American Language and Culture (ALC) Program at Stanford University
Program Dates: Aug. 1 – 28*, 2010
Optional Trip to Yosemite: Aug. 28 – Sept. 1*, 2010 (*return to Asia the following day)

The American Language and Culture (ALC) Program at Stanford University combines daily morning English classes with educational field trips, lectures, and panel discussions aimed at exploring contemporary American culture. The program has been run since 1977 and is jointly offered by Stanford University, the Stanford Language Center and VIA, a nonprofit organization based at Stanford University that has promoted US-Asia international education and exchange for over 45 years.

What will you do on ALC?
Goals The goal of the ALC program is for participants to:
* Build English academic and communication and skills
* Increase understanding of contemporary culture in the United States
* Develop appreciation of the cultures of other Asian participants

English Classes
Daily morning English classes build students' English communication skills while furthering their understanding of contemporary American culture. Through discussions and individual research projects, students will investigate cultural themes such as diversity and poverty. Classes have no more than 12 students and they are assured personal attention. Students will receive 3 units of Stanford credit upon successful completion.

Out-of-Class Activities
Students continue to develop an understanding of American culture outside of class through field trips, panel discussions, and workshops. Possible activities include visiting Silicon Valley companies, volunteering for children in poor communities, and meeting graduate students from Asia studying in the U.S. Other activities include a major league baseball game and museum trips. The program also includes an optional 4-day trip to Yosemite Park.

Who will you meet?
Program Participants
ALC participants include students from leading universities in Mainland China, Japan, Taiwan and Kore a, and also American Stanford students. These Stanford students serve as coordinators who help organize program activities, serve as instant friends and act as interpreters of American culture. Everyone lives together in the same dormitory and in fact, participants will usually have a roommate from a different country.

Post Program Connection
Past participants report that the close and long-lasting personal ties during ALC provide many of their greatest moments of personal growth. The Stanford coordinators will visit Asia after the program and this gives the Asian students a chance to show their cultures to the coordinators. Additionally, the participants will be part of the VIA Stanford Programs alumni community and will have an opportunity to meet new people who have shared similar experiences through the programs.