Celebrating cultural diversity, Castleton University welcomed 32 international students from the East China University of Technology to campus Monday, July 11 as part of the Summer Cultural Immersion Program. The three week long program has a focus on intensive English classes and cultural immersion activities through social interactions and educational excursions.
“The program is designed for students who would like to increase their English language proficiency and gain deeper understanding of U.S. culture while experiencing U.S. college life,” said program director Erica Zimmer.
While on campus, the group will be attending 15 hours of direct instruction per week where they will spend time learning about American society, culture and government taught by Castleton Professor Phil Lamy, and immersed in English language instruction taught by Castleton Professor Karen Klami.
In the afternoons, evenings and weekends students will participate in educational excursions directly tied to the instruction they receive in class. Some of these off-campus activities include experiencing a local farmer’s market, participating in a cooking class, shopping at yard sales, and visiting local attractions such as Ben & Jerry’s and Fort Ticonderoga.
“We made it a point to limit the amount of class time for this program because we believe that most authentic learning occurs outside the classroom. So the time in class is dedicated to preparing them for what they are going to experience on an upcoming field trip of activity,” said Zimmer.
The group also got a chance to tour City Hall in Rutland on Tuesday, July 12, followed by a meet and greet with Rutland Mayor Chris Louras.
In addition to program coordinators, three Castleton University students will function as mentors, serving as cultural and language guides to ensure the participants have a positive and safe experience during their stay.