Mercersburg ESL+ Intensive Summer English Language Program
The Curriculum.
ESL+2017 Intensive Summer English Language Program at Mercersburg Academy Grades 6 – 12* July 2 – August 4 * Grades are based on U.S. equivalent, Fall 2017.
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Summer Study/Approach Curriculum/Program Features Application and Enrollment About the School
“ Mercersburg gave me the most unique immersion experience possible!”
Summer Study Mercersburg Academy extends its commitment to the global community with opportunities for summer study and cultural enrichment for international students. Nationally recognized as one of the top schools in the United States, Mercersburg is a private, college preparatory boarding school with a reputation for excellence. Our ESL+ summer program is an English language training program that reflects this commitment to excellence. Extensive English development and rewarding cultural immersion experiences draw students who are committed to rigorous academic effort. This intensive and creative program is open to students who possess a working knowledge of the English language and are able to communicate on at least basic verbal and written levels. It features comprehensive and stimulating curriculum that improve communication skills in English speaking, listening, writing, and reading.
Approach In the classroom, ESL+ students are divided by skill level, regardless of age. All students are evaluated when they arrive and placed into classes based on core English competencies. This proven method for learning places students in environments where they are properly challenged, paced and supported. While courses are taught according to ability to digest information and to apply acquired knowledge, the use of progressive teaching principles allows students who qualify to move easily up levels of study as they master essential skills.
“ My English improved so much, my family and teachers could not believe it!�
Faculty Mercersburg is home to some of the finest teachers in the country, and the ESL+ staff reflects that excellence. The experienced staff understands boarding school life and they assist students with each endeavor and challenge. The faculty is diverse, with extensive language and multi-cultural teaching experience. Qualified instructors guide each class, with teaching assistants providing extra support and supervision beyond the classroom.
Feedback Small class sizes allow students to receive feedback on all completed work and engage in regular conversations with instructors. Parents and students receive mid-term and final reports in primary subjects, as well as documentation of language development.
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Curriculum Curriculum and Primary Program Areas The ESL+ program concentrates on improving English skills in speaking, listening, writing and reading. Each course is specifically designed to allow students to learn these skills through different techniques, subjects and interactive environments. Among many other things, all students will be asked to attend Vocabulary and Listening Labs, create culminating class projects or presentations, and strengthen their test taking skills through our study skills and test prep offerings. The following are samples of courses that have been offered in the ESL+ program: •E nglish Skills Concentrations in reading comprehension, writing, grammar, and conversation. •U nited States History and Geography Explores the important people, events, and themes that have shaped the country’s heritage and geography. •A merican Culture and Traditions Encompasses many aspects of life in the United States, including the development of the country’s traditions and customs. •L istening and Speaking A creative yet demanding approach engages students with formal and conversational speaking and listening skills. •S tudy Skills and Test Preparation Concentration in library research, time management, test preparation, note taking strategies, organizing and handling homework loads, and navigating the Internet for research purposes. A significant amount of time is devoted to test preparation exercises and strategies. • Grammar English grammar is not always easy to understand or use properly, but our faculty will help increase students understanding of the rules of English usage to speak and write English with clarity, precision, and confidence.
Program Features • English language program (approximately 17 classroom hours per week) • Competitive admission and limited enrollment in each grade level • Limited enrollment by nationality to ensure diversity of participants • Diagnostic testing and placement in appropriate skill level • Consistent success in dramatically increasing English proficiency • Multiple levels of study in English speaking, listening, writing, and reading including courses in American culture and U.S. history • Individual portfolio for each student and prospective schools upon request • Intentional instruction that emphasizes the progression and development of every student • Many of our program participants attend, or plan to attend, American boarding schools • Safe and supportive school environment • Supervised evening study hall • Students who already attend U.S. schools and need further concentrated work
“ T here are so many course offerings at Mercersburg, I was able to study more than just language.” 3
Application +Enrollment Admission and Tuition Inclusive tuition of $6,900 covers classes, books and materials, meals, boarding, health insurance, and activity and event fees. Students only need to bring personal spending money. • $100 application fee. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. • Deposit of $500 or full amount, due upon acceptance. • Balance due by May 1, 2017 (or upon acceptance thereafter). • Students will have 2 weeks from acceptance letter to make their final decision and pay the $500 deposit to reserve their space.
Online Application Process Download Application Forms Online or Contact The Office of Summer & Extended Programs for an application. 1. Applicants submit the following: • Online Application Form and $100 application fee
2. The ESL+ Admission Committee reviews applications 3. Admission decisions will be made on a rolling basis 4. The family submits deposit or full payment via electronic wire, credit card or check
• Financial/Waiver Form • English Teacher Recommendation
Visa Process & Details
• Sample of student’s writing in English (an essay, short story, etc.) that has been reviewed by an instructor of English
B1 / B2 Visa
• Photocopy of the student’s Passport identification page • Video introduction
International students who are accepted to Mercersburg’s ESL+ Program are expected to obtain a B-1 or B-2 visa. The student should obtain a visa as quickly as possible upon acceptance.
“ E SL at Mercersburg was great preparation for the boarding school lifestyle!”
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New York City
Harrisburg Pittsburgh Baltimore
Washington, DC
Philadelphia
Location Mercersburg Academy is located in south-central Pennsylvania, within easy driving distance of several major metropolitan areas. • Washington, DC 1 1/2 hours
NEW JERSEY
• Baltimore, MD 1 1/2 hours • Harrisburg, PA 1 1/2 hours
DELAWARE
• Philadelphia, PA 3 hours • Pittsburgh, PA 3 hours
MARYLAND
• Richmond, VA 3 1/2 hours
VIRGINIA
• Cleveland, OH 4 hours • New York, NY 4 1/2 hours
About The School Mercersburg is a premier university preparatory school serving high school students from across the nation and around the world. The school prepares young people from diverse backgrounds for success in college and life in a global community. Founded in 1836 and chartered in 1865 as Mercersburg College, the rolling 300 acre campus was home to a seminary and Marshall College. The Academy was founded in 1893 by Dr. William Mann Irvine. During the regular school year, 441 young men and women residing in 29 states and citizens of 48 countries pursue a rigorous academic curriculum and excel in a multitude of extracurricular endeavors, including athletics and the arts. Mercersburg has 109 faculty members with over 72% of them holding advanced degrees. More than 40 AP and Advanced level courses are offered, as well as individual capstone projects and directed studies. 83% of last year’s graduating seniors enrolled in colleges/universities rated highly competitive to most competitive.
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Contact Information Office of Summer and Extended Programs Mercersburg Academy 300 East Seminary Street Mercersburg, Pennsylvania 17236 Phone | 717-328-6225 • Fax | 717-328-9072 Email | summerprograms@mercersburg.edu Web | www.mercersburgsummer.com
Jo Wrzesinsky Director of Summer and Extended Programs Email | WrzesinskyJo@mercersburg.edu
Coleman Weibley Assistant Director of Summer and Extended Programs Email | WeibleyC@mercersburg.edu
For information on the regular school year at Mercersburg, please contact:
Office of Admission and Financial Aid Phone | 717-328-6173 Email | admission@mercersburg.edu Web | www.mercersburg.edu
Download application forms online. www.mercersburgsummer.com
Flip me over!
To learn about what lies Beyond the Classroom... To learn about what happens inside the Classroom... Flip me over!
ESL+2017 Intensive Summer English Language Program at Mercersburg Academy Grades 6 – 12* July 2 – August 4 * Grades are based on U.S. equivalent, Fall 2017.
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Beyond the Classroom Cultural Enrichment/Program Features/Travel+Transportation Facilities
“ T he faculty at Mercersburg are really nice and made me feel at home.”
Beyond The Classroom Excursions Day trips to major U.S. cities can include Washington, DC, Philadelphia, and New York City. Additional trips to points of historical and cultural interest are used to extend the learning experience and to assist students in their introduction to U.S. culture and schooling.
College Visits Participants will have the option to travel to at least one American university. ESL+ students have the opportunity to take tours, gather information and explore the campuses with our staff.
Extracurricular and Recreational Activities Our ESL participants have the chance to shop at local malls and outlet centers as well as experience amusement parks, performances, cinemas, and professional sporting events. Students use afternoon activity time to take advantage of Mercersburg’s extensive athletic facilities to play American and international sports such as basketball, flag football, soccer, tennis, and squash. In addition, afternoon electives can include dance, music and visual arts, yoga and crafts.
“ I t was really fun to participate in all the extra activities Mercersburg planned for us! Karaoke night was the best!”
Residential Life Students live on campus in Mercersburg’s modern, airconditioned dormitories, typically with a roommate. Members of the ESL+ staff live in the dormitories with the students. All academic and extracurricular facilities on campus are available including the student center. Students are allowed to use cell phones during breaks and in the dorms, but usage is not allowed in the classrooms. In the residence halls, each student group has its own dormitory supervisors, activity leaders and teaching assistants who interact with students in the dormitories. Activities and events are catered to the social needs and demands of the specific group.
Dorm Living Features • Spacious, air-conditioned rooms, carpeted hallways, tiled bathrooms with private shower areas • Dorms are divided by gender • Telephone and data connections are available in each room • Laundry facilities on each floor • Common rooms with kitchen areas and multimedia components (tv and dvd) • 24-hour dormitory supervision by ESL+ staff members
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Cultural Enrichment ESL+ benefits a variety of students who can attain higher levels of achievement and enhanced skills: • Students who seek necessary life skills for a successful transition to living abroad at American boarding schools. • Students who seek a rewarding summer of immersion into the English language and American culture. Students also develop an appreciation for different cultures in a truly international learning environment that draws participants from South America, Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.
“ I can’t believe I got to visit Washington, DC, New York City, and Philadelphia all in one summer!”
Program Features • Comprehensive health insurance for all participants • Supervised evening study hall • Structured activities beyond the classroom • Visits to campuses of prestigious American colleges • Cultural and recreational activities • Safe and supportive school environment • Diverse student population
Travel+ Transportation Travel to Mercersburg Mercersburg provides free transportation to and from Washington Dulles International (IAD) and Baltimore Washington International (BWI) airports. Transportation is also provided to and from the Harrisburg Amtrak train station.
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Facilities Nestled in the Cumberland Valley, Mercersburg’s campus spans over 300 beautiful acres and features contemporary academic and athletic facilities. State-of-the-art academic facilities include a more than 45,000 volume library, wireless computer network across campus, collaborative classroom environments with Harkness style tables, extensive science labs, audio and video production areas, and outstanding fine arts studios. Rolling hills of farmland and wildlife habitat areas encompass athletic facilities that include eight athletic fields as well as the Nolde Athletic Center and the 62,000 square foot Hale Field House.
Health Care & Security Safety is our priority at all times. The Mercersburg Summer campus is patrolled 24 hours a day by security personnel, access to dormitories is limited to summer participants and all summer staff are required to receive full state and federal clearances as required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Not only is our staff certified in CPR/AED, many also have first aid training. Our on-campus Health Center is managed by a team of RNs and we work closely with a local family practice for participants that may need additional care. There is also a full time Health Service Assistant available for all internal programs. Although rare, if a situation demands it, the campus is approximately 25 minutes from 3 local hospitals.
“ T he personal growth that my child experienced both in and out of the classroom was amazing!�
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Mercersburg ESL+ Intensive Summer English Language Program
Beyond the Classroom.