Our mission is to combine the academic strengths of Boise State University with the professional, cultural, and environmental resources of Idaho to create customized training programs for international students, scholars, and professionals. We currently manage a variety of customized programs that combine intensive English language training with subjects and activities designed to match the interests and needs of each of our clients.

Boise State University is located in Boise, the state capital of Idaho, a hub of government, business, the arts, health care, industry and technology offering urban conveniences with small-town friendliness. Although Boise is the center of a growing metropolitan area, it has preserved a safe environment, friendly character, and easy access to surrounding mountains, canyons, and rivers. Boise is well known for its high quality of life and excellent outdoor recreation opportunities. If it doesn't sound like paradise yet - keep in mind that Boise enjoys a mild, dry climate year-round. Boise is the perfect place for a unique American experience.

Academic Resources

Boise State University offers fully accredited academic programs in Applied Technology, Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Social Sciences & Public Affairs. The student enrollment is currently 18,500 and is steadily increasing. In addition to language and culture, training programs can be tailored to focus on specific academic areas of interest with experienced faculty members providing workshops, seminars, and lectures. Boise State University’s strong connection to the community and local industry make it possible for us to arrange practical training opportunities in the form of public service, volunteering, job shadowing, and internship activities. From our state-of-the-art distance education facilities, computer and media labs, library, research and policy centers, Boise State University facilities and resources will compliment and enhance training programs. We have the expertise and resources to design a quality program for any group.

Learn English!

The Intensive English Program (IEP) at Boise State University offers English language classes taught by English as a Second Language professionals. The classes are small and interactive to ensure everyone gets the practice and personal attention they need to learn the most. Classes and learning activities focus on conversational English as well as on the specific needs a client may have. Activities include field trips to the many cultural and historical sites around Boise, meetings with professional and special interest groups, and participating in information collection assignments such as interviews and scavenger hunts. Classes can also be tailored to meet specific learning goals and learning activities can be designed to meet the unique interests and needs of the group. You will enjoy learning English with us!

Accommodations and Meals

Participants live in Boise State University residence halls. The rooms are clean, comfortable, and provide all basic furnishings. Participants will be matched with American roommates to provide cultural and language immersion. The older residence halls provide double occupancy rooms with shared baths. Two new residence halls are currently under construction and they will provide single rooms in an apartment-style setting. Residence halls are centrally located on campus within easy walking distance of classrooms, cafeteria, libraries, computer labs, and recreation facilities. The Student Union Building is a great place to relax during free time and meet American and international students from around the world. Most meals are eaten on campus in the Table Rock Cafeteria, centrally located in the Student Union Building. Other food outlets in the Student Union provide sandwiches, pizzas, and sushi. The residence halls are also just a short walk or bike from downtown Boise, movie theaters, museums, shopping, restaurants, coffee shops, and hiking trails. Depending on the needs of the group of participants, we can also arrange accommodation at a hotel adjacent to campus. Boise, Idaho is the perfect location for learning.

Live with a Local Family!

American family home stays offer a wonderful opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in American language and culture and make friends that can last a lifetime. We have an active network of host families all of whom are interested in sharing their homes and their culture with international visitors. They are also very interested in learning from their guests. Immerse yourself in American family life.

Recreational and Cultural Activities

The following list highlights some of our most popular activities. As with all components of our programs, the cultural and recreational activities can be tailored to meet the interests of the group.

Tour Yellowstone National Park - See Old Faithful Geyser, Yellowstone Falls (a 100 meter waterfall), beautiful mountain scenery and lots of wildlife including buffalo, elk, and, maybe even a bear or wolf!
Campfire Dinner – Hike to a waterfall, swim in a mountain lake, cook and sing around a campfire, and see more stars than you have ever imagined.
Horseback Riding – A guided trip through the beautiful Idaho landscape led by real cowboys and cowgirls.
Lewis and Clark – Follow the route of the historic Lewis and Clark Expedition through Idaho and experience the sites where the expedition camped and interacted with the Nez Perce, a Native American tribe in Idaho.

River Rafting – Float on the Boise River, through the Snake River Canyon, or the Payette River flowing from the mountains to the high desert plains.
Picnics, Parks, and Festivals – Attend concerts, theater performances, sporting events, picnics, and community events as well as many of Boise’s summer music and arts festivals.
Sports - Play badminton, soccer, basketball, tennis, Frisbee, or volleyball with new friends on campus. Or go swimming, lift weights, or practice rock climbing. You will have access to the recreation center at the University, which is a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility offering sports, fitness, and recreation activities.
American Culture & History – Visit the Boise Art Museum, the Idaho Historical Museum, and the Black History Museum of Idaho located across the Boise River from the Boise State campus. Walk on the historic "Basque block" and visit the Basque Museum. View remnants of the Oregon Trail and learn about pioneer history on the cliffs above the Boise River. Visit Idaho City and Silver City, historical mining towns located in the mountains near Boise.
Natural History – Visit the World Center for Birds of Prey located near Boise or observe wildlife in the mountains above Boise.
Skiing, Snowboarding, and Snowshoeing – Bogus Basin Ski Resort is just 16 miles from downtown Boise and the mountains around Boise are excellent for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Also, weekend trips to famous Sun Valley can be arranged.
Free Time – The Outdoor Recreation Program at Boise State University rents outdoor equipment for a variety of activities. Many scenic trails for biking or hiking are easily accessible. Program Assistants are available to arrange free time activities. If participants want to go canoeing, fly-fishing, bowling, skydiving, or shopping, they just need to ask. Explore outdoor life in the Rocky Mountains with us!


Program Components

Included: Accommodation, 3 meals per day, English language classes and learning activities, airport transfers in Boise, all program-related transportation, entrance fees to all cultural and recreational activities (free time activities excluded), health insurance and access to the health center at Boise State University, membership in the recreational center at Boise State University, special souvenir program T-shirt, and certificate of completion.
Not Included: Airfare, airport transfers or accommodations in stopover cities, travel insurance, personal expenses, and cost for escort from home country.

Please contact Dr. Sabine Klahr, Director, International Programs to request a sample program outline and budget:
International Programs Office
1136 Euclid Ave.
Tel: 208-426-3652
E-mail: sklahr@boisestate.edu

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© 2006 Boise State University, International Programs Office,
1910 University Drive., Boise, ID 83725
Problem? Email IPO Office.   Last reviewed 3/27/2006.