University Preparation Courses

Our courses for international high school students provide an intensive, engaging program designed to prepare you for success in U.S. academic settings. Through courses in reading, writing, listening, speaking, critical thinking, and academic coaching, you’ll build essential skills for college and beyond. Small, interactive classes, personalized guidance, and practical exercises help you gain confidence in academic communication, problem-solving, and creative expression. Evening electives and college visits further enrich the experience, allowing you to explore personal interests, practice English in real-world contexts, and get a firsthand look at U.S. universities—all while developing the tools needed to thrive academically and personally.

Summer Courses for High School Students

Academic Reading and Writing

This course is designed to sharpen your reading comprehension, critical thinking, and writing skills in preparation for academic study in the U.S. Through daily, intensive writing exercises, you’ll focus on achieving grammatical accuracy, clear and concise content, and fluency in written expression. Emphasis will be placed on crafting well-organized, fully developed paragraphs and essays, with special attention to essay structures used in U.S. college applications.

In this course, you will:

• Build Vocabulary and Word Usage: Expand your vocabulary and learn to confidently use new words and word forms in both writing and speech.
• Strengthen Reading Skills: Improve reading comprehension, speed, and your ability to tackle challenging texts with confidence.
  Master the Research Process: Learn techniques for paraphrasing, summarizing, and proper citation to support longer academic papers.
• Refine Essay Writing: Practice writing essays for college applications and other academic purposes, focusing on organization, coherence, and impactful content.

By the end of the course, you will be well-prepared to meet the demands of academic reading and writing, with a solid foundation in skills essential for success in U.S. higher education.

Academic Listening and Speaking

Gain the confidence and skills essential for active engagement in American university classes. This course offers an eclectic, broad-ranging, and interactive approach to learning, designed to stimulate your curiosity and critical thinking. You’ll learn to analyze, synthesize, and present information effectively while honing key academic and communication skills.

In this course, you will:

• Strengthen Listening and Note-Taking: Develop strategies for effective listening and academic note-taking to help you succeed in fast-paced classroom settings.
• Enhance Discussion and Debate Skills: Build confidence in interacting, discussing, debating, and presenting your ideas through structured class discussions and oral reports.
• Expand Vocabulary and Grammar: Increase your academic vocabulary and review complex grammatical structures to improve your fluency and accuracy.
• Practice Interview Techniques: Refine interview skills essential for university admissions, learning to present yourself confidently and professionally.

This course prepares you to engage actively in class, contribute thoughtfully to discussions, and thrive in an American academic environment.

Academic Coaching

This course is designed to guide you through the American university system and admissions process while enhancing essential academic skills. Through personalized coaching, you’ll discover your unique learning style, develop effective study strategies, and build your personal approach to leadership, all helping you to become more proactive in your academic journey.

In this course, you will:

• Explore Types of Academic Institutions: Gain insight into the variety of U.S. universities and colleges, learning what distinguishes each type to help you find the right fit.
• Navigate the College Application Process: Understand key steps in the college admissions process, from application requirements to crafting compelling personal statements.
• Strengthen Study Skills: Develop tailored study techniques to improve focus, retention, and productivity, setting you up for academic success.

Academic Coaching empowers you to maximize your potential, make informed choices about your education, and approach the college journey with confidence and clarity.

Critical and Creative Thinking

This course delves into the techniques and foundations of critical thinking—a process that helps us develop a reliable basis for our beliefs, attitudes, and claims about the world. You’ll learn to apply critical thinking strategies across diverse settings, while also enhancing your creativity and problem-solving abilities. This course emphasizes practical applications, equipping you to foster these skills in yourself and others.

In this course, you will:

• Master the Principles of Critical Thinking: Understand what critical thinking entails and apply its skills and strategies across academic, professional, and personal contexts.
• Enhance Creative Problem-Solving: Strengthen your creativity and explore methods to approach complex challenges with innovative solutions.
• Connect Theory to Practice: Discover how critical and creative thinking can positively impact various aspects of life, education, and professional practice.

By the end of this course, you’ll have a deeper understanding of both critical and creative thought processes, and be well-prepared to implement these skills in real-world scenarios and inspire them in others.

Evening Elective Classes

Choose an evening elective that aligns with your interests! These electives meet twice weekly, offering a chance to explore new areas and develop specific skills outside of regular coursework. Options vary, but may include:

• English Pronunciation: Refine your accent and pronunciation for clearer communication.
• TOEFL Practice: Prepare for the TOEFL with targeted practice.
• SAT Practice: Build skills for success on the SAT exam.
• Art Appreciation: Explore notable art movements and works from different cultures and eras.
• American Music: Discover the rich history and diversity of American music genres.

College Visits 

During Week 5, students will visit at least four local colleges, with past visits to Brown University, Quinnipiac University, Wesleyan University, and the University of Connecticut. College visits will be announced as soon as reservations are confirmed.

University Preparation Daily Schedule*

*Individual student schedules may vary. This is for reference only.