The Public Affairs Section (PAS), U.S. Embassy Hanoi, is seeking candidates for the 2009 East Asian Undergraduate Intensive English Language Study Program. First through third year undergraduate students who demonstrate leadership through academic work, community involvement and extracurricular activities and have a good knowledge of English are invited to apply for the program. Up to eight scholarships are available for Vietnamese students. The application deadline is 5:00 PM, October 10, 2008.

Program Overview

The Undergraduate Intensive English Language Study Program will enroll undergraduate students in the East Asia and Pacific region who demonstrate the potential to become student leaders, in eight-week intensive English Language courses at colleges and universities in the United States, starting in January 2009. It will also provide them with an introduction to American institutions, society and culture.

The Undergraduate Intensive English Language Study Program will provide participants with intensive English language training, including English for academic purposes, as well as the development of general reading, writing, speaking and listening skills, and the testing of those skills. There will also be an eight-week distance learning component to the program following the conclusion of the U.S. program.

Candidate Qualifications

Competition will be based on the potential of the candidates to become student leaders through academic performance, community involvement and extracurricular activities, without regard to their field of study, race, religion, or gender. Competition is open to all applicants who meet the following minimum criteria:

v be typically 25 years of age or younger;

v be committed to returning to their home universities following completion of their program;

v demonstrate strong leadership qualities and potential in their university and community activities

v indicate a serious interest in learning about the United States;

v have a sustained high level of academic achievement, as indicated in grades, awards, and teacher recommendations;

v have TOEFL test results of approximately 450-480 (paper-based) or 45-55 (iBT);

v have demonstrated commitment to community and extracurricular university activities;

v have a valid passport at time of application in order to travel to the U.S. in early January.

v have had little or no prior study or travel experience in the United States or elsewhere outside of their home country;

v be mature, responsible, independent, confident, open-minded, tolerant, thoughtful and inquisitive;

v be willing and able to fully participate in an intensive academic program, community service, and educational travel program; and,

v be comfortable with campus life, prepared to share living accommodations, and able to make adjustments to cultural and social practices different from those of their home country.

How to apply?

To apply for the program, applicants must submit electronically via email and a hard copy of the following documents to the address below:

1. Completed, signed Undergraduate Intensive English Language Study Program application form
2. Personal statement in English, 350-500 words, typed
3. Copy of the data/photo pages of your passport
4. Official transcripts for years of university study
5. Official results of the secondary school leaving exam
6. TOEFL’s or iBT TOEFL’s score report
7. Two passport-size photos (affix to front page)

Applications and questions should be sent to:

The Undergraduate English Language Study Program

Public Affairs Section

U.S. Embassy, 7 Lang Ha,

Dong Da, Hanoi

Tel: 84-4-850 5000, ext. 6152

Email: pas.culture@gmail.com

Application deadline: 5:00 PM, Friday, October 10, 2008

Applications received later than 5:00 PM, Friday, October 10, 2008 will not be considered.