As the oldest institute of higher education in New York, Columbia University, Columbia College has a long history of fostering academic excellence. Since its foundation in 1754, it has educated Founding Fathers, Nobel Prize winners, and award-winning artists, writers, and musicians. Study here to experience firsthand the history and prestige of this distinguished university and discover everything the iconic Big Apple has to offer. Opportunities abound.
Columbia University School of Professional Studies Summer Language Program
About the Program
Program Advisor
Student Counselor SAFFY
Your Student Counselor is your study abroad ambassador and supporter. They join your application journey when you’ve confirmed you’re interested in studying abroad. At this point, they guide you through each stage of the application, notify you of the documents you need, let you know when your admission results are in, and walk you through the next steps, including class enrollment and organizing pre-arrival tests.
At a Glance
Language of Instruction:
English
Language Prerequisite Level:
None
Academic Level:
Undergraduate,
Graduate
Academic Strengths:
Language, Linguistics & Cultural Studies
Housing:
Off-campus apartment
Visa Required:
Maybe
Stay Healthy & Safe While You Study Abroad
WHAT STUDENTS SAY
Hyewook Jeong
I immersed myself in New York: I watched a lot of Broadway musicals and plays, went to restaurants, went to the Soho.
Columbia University SAF Alumni
About the University
Columbia University
As the oldest undergraduate college in the oldest institute of higher learning in the state of New York, Columbia College at Columbia University has a long history of fostering academic excellence. Since its foundation in 1754 has educated Founding Fathers and modern presidents, poets, musicians, and politicians. Among its notable alumni and faculty are 82 Nobel Prize winners, each one a champion of knowledge.
The abundant diversity of New York is an exquisite setting for being open to new experiences and enviable opportunities the Big Apple has to offer. From Wall Street to the headquarters of the United Nations, from Broadway to the Village, the city is alive with adventures and memories waiting to happen.
Learn more at Columbia University's official website.
Academics
Columbia University's Academic Approach
The American Language Program at Columbia University is one of the oldest English-as-a-Second-language programs in the United States. For over 100 years, Columbia has prepared English learners to function in academic, professional, and social settings.
Columbia uses a variety of teaching methods that represent a cross-section of American society and media, providing both the opportunity to learn English and to understand the culture behind the words. Class sizes are small, usually 15 students or fewer, so you have many opportunities for individualized language growth. Topics include grammar, pronunciation, reading and listening comprehension, and native writing techniques.
Other highlights of the program include:
- Academic English – preparing you to study at the academic level
- Integrated skills – each class focuses on more than one skill
- Thematic learning – grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation learned in context
- Error correction – feedback on spoken and written communication is encouraged
- Team teaching – each intensive course is taught by two or three instructors who work together
- Critical thinking – teaches you to engage with themes and topic in individual ways while encouraging inquisitiveness and curiosity in its learners
- Authentic materials – newspaper and magazine articles, novels, plays, lectures, movies and music are used daily in the classroom
- US Culture – learning about the city and country enhances your learning experience
Courses
Classroom Hours Per Week
You take classes for 18 hours each week during your term.
Courses may include:
- English Grammar
- Pronunciation
- Fluency
- Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
*SAF program fee tuition rate is based upon enrollment in 18 hours of language instruction per week.
Language Levels
There are eight levels of instruction from pre-intermediate to very high advanced. Each level is mapped to the Common European Framework approximated below:
- Level 2 = A2
- Levels 3-5 = B1
- Levels 6-7 = B2
- Levels 8-9 = C1
Note: Level 1 (A1) courses are no longer available.
Elective Courses
There are no specific electives offered. However, you may work with the university staff to get specialized focus on certain aspects of the English language, including:
- English Grammar
- Pronunciation
- Fluency
- Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
Get To Know Our Application Process
From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.
Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor
Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.
Application Requirements
When applying to study abroad, you must meet the entry requirements set by the host university - and SAF is here to set you up for success.
The requirements outlined in this section include the language proficiency scores you may need to demonstrate your language skills, a guide to the GPA range and other academic prerequisites required by your host university, and a list of documentation and other application materials you will need to finalize your application. You may need to supply additional information throughout the process, and you will be alerted through your emails and SAF Student Portal if this is the case for you.
The requirements outlined in this section include the language proficiency scores you may need to demonstrate your language skills, a guide to the GPA range and other academic prerequisites required by your host university, and a list of documentation and other application materials you will need to finalize your application. You may need to supply additional information throughout the process, and you will be alerted through your emails and SAF Student Portal if this is the case for you.
Language Test Score Requirements
There are no requirements to join this program. You will take the Oxford Online Placement Test prior to arrival on-campus to determine your language skill level.
Learn More About Language Requirements
Program Dates
When studying abroad, you will want to consider the time of year and how long you are away. Most programs follow the host university's academic calendar.
The dates shown below are general estimates, and as you get closer to the start of the term, you will get more detailed information from SAF. If you have any questions, your Student Counsellor and Program Specialist are always here to support you and point you to the correct information.
Summer Session C 2024 Language
Program dates:
Mid July - Mid August
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
8,040
On-campus apartment
SAF housing for this program is a shared room in an on-campus apartment-style dormitory.
*Housing is subject to availability. For specific questions regarding housing please contact SAF.
About New York City
Why New York City
The Big Apple is a thriving, vibrant, iconic city. It's a place of global go-getters and some of the most recognizable sights in the world with adventures and memories around every corner: think Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Central Park. From Broadway to the Village, Wall Street to the headquarters of the United Nations, Pfizer, and American Express, New York truly leads the business world, too.
The Student Experience
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Orientation
Advising and Support
The process of studying abroad could quickly feel overwhelming, but we have been doing this for decades and do everything we can to support you through it.
Many SAF staff are alumni and have walked this path. They have real-life experience to draw on as they advise and support you through every step of our comprehensive services. They’re in your corner, taking care of all the details and explaining what you need to do next.
Take the first step in your study abroad journey by scheduling a consultation with your closest Student Counselor. You can discuss your for-credit academic courses and language programs and explore internships, research programs, and study tours. When you know what you want to do, we guide you through the pre-program steps, help you arrange your visa and transport, and finalize your accommodation or digital experience.
Get To Know Our Application Process
From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.
Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor
Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.
Commonly Asked Questions About Studying Abroad
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Why Travel With SAF?
Studying abroad is an unforgettable experience, one that stays with you in your career, your contacts, your future. It can define you. At any of our prestigious university partners, you can build personalized for-credit programs that can last up to a whole year.
