Smith College Prepares International Students for Higher Ed in the U.S.

This year, Smith College launches an intensive English Language Learning program to empower young women around the world with the skills for success in their pursuit of higher education in the United States.

During the four-week program, July 7 to August 3, students will have 20 hours of weekly language instruction through the International Language Institute of Massachusetts, accompanied by intensive work in reading and writing assignments.

The coursework will focus on skills that are important for success in applying to, and studying at, American institutions. These include writing college application essays, participating actively in classroom discussions and demonstrating knowledge through analytical writing.

“Internationally, there is great interest among young women in studying in the U.S.,” said Sarah Craig, director of non-degree programs, who coordinates the new ELL component. “With this program, we aim to help make that experience the best it can be.”

Throughout the month, the students will tour a range of American higher education institutions, from private liberal arts colleges and Ivy League universities to large public institutions, in both urban and rural settings.

“For some students, going abroad to a college or university without already visiting could be intimidating,” said Craig. “The tours will give them a sense of their options before they need to make that decision.”

The program is open to women aged 16 to 20 for whom English is a second language. Already, the Office of Non-Degree Programs has received inquiries from students in Turkey, Russia and China, according to Craig.

Throughout their visit, the students will live together on the Smith campus, located in a region of the country with some of the highest concentrations of international students. With the help of faculty, they will have opportunities to immerse themselves in American culture through off-campus excursions to New York City attractions, local museums, and live music performances in the Berkshires.

Smith College educates women of promise for lives of distinction. One of the largest women’s colleges in the United States, Smith enrolls 2,600 students from nearly every state and more than 60 other countries.