3-WEEK PROGRAM - English as a Second Language (ESL)
Available 2020 Sessions
Contact SAFA management to discuss available sessions.
Application Deadline: TBD
Industry Overview
The world is becoming more and more interconnected every day and English is considered to
be one of the most important languages to learn, especially for the arts. And if you are going to
learn English, there is no better place to study English as a second language than the United
States.
Our program offers several English learning options. In addition to our non-credit classroom general English instruction and industry-specific English lessons, we are passionate about our experiential-learning sessions that consist of outside the classroom, hands-on English learning experiences. Not to mention it's just plain fun! Participants can benefit from field trips to grocery stores, shopping venues and various Atlanta must-see locations that provide an exciting experience that supports their English learning journey. Some field trips offer practice opportunities, while others are more geared towards developing confidence when traveling around a new and unfamiliar U.S. city.
ESL CLASSES
Major Areas of Focus During the Study Abroad Experience
Short Term Course or Intensive English Program
Specialty Business Courses
Professional Communication
English Experience Learning
Program Overview
This program is 21-days (3-weeks) in length and any individual over the age of 18 years old can
apply to participate in the program. Participants in this program will:
Increase English proficiency with one of the nation's top ESL schools.
Explore the great city of Atlanta through excursions of all types.
We work with a wide variety of organizations and influencers, and handpick each specific
placement based on your experience level as captured in your application and Skype interview
with our team.
Program Components
We strive not to have a typical day within the program. Every day is a little different by design.
The program contains the program components below.
English Learning: English classroom learning from one of the top ESL schools in the
U.S.
Atlanta Sightseeing: Trips to famous Atlanta sites.
Georgia has become one of the most popular destinations in the country. Among the nation's
fastest-growing metro areas, Atlanta is attracting newcomers from around the country and the
world. 16.5 million people come to visit Atlanta each year. With a flare for the arts and
entertainment, Atlanta offers a wide selection of museums, music venues and a thriving
theatre, movie and music scene.
Atlanta features award-winning restaurants and chefs, iconic locales that rival any across the
country - including the CNN Center and the Western hemisphere's largest indoor aquarium. A
thriving arts scene features some of the nation's finest interactive museums, unique galleries
and award-winning music venues. The renowned Woodruff Arts Center offers the world-class
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, High Museum of Art and Tony Award-winning Alliance Theatre.
In recent years Atlanta's centrality, vibrant music and movie scene, business climate, and
gracious living have transformed the city into a magnet for travelers from all parts of the world.
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Our ESL program through our provider, Georgia Tech Language Institute (GTLI), is
designed for all non-native speakers of English who have a serious desire to improve
their language skills. GTLI is one of the top language schools in the country and is
located in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia. Students from more than 100 countries have
attended the program. The mission of the GTLI is to increase the English language
proficiency and cultural understanding of their students to help them meet their
academic, professional, and social needs.
The course of study is based on an integrated-skills approach with listening, speaking,
reading, writing and grammar components and is offered by is useful for working
professionals and to students preparing for university study or professional programs.
Fluency and accuracy in both spoken and written English are emphasized through all of
the programs.
Below are the classes being offered for the 3-week program based on the session. For this session, students will be required to take two (2) classes.
SUMMER 2 (JUNE 10 - JUNE 27)
Beginning Intermediate
High Intermediate to Advanced
Reading Club
American Pronunciation
TOEFL Preparation
Class Descriptions
SUMMER 2 (JUNE 10 - JUNE 27)
Beginning Intermediate
Reading Club
You will read short, entertaining texts such as short stories, a short novel,
lyrics and articles. You will develop vocabulary and reading skills by using
strategies such as understanding inferences. In groups, we will discuss
characters, story/plot, and ideas presented in the readings.
High Intermediate to Advanced
American Pronunciation
In this course, you will learn what aspects of your pronunciation make it
difficult for North Americans to understand you. You will learn strategies to
improve your English pronunciation. We will practice how to make specific
sounds, intonation, linking and stress. Other activities will help you eliminate
your problem areas.
TOEFL Prep
In this course, you will learn the requirements of the four sections-writing,
reading, speaking and listening-of the TOEFL exam. You will practice
answering sample questions from each section and receive feedback on how
well you perform the various tasks required on the test. Textbook required.
Georgia Tech Language Institute
Our ESL provider is the Georgia Tech Language Institute, a unit of Georgia Tech Professional
Education. Since 1958, the Language Institute has offered high-quality English language training
to students from all over the world.
The Georgia Institute of Technology, also known as Georgia Tech, is a top-ranked public college
and one of the leading research universities in the USA. Georgia Tech provides a technologically
focused education to more than 25,000 undergraduate and graduate students in fields ranging
from engineering, computing, and sciences, to business, design, and liberal arts.
Our staff is here to assist you every step of the way. Our process is designed to make
your transition to Atlanta seamless and worry-free.
Translation Services
Several of our staff members are fluent in Japanese. Our staff will provide translation services
for the program components when appropriate.
5-Step Orientation Process
Below we have outlined our 5-Step Orientation Process. Our process is designed to
make your transition to Atlanta seamless and worry free.
1 Skype Pre-Arrival Orientation
2 In-Person Airport Pick-up
4 Post Arrival Orientation
3 Living Check-in Assistance
5 Activity Check-in Assistance
In addition to our 5-Step Orientation Process, our staff also manages the following program components
below (Note: dance studio classes and our English instruction are managed by our 3rd party partners
with our assistance and oversight).
Fitness Training Instruction
Atlanta Sightseeing Guidance
Our staff will be available during working hours to help with your
logistical needs or address any issues you may face, and are
available 24 hours via an emergency phone for serious
emergencies. Each participate will be introduced to their advisor
as soon as they are accepted. Several meetings will be set-up with
your advisor before and after your arrival. Your advisor is here
to make sure you have the best possible experience here in
Atlanta.
Miko Matsui
Allison Troutman
Chika Takai
Senior Advisor
Senior Advisor
Program Director
miko@studyartsabroad.org
allison@studyartsabroad.org
chika@studyartsabroad.org
Atlanta Sightseeing Guidance
About Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Among the nation's fastest-growing metro areas, Atlanta is attracting newcomers from around the country and the world. 16.5 million people come to visit Atlanta each year. With a flare for the arts and entertainment, Atlanta offers a wide selection of museums, music venues and a thriving theatre, movie and music scene.
Atlanta features award-winning restaurants and chefs, iconic locales that rival any across the country - including the Tony Award-winning Alliance Theatre, the CNN Center and the Western hemisphere's largest indoor aquarium. In recent years Atlanta's centrality, vibrant music and movie scene, business climate, and gracious living have transformed the city into a magnet for young people from all parts of the USA.
The MARTA system is Atlanta's train system and has been a staple to the community. Today, MARTA is one of the top 10 transportation agencies in the U.S.
View the MARTA train map to explore rail lines and stations. Rail maps are also posted in all MARTA stations and inside rail cars. For more information, click here for an interactive map with streets, MARTA station guides and maps of each rail line below.
MARTA will be the primary option for 80% of the required destinations for this program. For any other destination, not on the MARTA transportation line, participants will be required to use other transportation options at their own expense. The DI advisor will work with you prior to arrival to assist with budget allocation for UBER transportation.
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (airport code: ATL) is the only commercial airport in Atlanta. You will book your flight to arrive at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta. A SAFA representative will be waiting for you in the designated airport area sent to you by your SAFA advisor. You will then be accompanied to your living accommodations and will spend the first day going over the program's itinerary, a transportation overview, emergency and safety information and settling into your accommodations.
The following day will include an orientation to Atlanta, in-depth look into the itinerary, and the start of your program.
Discover what makes Atlanta so unique. Explore places to visit that are found "only in Atlanta." During your time outside of the assigned program schedule, you are completely independent to explore the city. In fact, we encourage it! We will send a link to all the cool things to explore and a weekly schedule of events highlighting exciting events happening around Atlanta. Whether it's our world-class aquarium or iconic Stone Mountain, Atlanta has so much to see!
Living Accommodations
We know how difficult finding perfect living accommodations from thousands of miles away
can be. We take the stress away by offering housing options that are convenient and safe. Our
job is to narrow those choices and provide ongoing support for your entire stay. While studying
abroad offers an exhilarating challenge knowing that you have accommodations that fits all of
your needs and transforms your new living space to a home away from home.
The options offered for this session are located below.
Our living accommodations are located within stylish Buckhead. Known for its upscale malls and the independent art galleries, our location is located walking distance from the MARTA Station, grocery store and two of the biggest shopping malls in Georgia. Chicly dressed locals frequent the trendy restaurants along Peachtree Road and Roswell Road, while twenty-somethings hang out at lively bars and clubs.
Program Residence
Extended Stay - Atlanta
Conveniently located near two major shopping malls (Lenox Mall/Phelps Mall), grocery stores and many restaurants.
Fully fitted kitchen/living room equipped with all necessary utensils, oven and fridge freezer
Flat Screen Television
Bed linen and towels are provided weekly
Internet access is provided free of charge
On-site laundry facilities
Outside swimming pool
Our living accommodations have all the amenities you need, like a fully equipped kitchen with refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, and cooking utensils. Your comfort is assured thanks to separate dining and living areas as well and ample work space. You'll feel right at home with in-room WiFi Internet access and cable television. And the convenience of an on-premise laundry facility saves you precious time while you acclimate to your new surroundings.
You will be living in extended living accommodations. All rooms are shared with another participant in the program, although single rooms are available at an additional cost. You will have a roommate that is also a participant of the program. You can also choose your roommate if they have also been accepted to the program.
Note: DI will not house a male and female together, unless specified by the two participants.
Program Costs
Program cost includes most expenses such as living accommodations but does not include all the cost of the program. Please make sure you review the Inclusion/Exclusion section below to see exactly what is included and what is not included in the program cost. Program cost are non-refundable once you are accepted in the program and payment is received by DI.
SESSION
Homestay
DI House
On-Campus Housing
Apartment (Double Occupancy)
Extended Stay Living (Double Occupancy)
Extended Stay Living (Single Occupancy)
3-Week Program
-
-
$2,575
-
$2,875
-
$50 application deposit due upon submitting initial application,
(goes toward the cost of the program, not an extra fee,
refundable only if DI rejects your group application or cancels
the program)
$500 non-refundable program deposit (goes toward the cost of
the program, not an extra fee) to secure your place for your
chosen session due within 4 days of official acceptance
email sent.
Remaining balance due 30 days before the program start date
plus $250 refundable housing security deposit which is
returned after the program minus any damages.
Inclusions
Pre-trip advising
Pre-departure orientation via video chat
Assistance with travel arrangements
Airport pickup
On-site orientation
24-hour emergency support
All items listed in the Program Components section
In-person activity registration assistance
Housing as noted in the Living Accommodations section
Exclusions
Air Travel
Any type of insurance
Meals (All other meals not noted in the inclusion section)
Local Transportation
Passport application assistance and/or fee
ESTA application assistance and/or fee
Textbooks
Apply today
Registration is now open for all dates in 2019. Apply today!
APPLY ONLINE
Submit a simple online application
INTERVIEW
Schedule a live video with your DI Advisor
ACCEPTANCE
Receive your acceptance and welcome to Atlanta!
How the Process Works
To apply, click the "Apply Now" button below. You will fill out a simple initial application
online and pay a deposit that is refundable if you are not accepted, and will be applied toward
your overall program cost if you are accepted (not an additional fee). At this point, we will ask
you to do the following:
Select "Apply Now" below to begin your application.
Pay the Program's deposit through the Online Deposit Payment System (Save a
copy of your payment confirmation for your records.)
We will contact you with an acceptance decision within two weeks of your Skype
interview and finishing your application.
