English Language for High School Students
This page contains content from the Summer School 2009. For current information, visit the Harvard Summer School website at www.summer.harvard.edu.
See also
June 20–August 7, 2009
Class schedule: Mondays–Fridays, 9–11 am and 1–3 pm
The Secondary School Intensive English Language Program (SIEL) is a selective seven-week program open to students who have completed 10th, 11th, or 12th grade and have advanced English language proficiency. Students must be 17 years of age or younger as of June 30, 2009. Students 18 years of age and older as of July 1, 2009, while ineligible for SIEL, may register directly for intensive English language classes.
As a student in this program, you are part of the Secondary School Program. You live on campus with other secondary school students and can participate in college preparation and other activities.
The program prepares you to master the methods used in American universities. In class you analyze and produce academic work in English; develop a wide and sophisticated vocabulary; and improve your use of English in group and individual research projects, formal writing, oral presentations, and seminar discussions about scholarly papers, novels, and other forms of contemporary literature. Information presented in English in different media on the themes of education, politics, and the environment serve as springboards for oral and written work.
A typical day
Morning. Each weekday, before class begins at 9 am, you can enjoy your morning meal with fellow students in Annenberg Hall.
Lunchtime. Your class breaks for lunch from 11 am to 1 pm. You may eat in the dining hall, relax with friends in Harvard Yard, or study in Lamont Library.
Afternoon and evening. Class meets again from 1 to 3 pm. Afternoons are open for studying, exercising, socializing, and exploring. You return to the dining hall for your evening meal.
Weekly activities. Once a week, you and other SIEL students attend a lecture by a Harvard professor or visit a local site of academic and cultural importance. Each Friday, you join other students at a plenary lecture and discussion session led by a Harvard professor.
Picture yourself here! See a Harvard summer in pictures.
Application
You can apply online or by completing paper forms. Learn how to apply.
Program cost
| Application fee (nonrefundable) | $50 | |
| English language course tuition | $4,950 | |
| On-campus housing (room and board) | $4,250 | |
| Health insurance | $165 |
|
SIEL calendar
| Application period begins | mid-December |
| Last date to complete SIEL application | Thursday, April 16 |
| Last date to complete all I-20 certificate requirements | Thursday, April 30 |
| Payment deadline: For tuition, room and board, and all other fees |
Tuesday, May 26 |
| Opening Weekend | Saturday, June 20–Sunday, June 21 |
| Dorms open | Saturday, June 20 |
| Students check in | Saturday, June 20–Sunday, June 21 |
| English language placement test (required of all SIEL students who have not taken the test in May or June; dates available in late January) | Sunday, June 21 |
| Activities Fair | Sunday, June 21 Science Center Lawn |
| Orientation meetings | Sunday, June 21 |
| Classes begin | Monday, June 22 |
| Independence Day observed (no classes; offices closed) | Friday, July 3 |
| SIEL program post tests | Friday, August 7 |
| Dormitories close | noon, Saturday, August 8 |