question about preparation for college (Los Angeles: private school, universities, living in)

[Colognegirl]

We move from Germany to LA next summer and normally our daughter must start with college then. (She's 17 then). But her English is not good enough for college we think. An American told us that there are special schools you can visit and they prepare you for college in one year. Can you tell me more about this schools and how can I find them in Internet ?
My daughter is pretty good in English but she has to pass the TOEFL test at first before she can apply for a college. And the test is not easy .
So I think one year in a 'preparation' school is not bad.

[sll3454]

How about something like this? Intensive English in Boston and Los Angeles

Community colleges also offer English classes.

[Samoi137]

She is taking English now? What's her proficiency level? You're moving in the summer of 2012? Many schools, especially colleges, in the U.S. and in Canada have intensive English institutes, especially during the summer, which wouldn't be of much help until you arrive in the U.S. No program can guarantee being ready in a year, but there are many that will help.

I'd contact: 1) Universities in Germany, especially their office dealing with international students (about intensive seminars, etc. either in Germany or in the U.S.); 2) nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, or Fulbright Institute, which should have an office with info on English studies (including locally) and exchange programs (i.e., they'd know about institutes in the U.S.); 3) the German Consulate General and Goethe Institute in Los Angeles, not because they'd be involved directly with English studies but because they may have heard of schools, seminars, etc. in the area; 4) Universities, state colleges, etc. in the exact area you plan on living in, for info on any intensive English institutes they have. For example, in L.A., California State University Los Angeles (or Northridge or Dominguez Hills), UCLA, etc. Of course, if she can go away for the summer you could look for institutes around the country and even in Canada.

I'm in Brazil right now and there are private programs especially geared towards the TOEFL test. There are also lots of language schools in the U.S. with the same thing in mind. There are also self-study programs, such as Rosetta Stone.

You don't mention budget, but I'd certainly consider a private school (evenings, weekends) or tutor to start studying now. Time is short.

[bhcompy]

Any California Community College will have classes for people like her(though they're probably mostly geared towards people who are Spanish-primary language). One problem you will encounter, though, is that any state run college will be very expensive for the first year because you need to live here 1 year to gain the residency requirement for the in-state pricing.

[katnip kid]

Have you tried Craig's List? It is international in scope, so you may even find something that you need in Germany.

[Colognegirl]

Thank you for your help .

Originally Posted by bhcompy

Any California Community College will have classes for people like her(though they're probably mostly geared towards people who are Spanish-primary language). One problem you will encounter, though, is that any state run college will be very expensive for the first year because you need to live here 1 year to gain the residency requirement for the in-state pricing.

Do I understand this right ? At first she has to wait 1 year before she can go to a public or private college ?

[bhcompy]

Originally Posted by Colognegirl

Thank you for your help .



Do I understand this right ? At first she has to wait 1 year before she can go to a public or private college ?

No, public colleges in California have in-state and out-of-state tuition rates. In-state is far cheaper, but has a 1 year residency requirement.

[Colognegirl]

Ok,thanks.

[drunk on kool aid]

I'm a U.S. native so I have no personal experience with the TOEFL. However, my impression from interacting with international graduate students is that passing the TOEFL doesn't necessarily ensure English proficiency. Most European students had very good English skills but many Asian students had a generally lower level of fluency, even though all had to pass the TOEFL. The Asian students were able to read textbooks and dense journal articles but had more difficulty with conversation and writing. My impression of European students is probably skewed since I've only seen students who were accepted by U.S. schools. From my very limited experience, German, French, Swiss and Scandinavian students tended to have very good English. Maybe the TOEFL will not be as difficult as you think?

I think the passing score is determined by the school, so you may want to check with each college/university for the minimum necessary.

One more thing, when international students come to the U.S. and socialize with the natives, their English improves very quickly (less so with older folks). So, your daughter's English may improve naturally, even without taking special classes.

Good luck.