Dates: July 28 - August 22, 2008

Developed in consultation with the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, the American Culture and English for International Business Students program is a full time, four-week series of intensive classes addressing topics that include an introduction to the Kellogg MBA classroom environment and American culture and conversation. Through language activities, lectures, guided practice, simulations, and group projects, students will become more proficient and more comfortable speaking English in business settings. The curriculum is tailored to business and classroom contexts, bringing together Northwestern University faculty and experienced professionals in the field of teaching English to speakers of other languages.

This intensive full time program involves over 30 clock hours of instruction and orientation activities each week, plus additional social events. Classes will be held at Northwestern's Evanston Campus on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Read from last year's participants.

Who should attend?

This program is specifically designed for and limited to newly admitted students in the Kellogg School's full-time, two-year MBA program and the Kellogg-McCormick Master of Management and Manufacturing program. Participants must have less than one year of experience studying or working in an English-speaking country.

Program Content

Classes are held from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM with a two-hour break for lunch on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Classes meet in the morning only on Wednesdays, and meet until 4:00 PM on Fridays. Classroom activities are interspersed with guest lectures, Kellogg and Northwestern University orientation activities, and social events.

Course descriptions:

Business Writing

• Learn to use written English to effectively communicate in both formal and informal contexts in a business school environment
• Recognize and correct common problems with grammar, register, and organization of written communication
• Understand expectations for written academic assignments in a business school setting

Classroom Dynamics

• Learn and use strategies to increase fluency, persuasiveness and confidence in a dynamic graduate classroom environment
• Discuss the cultural values that underlie the "rules of engagement" in an American MBA classroom
• Observe a live Kellogg course session, followed by a debriefing with ACE instructors
• Practice new discussion skills in three business-based case studies taught by Kellogg faculty

Kellogg Communication Strategies

• Learn about communication skills needed to succeed as an international student in CIM and KWEST activities
• Practice networking and informal interaction skills critical for first impressions
• Improve your intercultural competence through observation, analysis, and interpretation of Kellogg traditions

Team Interview Project

• Learn how to conduct an interview in an American business setting
• Learn expectations for Kellogg-style teamwork
• Practice working in teams to conduct campus interviews and make presentations

Additional content is interwoven into the program, including social events, cultural presentations, student panels, and more.

Housing

On campus housing is available but not required, and is not included in the cost of the program. Students interested in staying on campus may stay at Northwestern's McManus Living and Learning Center, and arrangements will be coordinated during the program registration process.

Registration

Registration requires approval from the Kellogg School of Management. Please contact Wendy Metter at w-metter@kellogg.northwestern.edu or (847) 467-4081 to schedule a phone interview to qualify you for the program. Upon approval, students will be issued a permission number which will be required in order to register.

The $3,000 (US) fee is nonrefundable and includes classes, social events, guest lectures, health insurance and textbooks. This fee does not include room and board or transportation. Interested students should register by May 15, 2008.

Contact Us

Northwestern University School of Continuing Studies
Wieboldt Hall, 6th floor, 339 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60611-3008
Tel: 312-503-1219, Fax: 312-503-4942

Northwestern Excellence

• Northwestern University is a preeminent university recognized internationally as a hallmark of academic excellence.
• School of Continuing Studies and Kellogg School of Management programs provide students with exceptional opportunities for intellectual, professional and personal growth.
• Northwestern instructors bring outstanding academic credentials and relevant professional experience to the classroom to create a highly interactive, collaborative, and challenging learning environment.
• Northwestern students study with peers who have rich, diverse backgrounds and can provide lifelong learning connections.

Course content and schedules are subject to change.