Language & Culture Program

The Short Term English Program (STEP) is delivered by the University of Washington International & English Language Programs (IELP). STEP classes are taught by experienced instructors from the University of Washington International & English Language Programs. All instructors hold advanced degrees. This track focuses on rapid vocabulary growth and real-life communication skills.
 

• 15 Hours per Week: Structured instruction from 8:30 AM to 11:50 AM, Monday through Friday.

• Placement-Based Learning: Student are grouped with peers at a similar English proficiency level (Beginning to Advanced).

• Real-World Application: Instruction centers on practical activities, such as interviewing Seattle residents, analyzing U.S. films to improve listening, and delivering cultural presentations.

• Skill Development: Emphasis is placed on listening, speaking, idioms, and learning American expressions in authentic situations.

• Small Class Sizes: Enrollment is strictly capped at 18 students per class to ensure personalized attention.

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AI & Innovation Program
The AI and Innovation program, delivered by Blade Kotelly, Senior Lecturer from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), introduces students to the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in shaping the future of technology, business, and society. Through interactive sessions and hands-on discussions, students explore how organizations adopt AI, how innovation moves from ideas to real-world impact, and how future leaders can think strategically about emerging technologies.

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Students will learn a simplified version of Blade Kotelly’s innovation framework, a structured process used to guide ideas from concept to practical implementation. The program also introduces the Huggins–Kotelly AI Adoption Matrix, a strategic tool used to understand how organizations evaluate readiness for AI, manage risks, and scale innovation effectively. Through collaborative exercises and group discussions, students will analyze real-world examples of AI adoption and explore how different industries integrate new technologies.

 

By the end of the program, students will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental concepts and real-world applications of Artificial Intelligence

• Apply a structured innovation process to move ideas from concept to implementation

• Recognize how organizations evaluate AI readiness and technological adoption

• Identify opportunities and challenges in deploying AI responsibly

• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills for an AI-driven future

• Gain insight into how innovation shapes industries, leadership, and global economies

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Academic Strategy Program (Optional)

Week 1, College Admission Essay Prep
The college admission essay prep program is delivered by Dr. Shawn Swanson (UW). Students will Learned the art of narrative storytelling to craft a compelling personal statement for university admissions.

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The first week focuses on the high-level writing skills required for elite university admissions during approximately three-hour workshop on Monday afternoon. Leveraging Dr. Swanson’s background in professional communication and technical writing, students will learn to deconstruct prompts and develop structured, evidence-based narratives. The primary deliverable for this week is a college admission essay draft, which is due the following Monday. Each student will receive individual grading and feedback from Dr. Swanson to identify specific areas for improvement in rhetorical strength and clarity, and can visit his office hours during the week for extra support.

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Week 2, SAT Reading and Writing Prep (Optional)
This session provides targeted strategies for the integrated Reading and Writing section of the digital SAT, delivered by Dr. Shawn Swanson (UW). 

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In the second week, the Monday afternoon workshop focuses on SAT strategy and preparation. This instruction addresses specific test-taking methodologies for the Reading and Writing section, including time management and question-deconstruction techniques. Students are assigned SAT prep materials as homework, which must be submitted for grading by the following Monday for feedback from Dr. Swanson. Dr. Swanson will be available for extra mentorship during office hours. This phase prepares students for the full practice exam they will take together on Wednesday of the following week.

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Week 3, Duolingo English Test (DET) Prep (Optional)

In this session, students will familiarize themselves with the adaptive digital format of the Duolingo English Test through targeted practice, delivered by Dr. Shawn Swanson (UW).

 

The final week focuses on the Duolingo English Test, a modern, adaptive assessment that requires familiarity with specific digital response formats. The sessions will cover test-specific prep materials and response strategies. This week serves as the culmination of the program's English focus, with students completing a practice SAT test and a practice Duolingo test. Dr. Swanson will be available for extra mentorship during office hours. These assessments provide data-driven feedback before the final closing ceremony.