SOCIAL STUDIES TRACK

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SOCIAL STUDIES TRACK ✎

courseS

This track combines social disciplines to help students explore how people think, communicate, and connect, both individually and as a society.

Through dynamic discussions, collaborative projects, and thought-provoking writing, students will examine history, politics, culture, and human behavior. By stepping outside their comfort zones, they’ll learn to think critically, understand diverse perspectives, and express their ideas with clarity and confidence.

  • (3 classes/week, 3.5 hours each)

    Social psychology is the scientific study of the way people think about, feel, and behave in social situations. It involves understanding how people influence, and are influenced by, others around them. A primary goal of this course is to introduce you to the perspectives, research methods, and empirical findings of social psychology. We will use a college-level textbook along with supplementary readings to cover topics including: impression formation, conformity, pro-social behavior, interpersonal attraction, persuasion, stereotyping and prejudice. Equally important is the goal of cultivating your skills for analyzing the social situations and events that you encounter in your everyday lives. Finally, throughout the course, emphasis will be placed on developing critical and integrative ways of thinking about theory and research in social psychology.

  • (2 classes/week, 3.5 hours each)

    Students in this course will use tools from the social sciences and humanities to pursue a rich understanding of American culture. We will consider a variety of source material, including key events in American history and politics, themes in American literature and popular culture, and rituals and symbols that represent and permeate daily life in America. Through ongoing discussion and a variety of reading and writing exercises, students will identify the ways in which American habits, beliefs, and values are communicated and maintained. This language-heavy course also gives students an opportunity to strengthen their English fluency. Topics include education, family, diversity, business, and government.

Admission requirements

  • Completed Application Form

  • Academic Transcript or Grade Report

  • Academic/Extracurricular Resume

  • Teacher Recommendation Form

  • Personal Essay

  • Application Fee

  • Optional: TOEFL or ASSET Scores

Once your application is submitted, you’ll have the opportunity to schedule your 30-minute video interview. An interview is required for admission.

Eligibility

We encourage students who meet the following qualifications to apply:

  • High school students entering grades 9-12

  • Academically talented with decent English proficiency

  • Motivated students looking to develop independent learning skills and experience American culture and campus life

  • Students who aspire to strengthen their resumes and apply to elite U.S. universities

Students who do not meet all qualifications are welcome to apply and will be admitted on a case-by-case basis.

Program fee

To help you prepare with confidence, we’ve outlined everything your program fee covers. Take a look at what’s included, as well as any additional costs to consider.

  • Your program fee includes the following:

    • Tuition

    • Room & Board

      • All linens, including towels, are changed weekly. Additional linens are always available upon request.

      • Three meals a day are included. We pride ourselves on offering well-rounded options consisting of university dining halls, catered meals, and local restaurants!

    • Health Insurance

    • Service Learning Opportunities

    • Residential Counselors & Staff

      • Our counselors are comprised of current UC Berkeley students with diverse experiences and backgrounds.

      • Our staff are on site 24/7 to support your students as they navigate their collegiate experience.

    • Excursions & Activities

      • Admission and participation in all excursions and activities is included in your program fee.

    • Airport & Group Transportation

      • Students arriving at SFO within the designated time slots will be chaperoned by our team from baggage claim and beyond.

      • Students will ride to and from excursions on our exclusive luxury charter buses - the perfect time for a comfy nap!

      • Students departing from SFO within the designated time slots will be chaperoned by our team until they pass the TSA checkpoint.

  • Your program fee does not cover the following:

    • Airfare

      • Families should refer to the suggested arrival and departure details when booking travel.

    • Travel Visas

    • Textbooks & Class Materials

      • Class materials will be available for purchase upon arrival to campus. Costs vary based on track, typically ranging from $0-150 USD.

    • Personal Expenses

      • While we cover the basics, students often bring spending money for souvenirs, snacks, and toiletries.

      • We recommend students carry a credit/debit card in case of unforeseen incidentals.

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