The world is becoming more and more interconnected every day and English is considered to
be one of the most important languages to learn, especially for the arts. And if you are going to
learn English, there is no better place to study English as a second language than the United
States.
Our program offers several English learning options. In addition to our non-credit classroom general English instruction and industry-specific English lessons, we are passionate about our experiential-learning sessions that consist of outside the classroom, hands-on English learning experiences. Not to mention it's just plain fun! Participants can benefit from field trips to grocery stores, shopping venues and various Atlanta must-see locations that provide an exciting experience that supports their English learning journey. Some field trips offer practice opportunities, while others are more geared towards developing confidence when traveling around a new and unfamiliar U.S. city.
ESL CLASSES
Major Areas of Focus During the Study Abroad Experience
Short Term Course or Intensive English Program
Specialty Business Courses
Professional Communication
English Experience Learning
Program Overview
This program is 6-weeks in length and any individual over the age of 18 years old can apply to
participate in the program. Participants in this program will:
Increase English proficiency with one of the nation's top ESL schools.
Explore the great city of Atlanta through excursions of all types.
We work with a wide variety of organizations and influencers, and handpick each specific
placement based on your experience level as captured in your application and Skype interview
with our team.
Program Components
We strive not to have a typical day within the program. Every day is a little different by design.
The program contains the program components below.
English Learning: English classroom learning from one of the top ESL schools in the
U.S.
Atlanta Sightseeing: Trips to famous Atlanta sites.
Georgia has become one of the most popular destinations in the country. Among the nation's
fastest-growing metro areas, Atlanta is attracting newcomers from around the country and the
world. 16.5 million people come to visit Atlanta each year. With a flare for the arts and
entertainment, Atlanta offers a wide selection of museums, music venues and a thriving
theatre, movie and music scene.
Atlanta features award-winning restaurants and chefs, iconic locales that rival any across the
country - including the CNN Center and the Western hemisphere's largest indoor aquarium. A
thriving arts scene features some of the nation's finest interactive museums, unique galleries
and award-winning music venues. The renowned Woodruff Arts Center offers the world-class
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, High Museum of Art and Tony Award-winning Alliance Theatre.
In recent years Atlanta's centrality, vibrant music and movie scene, business climate, and
gracious living have transformed the city into a magnet for travelers from all parts of the world.
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Our program through our provider, Georgia Tech Language Institute (GTLI), is designed for all non-native
speakers of English who have a serious desire to improve their language skills. Our programs does not
require a student Visa due to the length of programs which are 3-weeks, 6-weeks and 11.5-weeks in
length (Note: We are launching a 16-week program in 2020).
GTLI is one of the top language schools in the country. Students from more than 100 countries have
attended the program. The mission of the GTLI is to increase the English language proficiency and
cultural understanding of their students to help them meet their academic, professional, and social needs.
The course of study is based on an integrated-skills approach with listening, speaking, reading, writing
and grammar components and is offered by is useful for working professionals and to students preparing
for university study or professional programs. Fluency and accuracy in both spoken and written English
are emphasized through all of the programs.
Below are the classes being offered for the 6-week program based on the session (No
classes meet on Friday). For these sessions, students will be required to take at least three (3)
classes per session.
FALL 1 (AUGUST 26 - OCTOBER 7)
Beginning Intermediate
High Intermediate to Advanced
Topics in the News
Talk More 2
Basic Writing
American Pronunciation
Everyday Conversation
American Popular Culture
FALL 2 (OCTOBER 21 - DECEMBER 5)
Beginning Intermediate
High Intermediate to Advanced
Talk More 1
Leadership Across Cultures
Reading Club
Professional Writing
Public Speaking
Class Descriptions
FALL 1 (AUGUST 26 - OCTOBER 7)
Beginning Intermediate
Topics in the News
You and your classmates will choose news stories and topics that we will
cover in class. You will read articles and watch video clips of various news
stories and discuss them. You will learn and use new vocabulary that relates
to the topics we study, and we will review vocabulary with group activities and
games. As a final project, students will work in groups to create their own
news video stories.
Everyday Conversation
You will develop your vocabulary and practice communicating in short,
everyday personal conversations. These may include talking about your daily
life, or role playing what to say at a restaurant, shopping, at the doctor's office
and more. You will develop your fluency and confidence in everyday
situations.
High Intermediate to Advanced
Talk More 2
Do you want to feel more comfortable speaking in English? In this class, you
will have fun expressing yourself orally while working in pairs, small and large
groups, or alone. Using the improvisational system of InterPlay, you are
invited to speak without preparation and to make things up. In addition to
expanding your story telling abilities, you will learn other ways to
communicate with others using movement, voice, and stillness. Whether you
are shy or outgoing, you can learn how to succeed at getting your message
across more effectively and enjoy the process!
American Pronunciation
In this course, you will learn what aspects of your pronunciation make it
difficult for North Americans to understand you. You will learn strategies to
improve your English pronunciation. We will practice how to make specific
sounds, intonation, linking and stress. Other activities will help you eliminate
your problem areas.
American Popular Culture
In this course, students will learn about American popular culture through
reading, speaking, writing, listening, and visiting sites in Atlanta. This class will
be taught in a manner that is similar to a typical academic seminar in US
universities, giving students an opportunity to learn more about the teaching
and learning practices of typical university classrooms. Students will also
participate in two in-class field trips - one to the World of Coca-Cola and one
to CNN - as well as complete one independent field trip. Students will pay
their own entrance fees for class field trips, and the total cost of those may be
about $30.
FALL 2 (OCTOBER 21 - DECEMBER 5)
Beginning Intermediate
Talk More 1
Do you want to feel more comfortable speaking in English? In this class, you
will have fun expressing yourself orally while working in pairs, small and large
groups, or alone. Using the improvisational system of InterPlay, you are
invited to speak without preparation and to make things up. In addition to
expanding your story telling abilities, you will learn other ways to
communicate with others using movement, voice, and stillness. Whether you
are shy or outgoing, you can learn how to succeed at getting your message
across more effectively and enjoy the process!
Reading Club
You will read short, entertaining texts such as short stories, a short novel,
lyrics and articles. You will develop vocabulary and reading skills by using
strategies such as understanding inferences. In groups, we will discuss
characters, story/plot, and ideas presented in the readings.
High Intermediate to Advanced
Leadership Across Cultures
In this course, you will learn about the theoretical and practical aspects of
leadership in the cross-cultural context. You will practice giving oral
presentations, listen to interactive lectures on specific topics, and engage in
academic discussions and hands-on activities. You will gain an appreciation
of cross-cultural differences in leadership as well as enhance your personal
leadership capabilities.
Professional Writing
In this course, you will practice the grammar and style needed to write several
professional writing forms. These may include professional emails, resumes,
cover letters, blogs, and white papers. You'll write and have your writing
reviewed each class and join your classmates in activities to improve your
grammar and North American voice.
Improving Oral Skills
In this course, you will improve your speaking and listening skills in English
using current news events. Activities will include listening to news reports,
studying vocabulary and speaking styles, and participating in debates and
discussions. You will receive feedback on your speaking to help you focus on
what to improve. You will also participate in group discussions and situational
role plays.
Georgia Tech Language Institute
Our ESL provider is the Georgia Tech Language Institute, a unit of Georgia Tech Professional
Education. Since 1958, the Language Institute has offered high-quality English language training
to students from all over the world.
The Georgia Institute of Technology, also known as Georgia Tech, is a top-ranked public college
and one of the leading research universities in the USA. Georgia Tech provides a technologically
focused education to more than 25,000 undergraduate and graduate students in fields ranging
from engineering, computing, and sciences, to business, design, and liberal arts.
Our staff is here to assist you every step of the way. Our process is designed to make
your transition to Atlanta seamless and worry-free.
Translation Services
Several of our staff members are fluent in Japanese. Our staff will provide translation services
for the program components when appropriate.
5-Step Orientation Process
Below we have outlined our 5-Step Orientation Process. Our process is designed to
make your transition to Atlanta seamless and worry free.
1 Skype Pre-Arrival Orientation
2 In-Person Airport Pick-up
4 Post Arrival Orientation
3 Lodge Check-in Assistance
5 Activity Check-in Assistance
In addition to our 5-Step Orientation Process, our staff also manages the following program components
below (Note: dance studio classes and our English instruction are managed by our 3rd party partners
with our assistance and oversight).
Fitness Training Instruction
Atlanta Sightseeing Guidance
Our staff will be available during working hours to help with your
logistical needs or address any issues you may face, and are
available 24 hours via an emergency phone for serious
emergencies. Each participate will be introduced to their DI advisor
as soon as they are accepted. Several meetings will be set-up with
your advisor before and after your arrival. Your DI advisor is here
to make sure you have the best possible experience here in
Atlanta.
Miko Matsui
Allison Troutman
Chika Takai
Senior Advisor
Senior Advisor
Program Director
miko@studyartsabroad.org
allison@studyartsabroad.org
chika@studyartsabroad.org
About Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Among the nation's fastest-growing metro areas, Atlanta is attracting newcomers from around the country and the world. 16.5 million people come to visit Atlanta each year. With a flare for the arts and entertainment, Atlanta offers a wide selection of museums, music venues and a thriving theatre, movie and music scene.
Atlanta features award-winning restaurants and chefs, iconic locales that rival any across the country - including the Tony Award-winning Alliance Theatre, the CNN Center and the Western hemisphere's largest indoor aquarium. In recent years Atlanta's centrality, vibrant music and movie scene, business climate, and gracious living have transformed the city into a magnet for young people from all parts of the USA.
How would you like to live, train and dance in the land of hip hop, sports and entertainment? As T.I., Migos, Ludacris, and Usher will undoubtedly tell you (if you happen to meet them), Atlanta has one of the most active and storied entertainment and music (especially hip hop) scenes in the country. An entirely new style of rap and hip hop came out of Atlanta, a style that has a specific cadence and flow that is totally unique to the ATL. Atlanta is a special city for Japanese dancers.
Very few Japanese dancers train in Atlanta.
Atlanta is a huge entertainment city and is considered the "2nd Hollywood" or "East Coast Hollywood".
Atlanta is home to many dancers that work with top artists such as Missy Elliott, Beyonce and Ciara.
Atlanta is considered the Hip Hop capital of south with its own sound and flare.
Atlanta's low cost of living allows this program to offer more value-added activities at the same cost or less than most other programs around the country.
The MARTA system is Atlanta's train system and has been a staple to the community. Today, MARTA is one of the top 10 transportation agencies in the U.S.
View the MARTA train map to explore rail lines and stations. Rail maps are also posted in all MARTA stations and inside rail cars. For more information, click here for an interactive map with streets, MARTA station guides and maps of each rail line below.
MARTA will be the primary option for 80% of the required destinations for this program. For any other destination, not on the MARTA transportation line, participants will be required to use other transportation options at their own expense. The DI advisor will work with you prior to arrival to assist with budget allocation for UBER transportation.
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (airport code: ATL) is the only commercial airport in Atlanta. You will book your flight to arrive at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta. A DI representative will be waiting for you in the designated airport area sent to you by your DI advisor. You will then be accompanied to your living accommodations and will spend the first day going over the program's itinerary, a transportation overview, emergency and safety information and settling into your accommodations.
The following day will include an orientation to Atlanta, in-depth look into the itinerary, and the start of your program.
Discover what makes Atlanta so unique. Explore places to visit that are found "only in Atlanta." During your time outside of the assigned program schedule, you are completely independent to explore the city. In fact, we encourage it! We will send a link to all the cool things to explore and a weekly schedule of events highlighting exciting events happening around Atlanta. Whether it's our world-class aquarium or iconic Stone Mountain, Atlanta has so much to see!
Living Accommodations
We know how difficult finding perfect living accommodations from thousands of miles away
can be. We take the stress away by offering housing options that are convenient and safe. Our
job is to narrow those choices and provide ongoing support for your entire stay. While studying
abroad offers an exhilarating challenge knowing that you have accommodations that fits all of
your needs and transforms your new living space to a home away from home.
The options offered for this session are located below.
Our on-campus housing is located in the heart of Georgia Tech campus. For those who want to live the
24/7 energy of Atlanta's Midtown scene, our on-campus living is an excellent option. Walking distance
from premium urban perks, including top-rated restaurants, nearby shopping, and vibrant nightlife, the
living accommodations are safe and easily walkable to all classes at Georgia Tech.
Residents can expect to experience communal living with other students enrolled in the university or the
study abroad program. Often this can be a great way to meet local students or other international students.
On-campus housing is limited so if you are interested in this session, please register early.
There's no better place to stay and play than Midtown Atlanta. It's one of the region's defining urban
districts, combining great shopping, exceptional dining and top-rated hotels. No matter the season,
Midtown brings you inspired performances, exceptional museums and attractions, and dynamic festivals
and events. All amid a vibrant, authentic and walkable urban environment, with the city's largest
concentration of parks and greenspace.
There are a host of experiences unique to Midtown - from segway tours on city streets, to biking and
rollerblading in Piedmont Park, to our many festivals and events. Plus Midtown is within easy striking
distance of many other city attractions, shopping and convention facilities.
Midtown has an enviable transportation network that provides easy access with abundant travel choices,
including four MARTA rail stations, bus service and local circulators. A pedestrian-oriented network of
well lit, tree-lined sidewalks makes it easy to walk everywhere. And cyclists benefit from extensive - and
expanding - bike lanes and bicycle racks.
Our living accommodations are located within stylish Buckhead. Known for its upscale malls and the independent art galleries, our location is located walking distance from the MARTA Station, grocery store and two of the biggest shopping malls in Georgia. Chicly dressed locals frequent the trendy restaurants along Peachtree Road and Roswell Road, while twenty-somethings hang out at lively bars and clubs.
Program Residence
Extended Stay - Atlanta
Conveniently located near two major shopping malls (Lenox Mall/Phelps Mall), grocery stores and many restaurants.
Fully fitted kitchen/living room equipped with all necessary utensils, oven and fridge freezer
Flat Screen Television
Bed linen and towels are provided weekly
Internet access is provided free of charge
On-site laundry facilities
Outside swimming pool
Our living accommodations have all the amenities you need, like a fully equipped kitchen with refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, and cooking utensils. Your comfort is assured thanks to separate dining and living areas as well and ample work space. You'll feel right at home with in-room WiFi Internet access and cable television. And the convenience of an on-premise laundry facility saves you precious time while you acclimate to your new surroundings.
You will be living in extended living accommodations. All rooms are shared with another participant in the program, although single rooms are available at an additional cost. You will have a roommate that is also a participant of the program. You can also choose your roommate if they have also been accepted to the program.
Note: DI will not house a male and female together, unless specified by the two participants.
Program Costs
Program cost includes most expenses such as living accommodations but does not include all the cost of the program. Please make sure you review the Inclusion/Exclusion section below to see exactly what is included and what is not included in the program cost. Program cost are non-refundable once you are accepted in the program and payment is received by DI.
SESSION
Homestay
DI House
On-Campus Housing
Apartment (Double Occupancy)
Extended Stay Living (Double Occupancy)
Extended Stay Living (Single Occupancy)
6-Week Program
-
-
-
$4,110
$4,325
$5,665
$50 application deposit due upon submitting initial application,
(goes toward the cost of the program, not an extra fee,
refundable only if DI rejects your group application or cancels
the program)
$500 non-refundable program deposit (goes toward the cost of
the program, not an extra fee) to secure your place for your
chosen session due within 4 days of official acceptance
email sent.
Remaining balance due 30 days before the program start date
plus $250 refundable housing security deposit which is
returned after the program minus any damages.
Inclusions
Pre-trip advising
Pre-departure orientation via video chat
Assistance with travel arrangements
Airport pickup
On-site orientation
24-hour emergency support
All items listed in the Program Components section
In-person registration assistance at the dance studios
Housing as noted in the Living Accommodations section
Exclusions
Air Travel
Any type of insurance
Meals (All other meals not noted in the inclusion section)
Laundry Services (laundry facilities located at living accommodations for an additional fee)
Local Transportation
Passport application assistance and/or fee
ESTA application assistance and/or fee
Textbooks
Apply today
Registration is now open for all dates in 2019. Apply today!
APPLY ONLINE
Submit a simple online application
INTERVIEW
Schedule a live video with your DI Advisor
ACCEPTANCE
Receive your acceptance and welcome to Atlanta!
How the Process Works
To apply, click the "Apply Now" button below. You will fill out a simple initial application
online and pay a deposit that is refundable if you are not accepted, and will be applied toward
your overall program cost if you are accepted (not an additional fee). At this point, we will ask
you to do the following:
Select "Apply Now" below to begin your application.
Pay the Program's deposit through the Online Deposit Payment System (Save a
copy of your payment confirmation for your records.)
We will contact you with an acceptance decision within two weeks of your Skype
interview and finishing your application.
