Yosemite English School, Located at Merced College in Merced, California,
is dedicated to enhancing world wide educational opportunities for international
students by providing quality instruction in the English language and the
opportunity to learn and experience American culture.
Located in one of the fastest growing parts of the United States, Yosemite
English School at Merced College provides an intensive program of learning,
recreation and cultural activities for students and professionals with the desire to
improve English language skills while developing a better understanding of
American culture and business practices.
The modern YES facilities are located on the campus of Merced College,
allowing students the opportunity to study and learn on an American
college campus before actually being accepted into the College.
Yosemite English School students have access to the facilities and activities
of Merced College, which was established in 1962 and currently has 16,000 students.
With the purchase of a Merced College Student Identification Card, YES students
are able to use various services such as recreational programs and the College
Library, with its extensive book and periodical collection, and student computer
work stations.
Merced College is located in the heart of the great San Joaquin Valley and
nestled between the sea and the mountains. There are dozens of tree shaded parks,
miles of bike paths, municipal and private golf courses, and plenty of choices for
sailing, water skiing and fishing. Merced has claimed the distinction as the "Gateway
to Yosemite," which is a world famous national park. It is also possible for students
to take a day trip to everybody's nearby favorite, San Francisco, and to beautiful
beaches like Monterey, and the capital city of California, Sacramento.
Through individualized testing, placement, advising and challenging instruction,
the YES staff work in harmony to improve language skills and communication abilities.
The principal components of the YES curriculum include listening/speaking, grammar,
reading/vocabulary and writing skills. The standard length of a term at YES is 16
weeks, with sessions usually starting in January, May and September. Customized plans
are also possible.
The 20 hours per week of classroom instruction, designed to improve a student's
TOEFL proficiency, include topics such as Oral Communication, Pronunciation,
Comprehension, Reading, Writing and Language Structure. Class assignments will be desired by
YES instructors according to the student's abilities. Formal preparation for
taking the TOEFL exam is also available, at an additional charge, for those students
who wish to eventually matriculate into an American college or university.
Individual classes at YES have been designed to assist the student to pass the
TOEFL exam and to succeed at written exams typical of American colleges and
universities. Additionally, emphasis is placed on developing the various skills
needed to be fully successful in college level classes.
Instructional materials and methods have been designed to create a smooth
transition from the pre-college setting of YES into the college classroom. Classes
are small and intensive; sometimes one on one!
YES provides personalized advising and support services for both instructional and
personal purposes. YES staff is available to assist students in making the adjustment
to a new culture. Individualized touring services are available at an additional cost.
Upon first arriving in the United States, a student may make arrangements for
airport transportation services from Fresno, Merced, or San Francisco. One week
advance notification is required.
American home stay programs are popular among foreign students, providing an
opportunity to improve spoken English skills and learn about American culture. YES
carefully screens and interviews prospective host families and carefully places students
in the appropriate home environment. Further information about the home stay program
is available upon request.
If you are interested in Yosemite English School, or would like more detailed
information about our program, please click here to print out
our application form and send it by mail.
YES accepts students in the middle of the semester.
Students who achieve a score of 450 or more on the TOEFL after studying at YES are
eligible to apply as an international student at Merced College. It is also possible
to audit or take a credit course according to English skill level while studying at
YES. YES staff will assist students with the Merced College application process.
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