University Foundation Program

To achieve the best possible result in university you must have a solid foundation of key skills. Our University Foundation Program will provide you with the essential building blocks for success.

You will overcome language and cultural barriers, and gain a cohesive and solid foundation upon which to reach your future educational goals.

Flexible Admissions

Gain acceptance to one of our partner universities before you arrive in the US, via what we call conditional admission. We will help you throughout your application and ensure it runs as smoothly as possible. Or, choose your university after you start your Foundation Program and our counselors will help you choose and apply to the most appropriate university for you.

Small Class sizes

You will be placed in small, dedicated classes with students who are working towards the same goals as you. You can therefore be assured of a high level of engagement with your teachers, plus commitment and focus among your classmates throughout all aspects of this intensive program.

Continuous assessment

Testing and project work will ensure you are prepared for stringent assessment when you embark on your degree, while giving you excellent feedback on your progress during the University Foundation Program.

BUILDING A FOUNDATION FOR UNIVERSITY SUCCESS

Our Foundation Program takes a structured approach to the needs of international students in American universities. The following building blocks will give you the skills, insight, and practice you need to flourish.

The Foundation Program consists of 24 hours of teacher-led lessons per week plus a minimum of 6 hours of supervized self-study.

Entry Requirements

English level will be determined by an EC placement test. This pre-test will be given to all students who do not have a recent language exam score, and will be used to estimate the required length of the Foundation Program. All students must meet the academic requirements of the university or college they are applying to. Individual institutions may have additional entry requirements.

Terms 2012

  • 26 Mar-8 Jun (11 weeks)
  • 29 May-17 Aug (12 weeks)
  • 18 Jun-31 Aug (11 weeks)
  • 10 Sep-14 Dec (14 weeks)

Core English

You must have an excellent level of English to succeed during your degree. Your English level will be equivalent to toefl iBT 68-71 following the Community College Track, toefl iBT 79–85 following the Undergraduate Track or toefl iBT 90+ following the Graduate Track. Due to toefl waivers being in place, however, the stress of the final exam will not be necessary.

Academic English

You will develop all the skills needed to use English in an appropriate way during university or college. By the end of your track you will have improved in all areas—reading, writing, speaking and listening—to ensure you are prepared for life in your chosen university or college. Important skills such as creating and giving formal presentations, writing essays, summarizing, critiquing academic texts and far more, will be yours.

Self Study

In all areas of higher education you will be expected to work towards your own education. With us, you will become an independent and organized learner, comfortable with managing time and meeting deadlines, communicating with professors and advisors, and prioritizing tasks. These skills will be invaluable throughout your education.

Study Skills

Upon completing this module, you will be able to identify and evaluate sources, avoid plagiarism, understand bibliographies and referencing, and be comfortable with the full range of American academic practices.

Lecture Series

Lectures constitute the main method of teaching in colleges and universities in the US, and this module will help you become an effective learner in this environment. Throughout this series you will be exposed to authentic lecture-style classes where you will learn how to grasp the main ideas and supporting details, take notes, and formulate appropriate responses.

Cultural Studies

The final key foundation area of successful study in the US is the understanding of cultural differences. A developed awareness of this will enable a smooth transition into univeristy. You will learn about accents, American history, diversity, social dos and don’ts, idiomatic language and lots of other interesting cultural issues. All of this will help you become a more effective student and classmate when you reach the college or university of your choice.

CHOOSE a track

The Foundation Program provides a flexible route into college or university. Depending on your level of English and required outcome, there is a perfect Track to your future educational goal.