There is no better way to learn a language than to take that adventurous leap into full immersion. Students who study in a new culture emerge from the experience with a priceless new perspective that benefits them for a lifetime. But for many, the idea of adapting to a foreign academic environment while also working hard to acquire new language skills seems overwhelming.

Our partner organization, the House of Tutors Learning Center in Austin, Texas, is excited to launch a new program specifically designed to address this challenge: The University Fast Track Program.

The new program, targeting international students seeking degrees from American universities, complements regular ESL courses and focuses on providing intense preparation vital to personal and academic success.

Highly-trained instructors work with students in small-group settings to expedite language learning with a full course schedule of ESL instruction. Participants can enroll in electives that focus on cultural adaption and benefit from seminars on motivation, study skills, and how to succeed at American universities. The program also includes customized academic counseling and one-on-one, personalized tutoring.

This special opportunity is especially important for students of the King Abdullah Scholarship Program. The Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission, an agency of the Saudi government fostering international education, will pay for their participation in the program. For Saudi scholars hoping to get the most out of their time and effort in America, this is an appealing arrangement that enables students to achieve their goals while facilitating friendly, constructive relations between our two nations.

As it gains momentum, the University Fast Track Program is expected to expand and attract the interest of ESL students across the globe. A champion of international education and intercultural understanding, the Alhambra-US Chamber is happy to welcome and aid a program that helps students tackle the challenging but rewarding experience of cultural adaption and academic success.