Homestay + English Study + Travel >18+

Are you 18 years old or older? Would you like to come to Portland, Oregon to study English, stay in a homestay, learn American customs, volunteer and explore the Pacific Northwest?

If you answered Yes to these questions, then we would love to welcome you to Portland, Oregon.

AEA offers the following program, once in February and once in August.

Program Inclusions:

*English classes at a local private university.

*Course content will focus on basic English conversation and cultural themes.

*Volunteer placements will Action Projects are included.
*Cultural Ambassadors (American high school students) will join some classes and activities.

*Homestay placements are contracted with a trusted local partner. Up to 2 students per homestay placement.

** Homestay placements must be paid for by made by May 22nd to guarantee availability.
*Dorm stays may also be available.

Cost: $3,780

Course Overview

This program builds your communicative skills and challenges you to think critically about culture and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. You will develop speaking and listening skills that enable you to engage with local community members, teachers, peers, and homestay families in authentic contexts. You will also explore American values as part of a cultural exploration project. Each student chooses an SDG or part of culture to explore. As part of your research, you will conduct interviews, make observations, and attend discussion panels, culminating with a presentation on your findings.

Action Project: Exploring Portland

This is an experiential learning opportunity to interview Portlanders and explore local sites. You’'ll learn what makes Portland unique and how Portlanders think about the SDGs. SDG 1, 2, 10, & 11

Action Project: Nature and Sustainability

You’ll explore the intersection of nature, recreation, and industry in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge with a visit to Multnomah Falls and a guided tour of Bonneville Dam. SDG 7 & 11

Action Project: Urban and Suburban Lifestyles

This action project focuses on how Americans live, with an emphasis on local Portland culture. Students engage in critical thinking about gender, income inequality, and diversity while visiting two different American neighborhoods. SDG 10 & 11

NOTE: Assignments done on Action Projects are linked to the course and will be part of the students’ final grades. Action Projects are subject to change.

Program Outline

Duration: 3 weeks

Action Projects 20 hours total

Volunteering 15 hours total

Class Time 34 hours total

Testing and Orientation 3 hours total

Optional Tours and Activities~30 hours total

Program cost includes: tuition for class, Action Projects (APs), transportation to the AP locations, application and homestay placement fees, homestay with meals, round-trip airport transfers, materials for all classes, and a cell phone for emergency use.

Transfers by local staff to and from Portland International Airport are included in the course fee for arrivals between 8:00AM and 10:00PM and departures between 10:00AM and 12:00AM. For transfers outside of these times, PIA can help students arrange airport transfer services via taxi, shuttle, or a ride-sharing service such as Uber or Lyft. Students will be responsible for the cost of this transfer.

Not covered in program cost: Airfare, local public transportation (bus/train/light rail), personal shopping expenses, replacement cost of lost or damaged cell phones provided for the program, cost of optional after-school and weekend activities.