As the magazine Study IN writes, some deeply despise it, considering it a mockery of "classical English", others value its seeming simplicity and democratic nature. In any case it cannot be ignored, especially if career and educational aspirations are connected specifically with the United States.
There are over a thousand language schools and centers in the USA; a good half of them are united in professional associations: ACCET (Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training), CEA (Commission on English Language Program Accreditation), UCIEP (University and College Intensive English Programs), AAIEP (American Association of Intensive English Programs). Most American centers are based at universities and colleges, which gives even ordinary "language" students the right to use all the benefits of university civilization: libraries, Internet classes, etc. Small private schools are clearly in the minority here.
Naturally, in the most densely populated English-speaking country one can find courses of any quality - general and business English, courses for passing language exams, preparatory programs for those entering high school or university. In addition, there are specific locally produced programs such as "American English for Business/Law", "Anglo-American Idiomatics", preparation for GRE and GMAT exams, as well as special courses designed to help get rid of an accent. The cost of a two-week general English course (20 lessons per week) averages $350-550. Absolutely everything affects the price: the curriculum, the prestige of the chosen educational institution, the location of the school (state, city), the time of year (the low season in the USA falls on December-January). For accommodation with a family you will have to pay $650-850 per month, in a student dormitory - from $100 per week. By the way, a four-week course is, in fact, the minimum allowable period that should not arouse suspicion among consular officers.
If we talk about choosing a school, then those who want not only to study but also to see the sights should first decide on the region of interest (what will it be: Chicago, Boston and the lakes, California beaches, or noisy multinational New York?). And only then, step by step, narrow the search. If a language trip is a kind of reconnaissance before a longer period of study for a bachelor's or master's degree, then it makes sense to go directly to the courses at the chosen university. If you have already become a student and there is still time before the start of the semester, rejoice: in many universities you will be taught the language for free or almost free (you will only have to pay for accommodation and food).
More than a language
In addition to traditional language programs, alternative ways of mastering English are especially popular in America. The Work & Travel, Au Pair, Work & Study programs either do not provide for language learning in the usual form, with textbooks and dictionaries, or involve a somewhat different intensity of classes. Their participants will have to immerse themselves independently in the language, culture, as well as work and/or study with virtually no supervision from a teacher.
Study, study and study again...
Those who think that life at universities quietens down with the end of the academic year are mistaken. Quite the opposite: it is in summer that local and foreign students have the opportunity to improve their qualifications on a variety of courses, many of which can earn credits so necessary for a diploma. Only at this time of year are university doors open to "outside" students. They participate in seminars on an equal footing with the local population, attend lectures, and see how a completely different educational system works in practice. As a rule, for every 36 local students there are 5-10 students from other American universities and four foreigners.
The beauty of these programs is that in addition to language, you can also choose specialized courses that correspond to the student's interests and existing education. Usually in summer, universities offer the same courses as during the academic year, but in a more intensive mode, facilitated by small class sizes. The duration of programs is 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Anyone planning to attend Summer School will have to set aside $2-5 thousand in advance just for tuition. By the way, similar programs are also organized on the basis of ordinary schools and boarding schools, where the curriculum accordingly includes general education subjects such as algebra, physics, etc.
Not just a nanny
The Cultural Care Au Pair USA program, approved and supported by the US government, is designed for 12 months. Its participants, in addition to pocket money, receive $500 from the family to pay for tuition. The educational component is a mandatory part of the program, and if a student does not complete the required minimum (72-90 academic hours), they will lose money. By the way, you can not only study the language, but also take a course at an American college in literature, history, international tourism, design, computer science, etc.
A special feature of the requirements for "nannies" is that they must have an international driver's license and at least 200 hours of experience working with children. Age range: 18-26 years. Theoretically, young men can also participate in the program, but families most often invite girls (among American families, only 7% agree to a "mustachioed nanny"), so the percentage of young men participating in the program is significantly lower. Accordingly, the requirements for males are somewhat higher: a pedagogical education, much more experience with children, etc. Documents must be submitted 4-6 months before the desired start date of the program.
Earn and spend!
Work & Travel is perhaps one of the most widespread programs, the costs of which really pay off. Its essence is that participants work up to 3-4 months in the service sector, in positions that do not require special qualifications, and with the earned money they can travel for another month. Knowledge of a foreign language improves automatically through immersion in the language environment, without special classes.
Every year, at least ten thousand students take part in the Work & Travel program. According to official data from the travel agency Star Travel, demand for international programs within the agency has grown significantly over the past four years: if in 2000 about 500 students expressed a desire to work abroad, then already in 2004 the agency sent more than 3,000 students to the USA. Employees of this company assure that "young people who have worked in Western companies build their careers at home differently; as a rule, they achieve success much earlier than their peers who did not participate in similar programs."
Students of full-time departments of higher education institutions of all courses except the last one, aged 18-23, can submit documents for the competition. Knowledge of a foreign language at a level sufficient to perform professional duties is required: Pre-Intermediate/Intermediate. Students usually work 40 hours a week in resort towns of the USA: in amusement parks, hotels, restaurants. The minimum wage is $5.25 per hour. Per month you can earn from $1,000, and if you get a second job, then even more.
Another program - Camp America (USA) involves working in summer children's camps in the USA as counselors (preferably having experience working with children) or support staff. It is also aimed at full-time students aged 18-24, but the level of English must be higher. If on the Work & Travel program participants need to pay for food and accommodation themselves, then Camp America (USA) participants are provided with them free of charge. The minimum salary for nine weeks is $500. This, of course, allows you to recoup the costs of the program, but few manage to earn more than that.
Work is not a hindrance to study!
Work & Study programs involve improving a foreign language in courses and working. Participants are given the opportunity to additionally work after study up to 20 hours per week in the service sector: as salespeople, couriers, waiters, bartenders, kitchen workers, maids, porters, reception staff, assistant administrators.
Companies announcing Work & Study programs warn that the opportunity to work should not be considered as a way to cover one's expenses. That is, participants need to prove their financial solvency when obtaining a visa, for example by providing a bank statement. If you manage to partially reimburse your costs - well, so much the better. There are Work & Study programs in which job search is provided by the school itself or an intermediary company.
Almost an employee...
The "Study + Internship" (Internship) programs are suitable for young people who want not only to practice a foreign language (by the way, quite high requirements are already placed on it "at the entrance"), but also to gain professional experience. They include a general or special intensive foreign language course (minimum of four weeks) and an internship in a foreign company in accordance with the student's education profile, work experience, and interests (from four weeks). The work, as a rule, is unpaid (except for the tourism and hotel management spheres, where the intern's salary can be more than $1,200). But a nice line appears on the resume.
In a word, America is a country of practically unlimited opportunities for those who know what they want from life. The main thing is not to miss your chance!