2.  Towson University's Summer/Winter in Maryland Program is a three or four-week intensive English language and culture immersion program which provides the opportunity for students from overseas to study in the United States and improve their conversational English while experiencing American life and culture

3.  Towson has been ranked among U.S. News & World Report's America's Best Colleges every year since the guide's inception in 1985  The largest comprehensive university in the Baltimore area, Towson University is nationally recognized for its excellent programs in the arts and sciences, communications, business, health professions, education, fine arts and computer information systems.

4.  Students come to Towson University from across the United States and around the world  Many attractions are located within walking distance in the heart of Towson, minutes from campus, or are a short drive away in downtown Baltimore  Within walking distance are countless restaurants and specialty stores, a high-end shopping mall, and a state-of-the-art movie theater

5.  The University’s beautifully landscaped 328- acre campus is located in the suburban community of Towson, Maryland  It is in a geographically convenient location just eight miles north of downtown Baltimore, 55 miles (one hour) from Washington, D.C., 100 miles (1.5 hours) from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and 188 miles (3.5 hours) from New York City.

6. City of Towson Towson University

7.  English Proficiency Test  Intensive English Instruction  Community and Service Learning  Towson University Services & Resources  Opportunities to meet American families  Accommodation & Meals  Trips & Excursions  Earn two Towson University Credits  Frequently Asked Questions & Program Contact Information

8.  An English proficiency test is administered by the University's English Language Center  Helps teachers provide appropriate classroom instruction based on each participants individual level of proficiency

9.  Intensive English language instruction taught by professional instructors at the University’s English Language Center  More than 60 hours of instruction includes internet-based TOEFL (iBT) training and practice  Students attend classes weekday mornings and weekly conversation and service learning activities with Americans to improve general speaking skills

10. The Summer/Winter in Maryland Program attracts students from many different countries, providing the opportunity to practice English and engage in cross-cultural learning with peers

11.  Provides enriching experiences, allowing students to communicate, learn, and help locally as well as grow on a personal level  Projects may include planting trees, building homes, or teaching others about one’s unique culture

12.  Access to Towson University services including:  Dining Halls  Library  Athletic facilities  Fitness Center  Tennis Courts  Soccer Fields  Basketball Courts  Climbing Wall Burdick Hall Climbing Wall

13.  Students are partnered with local-area, “typical” American families, providing opportunity for sharing culture, conversation, food and friendship  Interaction includes:  Introductory reception on campus  At least one opportunity to have meal at American family home  Closing reception on campus  Meeting “typical” American families is often considered one of the highlights as lasting friendships are formed

14.  Program participants typically stay on campus at the Towson University Marriott Conference Hotel  Suites have all the comforts of home, including fully equipped kitchens with cooking supplies, a dining area, linens, towels, TV and free Wi-Fi internet  Buffet lunches are provided weekdays at Glen Dining Hall, where students can choose from a variety of menus and eat as much as they desire

15.  Trips and excursions including but not limited to:  Baltimore City  Inner Harbor, Camden Yards, Fells Point, Ft. McHenry & Johns Hopkins University  Washington D.C  White House, Capital, Washington, Lincoln, & Jefferson Memorials, & Georgetown  New York City  Statue of Liberty, World Trade Center, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, etc.  Professional Sporting Event (season dependent)  Baltimore Orioles Professional Baseball Game  Baltimore Blast Professional Indoor Soccer Game

18.  Two (2) Towson University credits earned at the completion of the program  Some overseas institutions add an additional component to the program upon returning, and award additional credit.  These credits may be transferrable to a home institution  A certificate of completion is awarded by the Towson University International Contracts Office

19.  What is not included in the program cost?  Air transportation  Health insurance  Breakfast, dinners, and meals during weekend excursions  Extra spending money for gifts and souvenirs  How do I apply?  If an affiliate operates in your home country/world region, he/she will assist you with the admission and visa process. Otherwise, please complete an application (available online at www.towson.edu/sim) and submit it with the program deposit directly to the Towson University International Contracts Office.www.towson.edu/sim

20.  Office Hours  Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 5 pm (EST)  Staff  Scott Pierson, Director  Michele Di Mauro, Program Coordinator  Contact Information  Office Email: sip@towson.edusip@towson.edu  Office Phone: 410-704-2239  Office Fax: 410-704-4703  Physical Address: Psychology Building, Room 408  Mailing Address: 8000 York Road; Towson, MD 21252