EFS - English for Foreign Students

EFS 688V is a 5-unit, credit course with 17 class hours per week lasting 6 weeks (July 6-August 14). The tuition cost for 2009 is $3,905.

This program provides a bridge between the scholars' years of formal study of the English language in their home countries and the situation they will soon be in that will require them to use English on a daily basis at a U.S. university.

Scholars meet as a group for morning classes in pronunciation and reading/writing/vocabulary. They are then mixed with the students from EFS 688 for afternoon spoken language classes.

Reserved class times are MTThF 10:00-11:50 and 1:15-3:05. Elective courses (EFS 689 sections) will be scheduled for late afternoons and Wednesdays. Due to the intensive nature of the instruction, we do not encourage scholars to take other Stanford courses while they are in this program.

In addition to classroom instruction, scholars will be doing work in the language laboratory and university libraries. Orientation to life at Stanford is provided by discussions, informal outings, and social events in conjunction with summer activities at Bechtel International Center and the dormitories.

All scholars who enroll in this program must agree to comply with the following requirements:

All scholars will have seventeen class hours each week, divided among the following classes.

Listening Comprehension and Discussion. This class consists of activities involving listening to recorded excerpts from television, radio, and university lectures, with special emphasis on comprehending reduced forms, idiomatic expressions, and rapid speech. The content of these excerpts provides topics and issues so that students can get experience in talking freely in small groups with guidance from the instructor. The purpose is to prepare students to participate actively and effectively in group meetings, academic discussions and graduate seminars.

Effective Communication. This class provides practice in conversational English with emphasis on current usage in natural situations for both academic and everyday uses of English. It also includes training and practice in the presentation of prepared academic talks with feedback from the instructor and classmates. The language focus is on fluency and clear, effective pronunciation.

Writing and Pronunciation. This class meets three mornings a week and focuses on language production. It presents an overview of selected elements of English academic and professional writing. In addition concepts central to English pronunciation are explained, demonstrated, and practiced, including not only a review of the basic sounds, but also the stress, intonation and rhythm patterns so important to natural-sounding speech. Scholars typically meet in pairs for weekly tutorials with the instructor.

Lecture Series. Each week includes a one-hour academic lecture by a Stanford faculty member. Presenters come from various departments but offer topics of general interest. This provides additional practice in listening comprehension and contact with Stanford professors and lecturers.

Community Lecture Series. On Friday afternoons, we host individual speakers and panels from the Stanford community speaking on topics of cultural interest. The presentation is followed by a social hour where students can interact with the guest speakers, EFS teaching staff and one another in a natural social setting.

In addition to the courses listed above, scholars in EFS 688V may take elective courses. These are offered as sections of EFS 689, Special Topics in English. Each requires one additional unit of tuition: see the application for information on the cost.

EFS 689E: Learning English on Your Own
EFS courses will help you improve your English while you are in them, but how can you continue to improve consistently outside of a formal class structure? Learning English on Your Own aims to show you how to become a more successful independent language learner. The course includes an introduction to discoveries researchers have made about second language learning and helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses as a learner. It introduces you to a variety of useful language learning strategies and stresses the importance outlining learning objectives, setting and maintaining practice schedules, and evaluating your progress. The majority of the course focuses on free or inexpensive resources available through the language lab, TV, radio and especially the World Wide Web, training you in how to get the most from them.

EFS 689H: American Humor
Humor is an important part of life at American universities. Professors often tell jokes during lectures and group meetings, students like to "kid around", and campus newspapers feature editorial cartoons and humor columns. In this course, students study many examples of jokes and humorous stories that Americans find amusing, practicing advanced listening comprehension and expanding your understanding of English idioms at the same time. Note that this is an advanced class: A TOEFL score of 600 or above is strongly recommended.

EFS 689L: Living in the USA
This course focuses on life and relationships outside the university classroom. The goal is to help you become familiar with the multiple expectations and the language usage that Americans bring to a variety of situations in the university and in other social situations you may encounter. Among the many areas to be discussed are strategies for both casual and serious conversation, professional relationships in academe (including with professors, colleagues, and undergraduate students), interacting with neighbors and acquaintances, American social customs, and an introduction to the intersecting issues of race, religion, politics and gender. This course is particularly recommended for doctoral students or others who are anticipating an extended stay in the US.

This course serves as a vehicle for developing focused communicative skills in the context of California's renowned wine culture. You will learn the language of wine: how to talk about wine informally using appropriate terminology, navigate restaurant wine lists, and interact knowledgeably with restaurant and retail wine staff. At the same time, you will become a more sophisticated consumer of wine by learning the fundamentals of vineyard techniques, varietal characteristics, tasting techniques, and drinking and ordering etiquette. Classes are co-taught by a wine expert and an ESL instructor. Each class meeting will consist of a short interactive lecture, a communicative activity such as role playing, and a tasting of four specially selected wines. Participants must be at least 21 years old.

EFS 689V: Vocabulary and Idiom
One of the most difficult aspects of a new language is learning to use and understand idioms and metaphors. This course takes an analytical approach to the study of idiomatic language, analyzing idioms and metaphors in order to understand what they reflect about American culture. Students also discuss the history of words and the ways that Americans combine words to invent new ones. Class time will include exercises to practice idioms and advanced vocabulary.

EFS 689W: Working in the USA
This course explores the language and culture of the workplace. The goal is to help you become familiar with the expectations Americans bring to a variety of situations in the business setting and in social situations related to business. Among the many areas to be discussed are strategies for professional conversation, relationships with superiors, co-workers, and subordinates, and American business customs. Activities include discussions and role plays linked to workplace settings. This course is particularly recommended for those in business or who expect to work with Americans in a professional capacity after graduation.

688V - Intensive English and Academic Orientation for Visiting Scholars, Summer 2009