University Courses and American Immersion

The University Courses and American Immersion program helps students understand and experience academic and cultural backgrounds in higher education settings in the United States. In this program, undergraduate students take academic courses as well as intensive English and American acculturation programs. Participants are also given the opportunity to participate in various volunteer experiences, language partner program, and business and cultural field trips during the program period. All MITI programs integrate the philosophy of living English to enhance cultural and language skills in a unique way.

Components

  • Academic course: Official enrollment in one university course(three credit hours) of the student’s choosing. Course offerings in some majors may be limited.
  • Intensive English/American acculturation program (4–6 hours per week):
    • Advanced intensive English training — course focuses on speaking (special focus on public speech), listening and presentation skills
    • American cultural and professional seminars
  • Volunteering internship (4–6 hours per week)
  • Cultural field trips: During the program, students will go on local cultural excursions and will visit other cities near Columbia, possibly including St. Louis, Kansas City, Hermann, Hannibal and Jefferson City.
  • American ambassadors: The program opens doors for students to make meaningful relationships with American college students during their time at MU, with the intent that they will see many perspectives of American culture and return home with a more significant global view.