Ford Foundation International Fellowships Program (IFP)
Program of English, Cultural Orientation, and
Community Service

Spring International Language Center (SILC) has been providing excellent language learning experiences for over twenty-five years. We believe that language learning contributes to greater understanding among peoples of diverse cultural backgrounds and to peace. SILC embraces the goals of William J. Fulbright for international educational exchange.

The University of Arkansas Main Campus in Fayetteville

The University of Arkansas (UAF) is a beautiful campus located in the delightful town of Fayetteville in Northwest Arkansas. The University has a student population of 15,500 from throughout the United States and more than 900 international students from over 100 countries. The campus is surrounded by the great natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains offering wonderful places for outdoor sporting and hiking. International students find the friendly and safe environment of Fayetteville a wonderful place to live and study.

Spring International Language Center

Spring International Language Center provides intensive English and cross-cultural education to international students and professionals. Grantees will be tested and placed in one of our six levels of English Language Proficiency. They will have courses in reading, writing, listening and speaking along with Pronunciation and Grammar Clinics, TOEFL workshops and additional tutoring as needed. ESL course content is focused on communication and academic readiness for English for undergraduate and graduate studies.

Faculty

All classes and academic activities will be conducted by qualified and experienced instructors with master's degrees in TESOL, Linguistics, or related fields. Supplemental lectures or meetings will be provided by University of Arkansas faculty in various academic fields of study. Special sessions and workshops will be designed by faculty members to address the specific needs of the IFP fellows.

The Program of English, Cultural Orientation, and Community Service will help Ford IFP Fellows:

• Improve their English language skills
• Develop coping strategies for culture shock and adaptation
• Prepare for future dialogue with the international network of Ford Fellows
• Understand the importance of language and cross-cultural communication for their academic and professional careers

Students will be expected to:

• Actively participate in classes and workshops and attend weekly social and cultural activities
• Speak English only
• Participate in co-hort discussion groups with other Ford Fellows

The Intensive English Program courses will include:

• A six-level English language curriculum from beginning to advanced
• 25 hours of class per week
• Tests, quizzes, and homework
• Grades and final reports
• Special IFP projects

Orientation sessions and workshops for Ford IFP Fellows will include:

• Orientation to the campus and the community
• Dealing with cross-cultural adjustment and stress
• Communication in "Real Life" Settings
• Getting involved on campus
• Cultural and social field trips and coffee hours
• Volunteer work in the community

The intensive program at Spring International Language Center will help incoming students to:

• Improve their pronunciation
• Speak fluently and understand English
• Read quickly and write clearly