10 Reasons to Study in the IEC this Summer

Did you know that the IEC officers a summer semester program? There are many benefits to joining us in the summer (May-July). Read on to learn more.

1. Complete a level in a shorter amount of time.

The Intensive English Center’s summer semester is 10 weeks long, compared to the 15-week fall and spring semesters. You will be able to complete a level in a shorter amount of time, but with the same number of instruction hours.

2. Classes meet every day, so you can master the English language.

Since the summer semester is shorter, classes meet every day. It is a much more intensive program, but having classes every day will help you master the reading, writing, structure, and listening and speaking skills faster.

3. Start your degree in August. (Level 4 Students)

If you are in level 4 in the summer, you could start your undergraduate or graduate degree at St. Cloud State University. Many students traditionally start their programs in the fall. The fall is the start of a new academic year.

4. Experience Minnesota’s warm summers

You can experience Minnesota without the snow! Our summers in central Minnesota average 80ºF (26ºC). The weather can also be humid and we do get some rainstorms. Summer weather usually begins in May.

5. Plenty of outdoor activities!

Minnesota is known as the “land of 10,000 lakes”, which makes it a great spot to enjoy summer activities. We really love the outdoors. Many people go swimming, fishing, biking, hiking, and camping, just to name a few activities. St. Cloud State students are able to rent equipment from the recreation hall on campus. In addition, Lake George is not far from campus—you can rent a paddleboat, canoe, or paddleboard to use on the Lake.

6. Summer IEC activities

Program activities and field trips are a lot of fun in the summer. We do not have to worry about bringing warm clothes or snow boots on our trips. In the summer, we take a trip to learn about St. Cloud’s nickname, “Granite City”. We tour an active granite quarry and then tour Quarry Park & Nature Preserve in St. Cloud. There are swimming areas in the park and we usually have a picnic. Sometimes, if the weather and river cooperate, we can go canoeing down the Mississippi River and see the Beaver Islands.

7. Continue to improve your English

Everyone loves summer vacation. However, in the 3-4 months between spring and fall semester you might forget or lose some of your English skills. This is especially true for students that decide to travel home and only speak in their native language. Add the extra 10 weeks of study time to stay on top of your game.

8. You still get a break between semesters

The best part of the short summer semester is that you still get to enjoy a summer break. Classes finish at the end of July, which means you still have about a month vacation to see friends, family, and travel the US.

9. Quiet campus = more study spaces

Many undergraduate or graduate students take the summer off or take online classes. This means there’s more study space for you in the library, in your dorm, and in campus buildings.

10. Meet new people!

The IEC welcomes new students every semester. Whether you are a new student or a returning student, you will have the opportunity to meet someone new.