Global Certificate Program

3 week program

COVID-19 UPDATE: Due to the escalating COVID-19 situation in New York, GSI is moving to an online-only format for Summer 2020. Please visit our COVID-19 Update page for details before submitting your GSI application.

About the Program

This program is designed for international students to experience American culture, familiarize themselves with the American education system, and enhance their English language skills.

Course Description

Participants enhance English language skills by focusing on three areas for one week each: Leadership Skills, Public Speaking, and American Culture.

American Culture

This course offers an overview of contemporary American society and events important to American history. Present-day issues and perspectives will be examined through readings, multimedia, and communicative activities. Topics will include:

Pop Culture
Film
Television
Idioms

Music
Sports
Landmarks
Food

Leadership Skills

This course will focus on principles and skills that define leadership. Participants will build on their current skills and enhance their resume by gaining a solid understanding of effective leadership strategies. Topics will include:

Leadership Characteristics
Famous World Leaders
Gender & Leadership
Conformity & Groupthink

Collaboration & Team Building
Individual Leadership in World Politics
Cognitive Approach to Leadership
Key to Success

Public Speaking

The focus of this course will be on the preparation and delivery of speeches in English. Participants will learn to organize their thoughts so they can effectively communicate their ideas to an audience. Students will learn a variety of strategies to help overcome presentation anxiety and feel comfortable with public speaking. Topics will include:

What makes an effective speaker
Posture, voice, diction and other mechanics of speech
Body language during public speaking
How to speak so people will listen

Hooking your audience and keep them engaged
Pronunciation and English grammar
How to incorporate visuals and PPT
Understanding and conquering public speaking anxiety

Schedule (Tentative)

Classes meet Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm.
Three special lectures by distinguished faculty or administrators will be offered from 1:00 - 2:30 pm and all students are required to attend.
On Fridays and weekends, participants will attend optional field trips and events planned by GSI and will have free time to enjoy activities of their own choice.

SPECIAL LECTURES

Participants will attend weekly special lectures by distinguished faculty or administrators on a range of topics. Speakers will be announced in the spring.