| THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA GRADUATE CATALOG | |
| Table of Contents > General Information | |
| 3.19 CAPSTONE INTERNATIONAL The University of Alabama provides a wide variety of international education programs and services at the Capstone International Center, housed on the first floor of B. B. Comer Hall. Known simply as Capstone International, the Capstone International Center takes its name from its historical pre-eminence in the state as a provider of international education. A combination of several integrated units, the Capstone International Center has multiple complementary functions, ranging from intensive English language instruction in the English Language Institute (ELI) to U.S. immigration compliance, Fulbright programs, and overseas study. Capstone International is a multipurpose center designed to inform, assist, and educate both international and domestic students, faculty, and staff members, as well as members of the local civic, education, and corporate communities. Capstone International annually welcomes almost 1,000 international students to campus and makes possible the participation of UA faculty, students, and staff in a multitude of internationally focused degree, research, and outreach programs. Outreach is an important function within Capstone International as evidenced by its Capstone International newsletter, the German Supplementary School (for school-age children from Germany), the Japan Program (a resource for both the local and academic communities), the Sakura Festival and the English Language Institute (annual World Friends Day for local elementary school, annual summer program for students from sister city in Japan, on-site corporate programs and tailored courses for usage by children and spouses of the employees). A wide variety of international student activities are coordinated in conjunction with the Rotary International Club of Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa's International Friends (TIF), the Children's Hands-on Museum (CHOM), University Place Montessori School, and the Tuscaloosa Club of Altrusa International. The University is a member of national organizations providing Congressional support, professional training, and annual conferences to promote international education at member universities, namely NAFSA: Association for International Educators, the Institute for International Education (IIE), the Council for International Education Exchange (CIEE), the Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA), the European Association of International Education (EAIE), and the Forum on Education Aboard. Capstone International has three functional focal points known as Academic Programs, International services, and English Language Institute. Collectively, they provide courses and activities available to the constituents of Capstone International.
Capstone International can be contacted by telephone at (205) 348-5256, by fax at (205) 348-5298, or by mail at The University of Alabama, Capstone International Center, Box 870254, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0254. The office is located in 135 B. B. Comer Hall.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS Fulbright Programs Capstone International encourages and facilitates active participation in all Fulbright programs. Since the founding of the Fulbright programs in 1948, more than 100 UA students, faculty, and professional staff members have been selected to receive the prestigious Fulbright award. Their appointments have ranged from Austria to Zimbabwe.
Established by The University of Alabama in 1995 in cooperation with Mercedes-Benz U.S. International Inc., the German Supplementary School provides supplementary education in German to children ages six to 16 who will return to a German-speaking educational system after living in Alabama for several years. In addition to providing education to German-speaking children, the GSS provides University of Alabama students who have an interest and proficiency in German language and culture the opportunity to work with GSS in a variety of ways. More information about possibilities is available from the Capstone International Center, 135 B. B. Comer Hall, (205) 348-5256 or fax (205) 348-5298.
International Exchange Programs The University of Alabama offers a number of international exchange programs that allow students to act as visiting scholars at overseas universities. Each program gives students opportunities to learn in a foreign country where they obtain firsthand knowledge of another people, language, and culture in addition to gaining course credits. In some cases, a working knowledge of the language of the host country is a prerequisite. In others, the language can be studied for the first time in the host country; sometimes, no language requirement is necessary (e.g., England and Australia). Students pay University of Alabama tuition based on residency and are assisted in arranging transfer of credits through appropriate departments and divisions prior to departure. Graduate students should secure approval from the Graduate School prior to taking any overseas credit that they may wish to transfer. International exchange programs are available to UA students at the following partner universities for either one or two semesters and, in some cases, summer study:
Short-term Group Overseas Study In addition to its longer-term international exchange programs, The University of Alabama conducts many overseas study programs lasting from two to six weeks, most often during the summer and Interim sessions. Scholarships and financial aid are available to students participating in these programs. Programs and fields of study in recent years include the following:
Capstone International issues international student identification cards (ISIC) made available through STA Travel for students wishing to take advantage of travel insurance and discount rates for transportation, as well as educational and cultural programs, during their sojourns overseas. Additional information about international exchanges and short-term overseas study programs may be obtained from 135 B. B. Comer Hall or by writing The University of Alabama, Capstone International, Box 870254, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0254; (205) 348-5256. If The University of Alabama is unable to meet the overseas study needs of a student, Capstone International provides information about additional international education opportunities that are available through other institutions and organizations. A library of materials describing these programs is available in the Overseas Study Resource Center, open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., 135 B. B. Comer Hall; (205) 348-5256. Japan Program The Japan Program, as part of the Capstone International Center, administers academic and cultural programs and activities designed to increase understanding between the peoples of the United States and Japan. Through linkages with universities and other educational or cultural agencies in Japan, the program enables UA students and faculty members to study, conduct research, and teach in Japan. Reciprocal student exchange programs with Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka, Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Hiroshima University, Meiji University in Tokyo and Chiba University enable qualified postgraduate students to study Japanese in Japan while undertaking Asian studies, humanities, social science, and science courses taught in English. Generous AIE-J scholarships providing round-trip transportation and a monthly stipend are available on a competitive basis to UA students. Examples of courses offered at partner institutions include Japanese-Style Management, Japanese Economic Development, Sociology of Everyday Life in Japan, Survey of Modern Japanese History, Japanese Culture and Education, Seminar in Geography, Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences in Japan, and Introduction to Deep-Sea Biology. Chiba University offers prestigious Monbusho (Ministry of Education) graduate student research scholarships for 18 months of study. The Monbusho scholarship provides round-trip transportation and monthly stipends to cover living costs. The Japan Program conducts a variety of outreach and academic enrichment programs in its Japan Culture and Information Center (see below). A founding and active member of the Tuscaloosa Sister-Cities Commission as well as the Japan-America Society of Alabama, the Japan Program also organizes the annual spring Sakura Festival and Haiku contest for the state of Alabama. Additional information about the Japan Program may be obtained from the Capstone International Center, 135 B. B. Comer Hall; (205) 348-5256.
INTERNATIONAL SERVICES International Services, located within the Capstone International Center of The University of Alabama, provides specialized services for international students, professors, research scholars, visitors, and their families. International Services conducts intensive orientation programs and provides vital information regarding U.S. Immigration compliance as well as multicultural guidance and counseling. These are ongoing services that monitor individual progress according to federal regulations. Great emphasis is placed on international student programming. International Services coordinates a wide variety of student activities such as a weekly international coffee hour, an annual international week, and an annual "Welcome" reception for international students at the President's Mansion. Professional staff members advise and assist the International Student Association, which represents all international students and the many nationality organizations on campus. Professional staff works closely with community groups such as Tuscaloosa's International Friends (TIF), which sponsors a friendship family program for international students. International Services may be contacted by telephone at (205) 348-5402, by fax at (205) 348-5406, and by mail at Box 870254, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0254, USA. Offices are located in 105 B. B. Comer Hall.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE INSTITUTE For the non-native speaker of English, The University of Alabama English Language Institute (ELI), a part of Capstone International, offers two types of year-round English-language programs: the Intensive English Program is designed for individuals who are seeking intensive English study, while External Programs are designed for groups who desire highly specialized curricula. In addition, the ELI has two programs for matriculated students at The University of Alabama: the International Teaching Assistant Program, which trains and evaluates international graduate teaching assistants, and the Academic Support Program, which provides opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students who may want or need additional English-language instruction. Intensive English Program and Courses The ELI Intensive English Program (IEP), which is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA), is designed for individuals who need to learn English as a second language. The focus of the program is on preparing students for academic success in undergraduate and graduate study at The University of Alabama. Six levels of study, from beginning to advanced, are available. Each level consists of 22 hours of core classes per week; additional optional classes are also available for students who want more hours. Each level of study lasts six to eight weeks and is available six times per year. Sessions begin in January, March, May, June, August and October. Students may begin their English study in any one of these sessions. Students pursuing graduate study must complete Levels 4, 5, and 6 with a GPA of 3.5 or obtain a TOEFL score of 550 (79 iBT). In certain cases, the Graduate School, the ELI, and the student's academic department may together grant permission for a student to enroll in one graduate course per semester while completing the ELI program of study. The specific course must be approved by the instructor and department prior to enrollment. Students who apply for admission to UA and meet the academic and financial qualifications to enter the University but do not have TOEFL scores available or do not meet the TOEFL score requirement may be given the institutional version of the TOEFL examination upon arrival. Students who do not obtain the required minimum score on the institutionally administered version of the TOEFL will be required to register for study in the ELI until they meet the TOEFL requirement or satisfactorily complete the ELI program as outlined above. ELI Intensive English Program courses are designed for those who require a concentrated curriculum of study in English: Structure: Levels 1–6. ELI structure courses provide students with the basic grammatical structures they will need to communicate effectively in English in the four language skill areas: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Each structure course emphasizes communication—both comprehension (listening and reading) and production (speaking and writing). Structure courses meet five hours per week. Speaking/Listening: Levels 1–6. ELI courses in speaking/listening provide students with the opportunity to improve their listening and speaking skills and to gain confidence in using English to communicate orally. Students practice appropriate conversation management skills, receive instruction on problem areas of pronunciation, and learn useful vocabulary. These activities are carried on through a variety of classroom exercises that focus on the everyday situations students are likely to encounter while adjusting to life in the United States. Speaking/listening courses meet six hours per week. Reading/Writing: Levels 1–6. The ELI reading/writing curriculum is designed to provide students with skills needed to comprehend written discourse at the college level as well as produce written English in a variety of forms. Reading skills include understanding the main idea of a passage, understanding an author's purpose, distinguishing fact from opinion, reading quickly, using the resources of a collegiate dictionary, and discussing written discourse in a relatively sophisticated manner. Writing exercises are designed to stimulate self-expression and personal involvement in writing. With attention to each step of the writing process—thinking, writing, and rewriting—teachers guide students toward communicating their ideas with increasing clarity and depth. Reading/Writing courses meet nine hours per week. Optional Classes The ELI offers several choices of optional courses. Some examples of optional courses are TOEFL Preparation, Pronunciation, American Culture, Current Events, Business English, English Through Music, and English Through Film. Optional classes typically meet two or three hours per week.
Culturally Speaking Through the Culturally Speaking class, ELI students can meet regularly with American students to converse in English in relaxed surroundings. The Culturally Speaking class provides a comfortable way for ELI students to form friendships with American students and to practice their English by discussing cross-cultural issues.
Culture and Language Exchange Programs The Culture and Language Exchange Program pairs an ELI student with an American student who is studying or has expressed an interest in the ELI student's native language/culture. Once paired, these students then meet as often as they like for conversation practice in both English and in the particular foreign language.
ELI External Programs consist of customized programs designed for groups of participants with mutual goals and concerns who desire highly specialized, intensive curricula. Such programs are typically designed for international English teachers, students whose international universities have approved given curricula for credit, international graduate students preparing to enter universities throughout the U.S., and business professionals who wish to improve their overall effectiveness in English or to concentrate on specific skills such as written communication.
An organization wishing to participate in such a program should clearly define the goals of its group and keep in mind that program enrollments typically require a minimum of 10 participants. Financial sponsorship for the above programs may come from ministries of education, embassies, corporations, private philanthropic organizations, U.S. or other government sponsoring agencies, or the individual participants themselves. Programs may be offered at any time of the year and typically range in length from two to six weeks.
Academic Support Program The ELI Academic Support Program provides opportunities for UA undergraduate and graduate students who may want or need additional English-language instruction. At the graduate level, ESL support courses in written and spoken English are available free of charge to full-time international graduate students each fall and spring semester. In addition, for both undergraduate and graduate students, the UA Language Resource Center is available for individualized language assistance.
International Teaching Assistant Program The International Teaching Assistant Program (ITAP) provides training and evaluation for international students with graduate teaching assistantships. Participation in ITAP program is mandatory for all non-native English-speaking GTAs and graduate assistants with any instructional responsibilities at the University.
To obtain more information about any of the above ELI programs, to
request a brochure and application to the Intensive English Program,
or to discuss the possibility of an external program for your group,
contact The University of Alabama,
English Language Institute, Box
870250, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0250; (205) 348-7413; fax (205)
348-9266; e-mail info@eli.ua.edu; or visit our
website
(www.ua.edu). |
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