and staff.
Roommates are assigned according to age and we make every effort to honor roommate requests. Two students share a dorm room although occasionally a student will be assigned to a single room. The rooms are comfortable with beds, desks, bureaus and closet for each student along with a mini-refrigerator in each room.
The residents' lounges are a great place to meet, play ping-pong or watch a movie. Right outside the dorms are open areas for throwing a frisbee around, playing some soccer, talking with friends and other activities.
A large part of the program occurs at and around the dorms where friends, socializing, and memories flourish. The university housekeeping staff cleans the common areas each day - you are responsible for keeping your own room clean.
Notes:
Price Includes:
- two full weeks of ESL instruction each morning
- your choice of afternoon tennis, golf, recreational sports
- Or enrichment package along with two 1-day excursions over the weekend
There is additional tutoring available for a fee.
Also see Vacation Schools in:
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Virginia
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