It is the role of the International Student Advising Program, directed by Dr. Ellen Batt, to assist international students in attaining success in language acquisition, academic progress, and social integration. These courses help non-native speakers acquire the proficiency needed to experience success in rigorous courses across the college curriculum. One ESL course per semester may be taken in addition to simultaneous enrollment in general and major requirement courses. As ACI does not have an intensive English language program, prospective students lacking sufficient academic English proficiency are advised to attend an accredited intensive English language institution prior to application. International student orientation and intensive, individual advising take place during these two days.
Orientation is required for all newly admitted non-native speakers.
Students may opt to exit the ESL sequence upon attaining appropriate English proficiency as demonstrated by formal assessment or by official score reports. Academic Advising International students at Albertson College of Idaho are assisted in their transition to the American institution of education through a fall foreign student orientation, ongoing personal academic advising, integration into the campus community, and English language support. In addition to the general fall orientation, a foreign student orientation includes information on visa status and regulations, college academic and cultural expectations, language placement testing, individual academic advising, class scheduling, registration, and assistance with banking and residential matters. Social Integration International social events are sponsored by the International Advising Program throughout the academic year as a measure to promote integration and friendship among international students, foreign language students, and the campus and local communities at large. The director of the International Advising Program serves as a liaison to the community and highly encourages students to become involved in local service organizations and schools as guest speakers and teachers of their native languages and cultures.