Preparing for University in the U.S.

Course Available
N/A Units
Online Self-Paced

Course Description

This Online American College Prep Course Helps International Students Achieve Academic Success

The academic experience in the U.S. can be very different from that in other countries. International students planning to attend colleges/universities in the U.S. can give themselves the advantage of learning about campus life and academic expectations ahead of time by taking this online course, which will help them more successfully navigate academic life in the U.S.

Titled Preparing for University in the U.S. and thoughtfully crafted to help international students become ready for what awaits them in their upcoming college experience, this 7-week online college prep course is taught by the University of San Diego’s prestigious English Language Academy.

Who Is This Program For?

This American university preparation program is ideal for non-native, English-speaking international students who are planning to attend college in America. It is designed primarily for students who have already been accepted to a U.S. college or university. International students who have already begun their studies in the U.S. may also find the program to be helpful.

Students are required to have at least a high intermediate level of proficiency in English. The course does not provide application support or entrance counseling.

If you are an international student with solid English skills who wants to prepare for undergraduate study at an American college or university, this preparatory course will help you improve your abilities in spoken and written English, as well as your understanding of U.S. academic culture. 

Why Prepare Yourself for College in the U.S.?

International students are not always well-equipped for the social, cultural, and academic challenges that exist on American college/university campuses. This course helps you learn and apply concepts, theories, and skills to become a better contributing member of an American university classroom and campus community.

The English Language Academy’s college prep program focuses on two primary areas:

  • Academic English preparation
  • Expanded cultural awareness

Course Details

Course Format: This course is offered in an asynchronous, online format.

Curriculum: This course is offered to you as a fully online, self-paced and self-directed learning experience.

Instructors: USD Faculty, experienced in online teaching techniques, provide a stimulating online learning environment. All instructors hold a Master's degree or higher.

Program Requirements: Advanced level of English proficiency. 

Course Options

Course Date Units Price
ELCP-X700 – 017 Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled N/A $815

Preparing for University in the U.S.

Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
N/A
$815
Online Self-Paced

No application required.  Please choose "Add to Cart."

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the New Student Orientation and your online class.

What You Will Learn

In terms of student learning outcomes, participants in our college and university prep course will develop the ability to:

  • Identify and apply academic and campus resources (online and in-person)
  • Express questions, concerns, or requests to a professor or university community member
  • Distinguish key aspects of classroom and university culture in relation to expected conduct
  • Develop interpersonal communication skills for peer and group work Apply time management techniques and study skills to reduce stress
  • Produce and participate in academic presentations
  • Refine college-level critical thinking and writing skills

Instructors

Professional development courses offered by the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education are taught by faculty that possess a depth and breadth of academic and real-world professional experience.

Why USD?

The Professional and Continuing Education program nurtures key partnerships on the local, national, and international level. The goal is to better serve working professionals who seek to enhance or build their careers and help achieve their highest value and potential. Contact us today to learn more.

Informative Stats and Facts

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Learning Method Information

Courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that allows you to structure your education to suit your schedule while keeping you on pace toward achieving your educational.

Online Self-Paced

Our online self-paced courses are similar to online fixed-date courses, but are designed to give you a six-month period from time of enrollment to complete all assignments. Your instructor will provide feedback via written responses on your assignments and exams. Grades are based on completed projects, assignments and exams.

How is the self-paced course structured? Like fixed-date courses, online self-paced courses are asynchronous meaning that you can work on your assignments anytime; the difference being there are no assigned due dates in self-paced courses. The content is divided into learning modules. Each module will cover one or more topics. Within each of the learning modules, you can expect the following components:

  • Module introduction that outlines what you can expect to learn in the module.
  • Required readings (textbook, articles, journals, websites, etc.) and presentations (audio and/or video).
  • Assignments (which may include: written assignments, quizzes, blogs, etc.) based on the readings and presentations.
  • Module conclusion to review the topics and what you should have learned.
  • Typically, there is a final project, paper, or exam due in the last module that culminates all of the topics covered in each of the learning modules. You’ll find that the design of the learning modules has a rhythm to help you manage your time in the course.

Key Benefits of English Language Academy Courses

Dynamic, Practical Language Skills

Our individualized, skill-based placement system stimulates dynamic learning for students of varying levels of language proficiency with instruction that is tailored to their unique needs.

Sense of Community

Our faculty and staff engage students from around the globe in an enriching, high-quality educational experience where they also build friendships that help stimulate academic success.

Invested in Your Success

Our mission is to help each student thrive while developing the English language skills that position them to achieve personal, professional and academic goals.