UTRGV Professional Development Program
Program Overview
A professional development program that provides an intensive, 4 week program in ESL combined with business English, career development, job search skills, resume writing, legal advice on applying for jobs in the United States, and visits to US businesses to meet with employers. The program begins in early January and ends
UTRGV was established in 2015 and is America’s newest research university. UTRGV has a pair of beautiful campuses located directly on the border with Mexico, close to the cities of Matamoros and Reynosa.
UTRGV’s Language Institute prepares students to enter for their careers with academically and professionally oriented language instruction and offers all students the opportunity to learn functional use of English. The institute has a state-of-the-art audio lab and dynamic instructors. Upon completion of the program, students will have acquired a language level that will enhance their opportunities for professional and academic advancement. The Language Institute is dedicated to helping students fulfill their professional, academic, and personal goals.
#3 among all University of Texas system universities - Forbes
#10 nationally in Best Masters Universities – Washington Monthly
#15 in Rehabilitation Counseling – U.S. News
#126 In the South - Forbes
#183 among public colleges - Forbes
Career Development and ESL Program
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For more information, please contact: Office of Global Engagement Dr. Tae Hyun Oum, Program Consultant & Global Affiliate, UTRGV |
Program Structure and Academic Content
The program will consist of a 4 week session with class size is capped at 25 to ensure students receive personal attention from instructors. Classes are from Monday to Friday and students learn intensive ESL from 9 AM until 12 noon. From 1 PM until 3 PM, students will take a wide range of courses in professional development and American culture. These lectures will include:
- Interview Skills – students will learn and practice in English professional interview skills.
- Job search strategies – Career professionals will provide training in how to find jobs, including professional expectations, career tracks, industry opportunities, and more.
- Professional Resume – Students learn the most effective writing styles for resumes.
- Face-to-face meetings with US executives - Weekly trips to businesses to meet executives to discuss career opportunities, hiring practices, and professional expectations in the US.
- Listening and Speaking - Conversation, discussion and structured listening practice help students gain confidence speaking and understanding English in everyday situations.
- Reading and Writing - Students improve their ability to read and remember more, as well as learn how to write professionally.
- US Business Practices – Students will receive lessons in doing business in the US, professional expectations, career tracks, industry opportunities, and more.
- American Cultural and History – Lectures by university professors on culture and history of US to better prepare students to be competitive in the job market.
- Academic Certificate - Students who successfully complete the program receive an Academic Certificate from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
Housing
Students will live in dorms on the university campus and receive services to ensure comfort, safety, social, activities, health, and wellness. Included are:- All meals, which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week.
- Suite style rooms, fully furnished, shared bathroom, no smoking.
- Shared kitchen area.
- Laundry facilities and bed linens.
- Weekly recreational and social activities hosted by Resident Assistants.
- Game room/leisure areas/media & TV rooms.
- Gymnasium, Student Union, Recreation Center.
- Medical health service clinic.
Cultural and Historical Excursions
Students will travel to local cultural and historical sites. These trips include:- A weekend in San Antonio, famous for its river walk, Americas at Night, Six Flags Fiesta, Botanical Garden, Gravity Park, and much more.
- A day trip to famous South Padre Island with its sea turtles, dolphins, surfing, and beaches.
- A trip to Rio Grande Valley Premium Outlets for shopping for the best and latest fashions, styles, and electronics.
- Visits to local markets, parks, and areas of interest.
The program includes:
- Classes in business English, US business practices, resume writing, interview skills, etc.
- Housing
- Meals - breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Graduation ceremony/certificate
- Books and supplies
- Airport transportation
- Settlement
- Access to gym, game room, etc.
- Health insurance
- Transportation to business centers and sites
- Cultural/historical site visit to San Antonio (2 days)
- Cultural outing to South Padre Island
- Outlet malls
- Cultural/social events during evenings