English Language Institute SUMMER 2015
The Harker School | 4525 Union Avenue, San Jose, California 95124 | USA | 408.553.5738 | www.harker.org
THE HARKER SCHOOL
English Language Institute ““Integrity, intercultural friendship, united in the States, combined with ELI, created a lifelong experience. The most amazing summer of my life." —Khanh Nguyen, Vietnam, 2010
T
he Harker School has earned a worldwide reputation for being among the finest schools in the United States. Students from the Silicon Valley and beyond participate in our intensive academic programs and are well prepared to attend some of the best schools in the country. Each summer, Harker offers special programs for international students interested in improving their English proficiency skills. International students often attend Harker’s English Language Institute to prepare to go on to an American boarding school or international school worldwide. Our program offers a five-week intensive session that provides maximum opportunity for students to learn, practice and enhance their English skills. At the end of the session, students receive an English proficiency certificate based upon academic performance and progress. A comprehensive teacher report and testing evaluation is also provided to all students. In addition to the academic program a six-day VIP tour program is offered at the completion of the five-week session. Students follow a specialized course of study to continue developing reading, writing and speaking competency while they visit university campuses, Silicon Valley businesses, fun places of interest and treasured landmarks.
The ELI Experience Our two programs offer multiple levels of academic instruction on two separate campuses. Classes are carefully designed for international students to accelerate language skill acquisition. The challenging learning environment combines traditional and contemporary instruction in small class sizes. A rich curriculum includes cultural excursions to support the classroom learning and provides extensive opportunities for off-campus English practice.
CORE AREAS OF STUDY: • Speaking • Reading Comprehension • Vocabulary • Grammar • Writing and Composition • Study Skills Daily homework and regular interactions with native speakers inspire students and offer the very best opportunity to improve English skills. All students are evaluated and placed in the appropriate skill levels once they arrive.
SECONDARY DIVISION - SARATOGA CAMPUS (AGES 12-16) BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE Students work in small groups following a curriculum designed to match instruction to individual needs and English ability. Lessons are engaging, interactive and carefully designed to instill confidence and promote improvement in reading, writing, listening and speaking. No prior English experience is necessary for our beginner level. Classes meet Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
ADVANCED PREPARATION Students who possess advanced English skills will develop mastery of writing, comprehension and oral presentation. Native “conversation partners” are part of the advanced classroom, where students can engage in academic discussions about their writing and language projects, work on their homework and receive assistance as needed. Our unique High School Preparation feature introduces SSAT/TOEFL test preparation, U.S. history, admissions counseling, study skills and additional writing practice.
ELEMENTARY DIVISION - BUCKNALL CAMPUS (AGES 6-11) This program, offered on our lower school campus, provides a dynamic and age-appropriate learning environment for younger students. Through leveled instruction and a stimulating curriculum, a variety of meaningful language and social skills are developed. Classes meet MondayFriday from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED PREPARATION Students receive specialized instruction and focus on oral fluency, listening, reading and writing skills. The classroom environment and teaching methodology is age- and level-appropriate and takes advantage of many on-campus resources such as the library, computer labs, music room, art room and playgrounds. Students are evaluated and placed into levels that best suit their needs.
Recreational Activities BOTH CAMPUSES (3:30-5 P.M.) After a full day of instruction, students in both programs will interact with the regular summer activity program participants. During this time they will make new friends, practice their English with native speakers, learn and play traditional American games and engage in additional study sessions. Recreational activities are an important component of our program, as students gain opportunities to practice speaking through casual and friendly interactions. Recreational options are extensive and can include swimming, basketball, rock climbing, soccer, dance, arts and much more! Recreation programs are optional for our advanced learners.
Program Options 5-WEEK SESSION: July 6-Aug. 7, 2015 6-WEEK SESSION: July 6- Aug. 15, 2015 (includes six-day VIP Tour)
JULY
2015 July 6-10
July 13-17
July 20-24
6 WEEKS
AUGUST July 27-31
Aug. 3-7
Aug. 10-15
VIP
5 WEEKS
Accommodation Our ELI program is a day-only program. Harker provides no housing for students. Students must have a parent or local guardian with them during the summer session. Options for housing include:
STAY IN LOCAL APARTMENTS The Harker School maintains relationships with local apartments to offer quality accommodations for families. Please check our website for the most up-to-date information.
STAY WITH LOCAL GUARDIAN Students may stay in the area with family or friends acting as their local guardians. Many of our families have local relatives or friends and make their own arrangements for accommodations.
VIP Tour The VIP Tour offers six additional days of cultural and academic experiences at the conclusion of our regular five-week program. Students will enhance their understanding of American culture and continue English language development. A specially designed instructional component will focus on daily visits to places of interest, academic tours and fun adventures that create a fantastic extension to a summer at ELI.
2015 VIP tour highlights include: • Professional baseball game • Silicon Valley tech company tour (Google, Facebook, Apple, eBay, etc) • Bay Area universities private tour (Stanford, UC Berkeley) • Bay Area high school boarding school tour • Whale watching in Monterey • Big Sur hiking • Outdoor theater show in Carmel • Overnight in Monterey/Carmel • Jelly Belly factory tour • Great America Theme Park
Cultural Excursions A rich curriculum includes cultural excursions to support the classroom learning and provides extensive opportunities for off-campus English practice.
CULTURAL EXCURSIONS MAY INCLUDE: • San Francisco • Science museum and tour • Tech Museum of Innovation • San Jose historical tour • Santa Cruz Natural Bridges • Big Basin giant redwoods • Happy Hollow Zoo
“The environment of learning was so stimulating and really inspired me. I would have returned for a third summer if I could." —Ivan Bolsum, Ukraine, 2010 and 2011
Admission Process Students who are admitted to the English Language Institute must be highly recommended, display a record of good behavior and be motivated to learn. Classes are small and teachers provide outstanding instruction, personalized individual attention, support and evaluation. Students must meet age requirements as of June 1, 2015. Elementary level students are between 6 and 11 years old. Secondary level students are between 12 and 16 years old. Students who do not meet behavioral or academic effort expectations will be removed from the program. Students must have an excellent behavior report from a current school. Student acceptance can only be confirmed with completion of all application documents.
Application Requirements Applicants must submit all the following documents to be considered for admission: n Application Form (online or paper registration) n Teacher Recommendation n School Transcript/Report Card n Behavior Contract n Health History n Permit to Take Medications n Consent to Travel n Student Questionnaire Submit all application documents via email or fax to ELI admissions at 1.408.553.5735. Students are placed in the appropriate class level according to their age, assessment and academic potential. Placement is determined through testing and teacher evaluation upon arrival. In order to maximize the learning experience, our goal is to have each student in an age-appropriate class that is challenging but not stressful.
APPLICATION DATES Applications are accepted beginning Jan. 20, 2015. Due to small class sizes, space is very limited. A $300 deposit is required with applications and is nonrefundable unless visa is denied. Full payment is due by May 29, 2015. An I-20 can be issued for students who are applying for F-1 visa status. We recommend early application as visa processing time varies with each case.
“[My daughter] Sofia is still recalling the great time she had at ELI; and her reading/language scores are tops in her class!" —Mark Meador, Bolivia, 2010
For more information contact: Harker Summer Programs Phone: 001.408.553.5738 | Fax: 001.408.553.5735 | Email: ELI@harker.org O of C: 1/20/15 (JQ) 700 DQP