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Customized Programs for Institutional Partners
The American Language Academy offers a number of programs that combine English language instruction with focused study in a range of subjects. The academy accommodates English language learners at all levels with individual skills assessed at the start of each program and the curriculum configured to best meet the needs of students. Depending on group size and variation in skill level, multiple sections can also be offered.
Programs are customizable from one to four weeks, and groups have the option of studying on the Brooklyn College campus or at the college's extension facility in downtown Manhattan. Program participants receive an official Brooklyn College Certificate of Completion (with the specific title of their program).
ESL / American Culture Programs
Intensive English
The Intensive English Program is designed to rapidly increase participants' comprehension and use of the English language. Full-day classroom work covers all aspects of English language acquisition and use. Occasional field trips and site visits (tailored to students' interests) help ensure program dynamism and student focus.
The American Experience
Utilizing New York City as its classroom, The American Experience offers a survey of American culture, including New York City culture, history, and society. Classwork is augmented with walking tours of Manhattan and downtown Brooklyn and visits to sites including the Statue of Liberty, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Central Park.
Academic Skills and College / Graduate School Preparatory Program
An intensive overview of the academic and social skills necessary for success in the American college classroom. Topics include academic research, writing, and library skills as well as preparation and delivery of in-class presentations. Special emphasis is placed on the culture of the American classroom, and the skills, disposition, and protocol necessary for success.
TOEFL Preparation Program
Advanced English students are provided an immersive experience designed to prepare them for strong performance on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Significant emphasis is placed on the mastery of core vocabulary and activities that appear with statistical frequency on the exam. Students also complete and review practice exams.
Business and ESL Programs
American Business and Finance
This program provides an overview of the American economy, with consideration of both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. In addition, participants are introduced to the nature of American entrepreneurship and the fundamentals of business development. Visits to Wall Street, the Museum of American Finance, and a major foundation help vivify the material.
The Business and Practice of Fashion
Morning instruction in English—with an emphasis on terminology related to the world of fashion—is complemented by an afternoon of site visits, tours, and experiential and contextualized learning opportunities.
The Business of American Sports
New York City is the nation's capital of professional sports. The city is home to 11 professional teams, five league offices, and the majority of national media outlets. Over the course of the program, students consider a range of topics, including management, finance, marketing, facilities, law, and athlete representation. Site visits include games, arenas, and key centers of business as well as opportunities to meet emerging leaders in the business of professional sports.
Note that there are additional lab fees associated with this program.
Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
A focused study of the skills and techniques surrounding remediation, negotiation, and conflict resolution across complex environments and situations. Through roleplay, situational analysis, and understanding of conflict resolution models and processes, students learn how to apply core disciplinary skills to a wide variety of situations.
Programs in the Arts and ESL
Broadway and the American Theater
Utilizing the world's largest and most important theater district in the world—along New York City's Broadway—this program provides theater students and early career professionals with an intensive overview of the world of theater management and operations, with an emphasis on production, business, finance, marketing, and fundraising. Participants tour a number of theaters, meet a range of professionals, and attend several productions to deepen their understanding of the American theater.
Note that there are additional lab fees associated with this program.
Television Production Workshop
Offered in conjunction with Brooklyn College's premier Department of Television and Radio, the Television Production Workshop provides participants with an intensive, immersive experience in the world of television production. Participants work hands-on in the college's state-of-the-art production studio, with longer-term participants producing their own short video segments.
Note that there are additional lab fees associated with this program.
Customized Programs
With its deep experience and range of academic and industry partners, the ALA—in tandem with Brooklyn College academic departments and units—can provide customized programs in a variety of fields and disciplines designed to meet the needs of a broad range of learners, from college age to senior professionals.
Tuition and Fees
The standard tuition rate for most customized programs is $300 per week. This includes seven hours of instruction (in-class or on location) and course materials. Meals (breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner), airport transfer, and/or other events and trips can be provided at additional cost.
Note that all courses are offered in a noncredit format. Credit-bearing courses can be arranged, though program fees will reflect the university's stated nonresident, international tuition rate. Note that, to receive credit at Brooklyn College, participants must also apply to Brooklyn College as nondegree students.
Contact us for more information.