Sam Houston State University in the Woodlands to Offer Language, Culture Courses

THE WOODlANDS, TX -- A new course aimed at helping non-native English speakers who are looking to improve their English language skills will be offered at the Sam Houston State University The Woodlands Center campus, starting March 20.

Directed through SHSU’s English Language Institute, the Language and Culture Program for Non-Native Speakers comprises four special topic classes that introduce students to U.S. and Texas culture, the U.S. educational system, career exploration, and current events, while improving students’ reading, writing and listening/speaking skills.

The eight-week classes will be held from 8:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and students can choose to take all four classes or select individual courses on any of the four topics.

Those taking the classes must have intermediate to high English skills, according to Barbara Eckenfels, SHSU executive director for international programs.

The purpose of the program is multifaceted, Eckenfels said.

Participants taking the courses may do so to prepare for English for Speakers of Other Languages courses in college, to learn how to further their education or to become acclimated to a new culture and/or educational setting.

“Individuals will take them for different reasons. There is a large population of Hispanic families who have relocated to The Woodlands, and we have found that the topics that we are offering are of interest to international newcomers to this area,” Eckenfels said.

“Our educational system, careers and majors, and culture are all quite different, and individuals new to the country want to learn about them,” she said. “We wanted to offer classes that have fun topics and as well as a social component, while giving students the opportunity to improve their English.”

Sessions also are scheduled for the summer, running from June 12 through Aug. 4. The registration deadline is March 17 for the spring session and June 9 for the summer session.

The tuition cost is $500 per course, plus university fees. International students interested in taking the course and need I-20s are encouraged to apply early.

SHSU—The Woodlands Center, is located at 3380 College Park Drive, next to the Lone Star College-Montgomery campus, in The Woodlands.

For more information or assistance with registration, contact ELI staff associate Courtney Miller at courtneymiller@shsu.edu or 936.294.4991.

For more information on programs offered for non-English-speaking natives, visit the Office of International Programs website.

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