The College is set on a large campus with woodlands and open spaces in Staten Island. Its attractive facilities include technologically advanced laboratories, a sports and recreation center and a center for the performing and creative arts.

Staten Island is a quiet, mostly residential section of New York City, twenty-five minutes by ferry from Manhattan. Our students have easy access to the rich cultural life of the City.

Fourteen-week sessions typically cost $3,000 and begin in February and September. Nine-week sessions typically cost $2,000 begin in March, June and October.

Program Features

• 20 hours of classroom instruction per week
• Specialized workshops
• TOEFL preparation
• Highly qualified instructors
• Small classes
• Personal attention
• Introduction to U.S. life
• Housing assistance
• Field trips to New York City cultural institutions and events
• Facilitated admission into the College of Staten Island
• The English Language Institute is a member of the American Association of Intensive English Programs (AAIEP).

Additional Benefits

• Arrival welcome program is available for an additional fee: included are airport pickup, homestays with American families, an introduction to the community and special cultural opportunities in New York and the regions.

Customized Programs

Customized programs are designed upon request. The Center can contract with an educational institution, commercial enterprise, government agency or other entity to bring individual or small groups to the College of Staten Island for a course in Intensive English, training in a specialized field, and/or introduction to American culture, government and economy.

A Program in American Language and Culture

PURPOSE:
This program is designed to introduce trainees to American culture, government and education and to enhance their English language ability. Through formal academic programs, visits to public and private institutions, and social events with Americans in informal settings, the participants will become more acquainted with individual Americans and with the American way of life. As requested, special topics can be built into the program.

THE COLLEGE OF STATEN ISLAND:
The College of Staten Island is part of the City University of New York, a large public university. It is located in the most suburban of the five boroughs (sections) of New York City on a beautiful, new campus. The College offers degrees at the associate (two years), bachelor (four years) and graduate levels in a variety of fields. An intensive English Language Institute prepares students for full-time study. The College is known for its commitment to international education and has an array of international partnerships and programs around the world. The College of Staten Island Center for International Service frequently trains educational advisers from foreign institutions and governmental ministries.

LOCATION:
Staten Island offers a quiet and beautiful suburban atmosphere close to the exciting urban center of Manhattan. The Island is about four times the size of Manhattan and has a population of 400,000. It is noted for its parks and recreational areas, in addition to several notable cultural sites. Manhattan and other "boroughs" of New York City are easily accessible by public transportation.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

A. Coursework
Participants will be tested and interviewed upon their arrival at the College. Based on the results of the tests and interviews, the participants will be placed in the English Language Institute at the appropriate level. The program includes classes in grammar, reading and free-writing and communication skills. An American cultural component is built into the curriculum.

If an intensive English course is not necessary (due to advanced English ability), they will participate in American studies and government classes at the College.

In addition, briefings on topics in American culture, education, business and government will be delivered by selected faculty members. Discussions and seminars will enable participants to integrate the information received.

B. Field Trips
Field trips will include visits to sites of professional and cultural interest. As an introduction to New York City, participants will be taken on tours of Manhattan and Staten Island. These will provide an overview of the people, institutions, sites and culture of the City. Visits will also be arranged to museums and other cultural institutions. The goal of these visits will be to introduce the resources of New York City and how to use them effectively.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
Homestay arrangements will be made for participants. This will enable them to get a first-hand view of how Americans live. This local housing will be accessible to the College by public transportation.

FOOD:
Breakfast and dinner may be taken in the homes where the participants are staying. Other meals can be obtained in the College cafeteria or in restaurants on Staten Island and elsewhere at a reasonable cost.

TRANSPORTATION:
Participants will be met at the airport and driven to their homestay homes. Other local travel will be by public transportation on buses and trains. Buses and trains cost $2.00 each way or $4.00 for a round trip. The Staten Island Ferry connecting Staten Island to Manhattan is free. A transportation card for daily round-trip transportation can be provided to each participant.

INSURANCE:
Medical insurance is mandatory and included in the cost of the program.

PROGRAM COST:
The specific program design and number of participants will determine the exact program cost. The cost includes instruction, field trips and cultural activities, transportation, insurance, accommodations, airport transfers and supervision.