Introduction to American Langauge & Culture (ALC) Program

Since 1977, with the support from Stanford's English for Foreign Students (EFS) program, we have been offering a 1-month long summer program called American Language & Culture (ALC) to students from Asia.

Students on the program take English classes in the mornings offered by EFS and in the afternoon join activities arranged by VIA to explore various aspects of contemporary American culture. Such activities include volunteering in the community, visits to Silicon Valley companies, workshops arranged by Stanford students, and panel discussions on a variety of topics. Most students come from Taiwan, Japan and mainland China and they live together in a dormitory on the Stanford campus which provides a very rich educational environment. The program is also supported by student staff from Stanford. The participants and the Stanford students develop long-lasting friendship through the program and we have active alumni committees in Asia.