Salem State University

American Language and Culture Institute (ALCI) [Salem, MA]

Virtual Tour

HIGHLIGHTS

• Information
  • About the ESL Program
  • Established in 1993, Salem State University’s American Language and Culture Institute (ALCI) has provided a supportive learning environment for students who want to improve their English language proficiency for academic, professional, or personal goals. The ALCI offers an Intensive English Language Program (IELP) for students looking to transition into undergraduate and graduate programs, and a special summer American Culture and English Immersion Program to explore the numerous attractions and events in Salem and the Boston metropolitan area.
    
  • Fast Facts
  • Affiliation : Public University
    Establishment : 1854
    Membership/Accreditation : EnglishUSA / NECHE
    Enrollment : 50 - 80
    Average Class Size : 12 - 16
    

    Airport Pickup : Available Free of Charge
    Tuition : Low
    Community Type : Urban
    Transportation : Bus, Train, Taxi
  • A Message from School
  • Greetings from Salem, Massachusetts! We are thrilled that you are interested in studying in the United States. Whether you want to prepare for university admission, career advancement, or just want to practice your English while experiencing life in the U.S. on a short-term trip, our American Language and Culture Institute (ALCI) has a high-quality, affordable English program that is just right for you!
    
    You probably have the following questions:
    • How good is my English?
    • Am I ready for a degree program?
    • How long do I need to study?
    • What are my next steps?
    
    Since 1993, our faculty and staff have become experts at setting our students up for success. We will assess your level and help you design your personal pathway to English proficiency to reach your goals.
    Our students appreciate the personalized attention they receive from our faculty in class and during one-on-one language advising sessions. Students often comment that our learning environment is stress-free and helpful for adjusting to academic life in the U.S. With over 50 student organizations on campus and over 250 annual campus events, your opportunities to connect, explore, grow, lead and thrive are limitless!
    We understand that selecting the right place to begin your studies is an important decision. Selecting to study English at our ALCI can help you access a pathway to over 30 undergraduate majors and more than 20 graduate programs at Salem State University. The ALCI can also help prepare you to get accepted to a program at another school in the area. With more than 100 colleges and universities in the Boston metropolitan area, Massachusetts is known as the “university capital” of the United States and is ranked fourth in the nation as a top destination for international students. Therefore, we are confident you would be making a good decision by choosing to prepare for academic life at Salem State University.
    
    C. Julie Whitlow, Ph.D.
    Assistant Provost for Global Engagement
    Center for International Education
    Salem State University
    
  • CONTACT INFORMATION
  • Salem State University
    American Language and Culture Institute (ALCI)
    352 Lafayette Street
    Salem, MA  01970  U.S.A.

    TEL: +1 (978) 542-6351
    FAX: +1 (978) 542-6351
    E-mail: swolfe@salemstate.edu
    Website: https://www.salemstate.edu/academics/centers/center-international-education/american-language-and-culture-institute
  • 
• More Details
  • Housing
  • On campus housing can be chosen from 5 modern residence halls, including apartment-style living options. Meal plans will be required if students live on campus. A student can choose to live off-campus, but the university has no off-campus housing service.
    
  • Surrounding Area
  • Salem State is located just south of downtown Salem, on the bus route to Boston. The university is the heart of the American experience with many local buildings and documents having direct ties to the colonial and maritime history of the U.S. With old buildings and some cobbled streets, downtown Salem is a charming historic small city with a National Park highlighting Salem’s maritime and colonial history, numerous literary and cultural sights such as the House of Seven Gables, the oldest continuously operating museum in the country, the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) and the Witch Trials Memorial and Witch House which commemorate the famous Salem Witch Trials. Salem is also a destination for dining and shopping with numerous restaurants with cuisines from around the world, bakeries, and cafes. Small shops, outdoor art installations, and numerous parks also make Salem a vibrant and comfortable place to live. The campus is also a five-minute walk from the public Forest River Park. This beautiful park has rolling hills and lots of trees, a dazzling view of the harbor, bike paths, picnic areas, two beaches, a playground, swimming pool, a baseball field, and even a concrete slide you can slide down with cardboard; Forest River Park is a great place for students to unwind and enjoy the beautiful views of the Atlantic ocean. The park is also home to Pioneer Village, a recreation of a 17th Century fishing village. Established in 1930, this is one of America’s first living history museums.
    
    The Salem State campus has an older North Campus that houses most of the arts and sciences in historic buildings. A new state-of-the art Frederick Berry Library and Learning Commons, a dining hall, and two residence halls. The Central Campus has newer buildings and houses the Bertolon School of Business, three new residence halls, some equipped with shared apartment-style kitchens, the 24-hour Marsh dining hall, and numerous computer laboratories and an international Bloomberg Lab. The modern Gassett Fitness Center is located between the North and Central Campus and offers numerous fitness and recreation programs, activities, and open gym hours. Residence Life and Student Life also offer numerous programs, groups and clubs, and evening and weekend activities for students.
    
    Salem State is also very proud of its safe campus and city. Salem has very little crime and Massachusetts and New England in general have very strict gun laws and a culture that very much disapproves of weapons. It is also a welcoming community with Salem (the word itself means Peace) having numerous councils and committees and organizations that support immigrants and tourists alike. Salem State is also proud of its successful COVID19 response and safety efforts. The university has free student testing daily and will offer all students COVID19 vaccines on campus beginning in September 2021. There have been 0 cases of COVID19 tied to campus activity, and any student who tests positive for COVID19 is placed in a quarantine area until a negative test is produced. Students show their COVID19 status on an app that they must show to be able to enter classrooms and campus spaces.
    
  • About the College/University
  • Salem State University, founded in 1854, is a welcoming and caring campus community distinguished by academic quality and small class size. The university has students from 46 countries who experience a student-centered approach to teaching and learning; dedicated faculty and staff; students who strive to do and be their best; and accomplished alumni who are making a difference in their professions, their communities, and the wider world. The university’s colleges of Arts and Sciences, Education, Health and Human Services, Business and of School of Graduate Studies educates and empowers Salem State’s students to become responsible global citizens and contributors to the regional community and economy.
    
    International students really appreciate the small class size and individual attention that students get from professors. With an average class size of 21 students, there are many opportunities to engage with peers and the professor in project-based learning and internship opportunities. With the vibrant finance, life sciences, and healthcare industries in Boston, Salem is an ideal location to gain internship and other practical experience while a student.
    
    Salem State is also affordable with opportunities for work on campus. The Center for International Education also provides support for international students in every way. From pre-arrival immigration and orientation support to weekly social activities and other opportunities to engage with peers and others on campus, the CIE will provide you with friends and a “home away from home.”
    
    Residence life at Salem State is home to over 2,000 students who reside in six state-of-the-art residence halls. Each of these dynamic learning environments house 300 or more students, include recreational lounges with large screen televisions, pool tables, laundry, vending, and mailrooms. Like the rest of Salem State’s campus, all of the residence halls are tobacco-free.
    
  • Conditional Admission / Credit Courses
  • There is a TOEFL/IELTS waiver for students who complete level 5 (undergraduate) and level 6 (graduate)
• Study Options

  • Intensive English Language Program (IELP)

  • Overview
  • The Intensive English Language Program (IELP) has seven levels and five flexible start dates in August, October, January, March, and May. Students study in 8-week sessions for 18-24 hours, four days per week. The curriculum focuses on building oral communication skills, academic reading and writing and offers a variety of electives including English for Business Communication, English for STEAM Careers, Career Exploration and Soft Skills Development, Introduction to U.S. Higher Education, among many other options to support student interests and help them transition into degree programs. Students who successfully pass level five can receive a TOEFL/IELTS waiver to satisfy Salem State University’s language proficiency requirement for undergraduate admissions, and graduate applicants are eligible for a waiver upon successfully passing level six.
    
    The Summer American Culture and English Immersion program is offered in May, June, and July. This program is ideal for short-term visitors or students who want to immerse themselves in cultural activities before focusing on academic preparation. Students have opportunities to explore several historic, artistic and contemporary sites of Salem and Boston during class excursions. This program provides an excellent opportunity to build confidence in reading, writing, listening and speaking while interacting with local Americans and other international students.
    
  • Data

  • CLASS SIZE:	12 - 16 Students
    CLASS LEVELS:	7 Levels
    COURSE LENGTH:	8,16,24,32 Weeks
    MINIMUM AGE:	17 Years Old
    REQUIREMENT:	High School Graduate
    VISA INFORMATION:	I-20 Issued Upon Admission
    HOUSING:	On-Campus Residence Off-Campus Residence

  • Dates
  • 2023

    8 WEEKS:
    9/2 - 11/2	10/28 - 12/28

    2024

    8 WEEKS:
    3/31 - 5/12

  • Costs

  • APPLICATION FEE

    N/A

    TUITION FEE (2023)

    8 - 32 WEEKS	US$ 1,925 Per Session

    HOUSING
    PLACEMENT FEE

    N/A

    HOUSING FEE

    LENGTH	HOMESTAY	DORMITORY / ON-CAMPUS APARTMENT	OFF-CAMPUS RESIDENCE
    8-32 WEEKS	N/A	US$ 4740-6260 Semester	Contact Program

    Airport Pickup Service

    Free (Send Arrival Information to School)

  • Remarks / Other Information
  • Dates and Fees are approximate and may change without prior notice.
    Application fee is non-refundable.
    Housing Fees do not include meals.
    
  • • FAVORITE
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  • Undergraduate Degree Programs

  • Overview
  • The Salem State undergraduate degree programs offer students the choice to major in over 30 different areas in the schools of Business, Arts and Sciences, Health and Human Services, and Education. Salem State’s academic year is comprised of two 15-week semesters and optional summer sessions. Undergraduate students typically take 36 credits in their major area of study while also completing 34 – 36 credits in the General Education curriculum that provides each student with the foundation necessary to be critical readers, writers, and thinkers with exposure to relevant and dynamic courses in categories such as: Creative Expression and Appreciation, Contemporary Society, World Cultures, Scientific Reasoning, and The Human Past. Some undergraduate majors also require a student to choose a minor which is a secondary area of interest. Between the major area of study, a minor area of study, and the General Education curriculum, students can craft an undergraduate education that best meets each student’s goals and interests. For example, a student can major in international business while having a minor in information technology or can major in art and design with a minor in marketing. Graduate or master’s degree students typically take 3 courses per semester and focus on one area of study.
    
    An academic advisor will be assigned to each student who will work to help choose classes each semester that best meet the student’s needs and interests. Each semester, students will register for classes after meeting with a faculty advisor. Advisors are also available to discuss career options and to provide professional advice about entering a particular field of study. The Career Services office also provides advice on searching for internships and learning about internship and post-graduation opportunities. The Center for International Education also assists students in securing CPT (curricular practical training) and OPT (optional practical training) opportunities that will provide excellent practical experience.
    
    Classes are usually small in size with the average having 20 students per section. Professors are well-prepared in delivering innovative course that have much opportunity for collaboration on projects and presentations. Students are typically in class for 15 hours per week, taking five courses per semester. The minimum number of courses for a full-time international student is four courses per semester, although most students take five courses a semester. Two summer sessions are available for students, but international students are not required to take classes during the summer months.
    
    Outside of class time, international students may work on campus; many have jobs in the library, in the information technology department, or in the fitness center. The Center for International Education also encourages international students to apply for job openings in our office. Students can also develop leadership skills by joining one of the 50 groups and clubs on campus or participating in the Student Government Association. The International Students Association leaders guide numerous activities and events on campus to help students develop lasting friendships and learn more about each other’s cultures. The Berry Library also has professional librarians on staff every day to help students with research or with projects, and the Walsh Writing Center is an academic resource to help all students with any writing project, paper, or resume. Peer tutoring is also available at our Center for Academic Excellence for students who may need help in certain courses. In short, Salem State is a comprehensive university with a variety of courses of study, excellent professors, and services and offices to meet students’ needs.
    
  • Data

  • CLASS SIZE:	Varies for Undergraduate Students
    CLASS LEVELS:	Undergraduate
    COURSE LENGTH:	4 Years
    MINIMUM AGE:	18 Years Old
    REQUIREMENT:	High School Graduate
    VISA INFORMATION:	I-20 Form Issued Upon Request
    HOUSING:	Dormitory Off-Campus Residence

  • Dates
  • 2023

    52 WEEKS:
    9/1 - 8/31

  • Costs

  • APPLICATION FEE

    N/A

    TUITION FEE (2022 - 2023)

    52 WEEKS	US$ 18,480

    HOUSING
    PLACEMENT FEE

    N/A

    HOUSING FEE

    LENGTH	HOMESTAY	DORMITORY / ON-CAMPUS APARTMENT	OFF-CAMPUS RESIDENCE
    52 WEEKS	N/A	US$ 13,811	N/A

    Airport Pickup Service

  • Remarks / Other Information
  • Dates and Fees are approximate and may change without prior notice.
    Application fee is non-refundable.
    Housing Fees include meals.
    
  • • FAVORITE
    • APPLY NOW
• Location
  • United States　Salem, Massachusetts
  • Location
    Salem State University
    American Language and Culture Institute (ALCI)
    352 Lafayette Street Salem, MA  01970  U.S.A.
  • Getting To Your School
  • From Logan International Airport:
    The program provides free airport pick-up service that brings students directly to campus. Taxis are also available at the airport. It will cost approximately US$ 55 and will arrive on-campus in 35 minutes.
    
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