MBA Graduate Preparation Institute for International Students

offered by the
Career English Language Center for International Students
(CELCIS)
at
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY

The Career English Language Center for International Students (CELCIS) at Western Michigan University in cooperation with the Haworth College of Business is offering four sessions of a MBA Graduate Preparation Institute for International Students. Session II will build on the skills learned in Session I.

The institute is designed to prepare English as a second language learners to succeed in Western Michigan University's MBA program. This institute is also useful for those preparing to apply to MBA programs at other universities and executives wanting to learn about American business.

Participants will be given assignments that help them prepare for the GMAT, prepare for TOEFL, and simulate the tasks required in the MBA program. They will be introduced to the skills required for each assignment, practice using those skills, and be evaluated on their ability to do the following:

• improve TOEFL and GMAT scores
• read and comprehend texts used in MBA courses
• write effective reports, papers, and business correspondence
• comprehend and take notes from lectures
• give an effective presentation using PowerPoint
• use online bibliographic and financial databases to research and document company background and related industry concepts
• interact socially with native English speakers
• understand business college expectations regarding testing, homework, and ethics
• participate in whole class discussions
• collaborate with groups of native speakers on group projects
• conduct effective interviews with English-speaking professionals
• become familiar with key cultural elements of American society, including the family, politics, and the educational system
• improve their English pronunciation

COURSES

Each course meets daily-Monday through Friday-with a total of 4 hours per day.

Oral Communication (5 hours a week)

In this course you will study and practice skills for:

• social interaction
• pronunciation and error compensation
• group discussion and team-building
• class room interaction
• cross-cultural communication
• question asking and interviewing

In addition, you will:

• explore the key cultural elements of American society
• increase your business vocabulary

Lecture-Listening and Presentation Skills (5 hours a week)

In this course you will study and practice how to:

• listen to lectures and take useful notes
• use online bibliographic and financial databases to research and document company background and related industry concepts.
• organize ideas with supporting details
• use appropriate vocabulary for comparison/contrast and cause/effect
• argue and defend selected company strategies
• interpret charts and graphs
• use PowerPoint to express ideas concisely and visually

Reading/Writing Skills and GMAT Preparation (meets 10 hours per week)

The skills learned in this class will enable you to prepare for the GMAT as well as for the types of assignments you will have in your MBA courses. In this course you will study and practice ways to:

• improve your reading comprehension skills
• improve your business writing skills
• increase your business vocabulary
• increase your grammatical accuracy
• build critical reasoning skills
• improve GMAT writing score

WEEKLY LECTURE SERIES

• In addition to the 20 hours per week of classes, students will attend a weekly lecture series similar to those given in MBA classes

ACTIVITIES

The following activities will also be part of the MBA Graduate Preparation Institute:

• Orientation and tour of the Haworth College of Business
• Weekly lunch with student(s) from the Haworth College of Business MBA program
• Visit to a local business
• Reception with professors and MBA students from the Haworth College of Business
• Observation of the Haworth College of Business MBA classes
• Optional participation in the social and cultural activities offered for students in the CELCIS intensive English program (Conversation groups, community volunteer activities, field trips)
• Meet with an Advisor from the Haworth College of Business
• Meet with an Advisor from the Office of International & Student Scholar Services (OISSS)
• Orientation and tour of Waldo Library

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION

In order to be admitted to the MBA Graduate Preparation Institute you must:

• have completed your undergraduate degree with the equivalent of a grade point average of at least 2.5 (on a scale of 4) or better
• have a recent TOEFL score of at least 500 or have successfully completed the advanced level of CELCIS
• enter the United States on a student (F-1) visa

APPLICATION DEADLINE

• Spring Session I: November 1
• Spring Session II: January 1
• Summer Session I: March 1
• Summer Session II: April 1

COSTS PER SESSION

Prices below are approximate and may change slightly without prior notice.

• Application Fee: $ 100.00
• Tuition: $ 1,923.00
• Student Fees: $ 60.00
• Books: $ 200.00 (estimated)
• Dormitory (housing with food): $ 1,720.00
• Medical Insurance: $ 160.00
• Personal Expenses: $ 250.00 (estimated)
• Total: $ 4,413.00

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants must apply for an F1 (student) visa. Documents can be sent by fax (1-269-387-4806), and we accept MasterCard, Visa, and Discover cards. It is also possible to use bank checks and money orders to pay. To apply send the following items to the CELCIS office:

1. __ The completed application and financial guarantee and support statement forms
2. __ An official bank statement from your sponsor showing proof that you have US $8,500
3. __ A copy of your college or university transcripts-IN ENGLISH
4. __ A non-refundable $100 application fee plus a non-refundable $100 tuition deposit, a total of      U.S. $200 (make payable to CELCIS)
5. __ Verification of a recent TOEFL score of 500 or more
6. __ A copy of your passport identification page.

You may send all by fax (1-269-387-4806) if you include credit card information to cover the application fee and tuition deposit.

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