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American Culture and English Program

The American Culture and English Program (ACE) seeks to facilitate the linguistic, cultural, and academic transition of international students to Miami University. This is accomplished by providing them with high-quality English language instruction and a challenging and supportive intellectual environment, combined with cultural and co-curricular opportunities necessary for them to achieve success at Miami.

About ACE

ACE students collaboratingThe ACE Program is intended for international students whose English language test scores fall just below the admissible level for admission to Miami, but who otherwise meet the requirements for admission.

ACE students have language proficiency scores on the TOEFL in the 60-79 range (iBT), an IELTS score between 5.0 or 6.0, or an ELS 109 EAP Certificate.

Once admitted into the ACE Program, students are conditionally admitted to Miami. As such, they have the privileges and rights of other Miami students, but they must complete the requirements of the ACE program in order to receive regular admission.

Students in the ACE program can earn up to 15 college credits toward graduation during their first semester at Miami. The specially designed curriculum includes three courses (12 credits) focused on English language and American culture, and one elective course (3-5 credits) from a pre-selected list of courses from the regular Miami course catalogue. Once students successfully complete the program, they are fully admitted into Miami University.

Learning Objectives

  1. Utilize campus resources and e-tools in pursuit of academic and co-curricular goals.
  2. Demonstrate an awareness of the relationship between culture and identity within yourself and others.
  3. Examine how behavior and decisions have an impact on personal well-being and your communities.
  4. Develop critical reading skills—e.g.: be able to identify an argument, how the argument is structured, and the kinds of evidence used to support the argument.
  5. Develop critical writing skills—e.g.: be able to describe a cultural text, be able to summarize an argument, be able to write a clear thesis statement and present a clear supported argument.
  6. Identify and demonstrate the ability to locate and use resources and offices available on campus to assist students in all aspects of life at Miami.
  7. Demonstrate effective strategies for engaging in the Miami University learning, living, and social environment.
  8. Identify and enact, in written and oral forms, effective strategies for participating, communicating, and interacting with others (students, professors) in the Miami University learning environment.
  9. Refine critical thinking skills through contrasting and comparing ideas, analyzing and giving feedback on peers’ writing, identifying ideas, cultural biases, values and comparing them with those in their culture, identifying “under the surface” meanings.
  10. Demonstrate recognition of appropriate use and documentation of someone else’s ideas, language, and other original material.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How long will I spend in the undergraduate American Culture and English (ACE) Program?

Most students complete ACE in one semester. Upon successful completion of the program, undergraduate ACE students continue to work toward completing their major and earning their degree.

Why are there different classes for the American Culture course?

Each American Culture course will support students through both an understanding of American culture as well as the ability to navigate their studies and lives in the USA. They have similar learning outcomes, even though the themes may vary.

In addition, each course offered is a Miami Plan Foundation Course: it fulfills one of the graduation requirements for a liberal education course taken to support critical thinking and written communication. ACE students take these courses in sections dedicated only to them. This course is a part of the ACE core curriculum, and students must successfully pass this course in order to complete ACE.

Is there a separate application process and fee?

No. ACE Program applicants should apply via the regular Miami University application process. If you are admitted through ACE, you will follow the regular confirmation and enrollment processes and procedures.

 

Will I still be able to graduate within 4 years?

Yes. The ACE Program is designed to enable undergraduate ACE students to graduate in 4 years, the same as other Miami students.

Can I go to the Farmer School of Business, even if I go to ACE first?

Yes. The Farmer School of Business will consider your application, if you attend ACE. Even if you choose not to take an elective in your first semester while you are in ACE, you can still apply to the Farmer School.

Admission

To apply to the ACE program, prospective students should apply via the regular Miami University application process for undergraduate international students. If you are admitted to the ACE program, you will follow regular confirmation and enrollment processes and procedures.

Program Availability

ACE students live on campus among Miami students, and they engage in coursework, co-curricular and extracurricular activities along with their American peers. They have access to academic and recreational opportunities, as well as a solid support system through the ACE Tutoring Lab, InterfACE Mentor Program, and academic and career advising. As they work their way through the ACE program, students are able to fully acclimate to life at Miami in preparation for their future degree program.

 

Eligibility

The ACE program accepts students with strong academic credentials who have English language TOEFL scores in the 60-79 range (IBT), or IELTS 5.0-6.0, or ELS 109.

 

Conditional Admission

Students admitted into the ACE program are conditionally admitted to Miami University. This means that the students have all the privileges and rights of other Miami students. However, ACE students must complete the requirements of the ACE program in order to receive regular enrollment to the University.

To move from conditional admission to full admission:

  • ACE students must receive a B- or higher in each of the two required English language courses (ACE 112, ACE 113).
  • ACE students must pass the required American culture course (earn a C or higher).

 

Tuition

Tuition for the ACE program is the same as regular tuition for out of state students. ACE students pay a program fee of $1000 that is used to purchase course materials, and cover the costs for excursions, events, and student support services for the time they are in ACE.

American Culture and English Program

162 Bachelor Hall
301 S. Patterson Ave.
Oxford, OH 45056