What is the International Student Cultural Orientation Program?

The International Student Cultural Orientation Program is a special course for new MICA students who are nonnative speakers of English and is held before the beginning of the fall semester. The program integrates a cultural orientation to MICA and the United States with activities designed to enhance communication skills necessary for successful integration into MICA’s studio and academic classes.

Studio Art Instruction

This component is modeled on typical MICA studio classes and is designed to assist students in developing their ability to use art vocabulary, speak about their own artwork, and participate in critiques and class discussions. Trips to Baltimore museums and galleries will offer additional opportunities to practice English in different social and practical settings.

Cultural Orientation

This component is an introduction to the conventions of art education as practiced in the United States. Coursework will focus on topics of interest to art students and will include guest lectures from visiting artists. Reading, writing, listening and speaking exercises will assist students in their adjustment to the academic culture of the U.S. and MICA.

Dates

The International Student Cultural Orientation Program will take place from July 29th through August 16th. Usually, participating students will move in to MICA campus housing between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on the last Monday of July. (Early move in cannot be accommodated). The first meeting will begin at 6 p.m. on that day, and includes a pizza dinner. Cultural Orientation Program classes begin the next day and end on that Friday. Details will follow after registration. Classes are held for six hours each day, five days per week. After the Cultural Orientation Program, all new international students at MICA will begin MICA’s International Student Orientation Program, through end-August.

Housing and Meals

All ISCOP students are required to live in MICA campus housing during the entire program.

Cost

The total cost of the International Student Cultural OrientationProgram is $3000, which includes tuition, housing, meals, books and activities for the entire program. Personal expenses are not included in the cost.

Deadlines

The registration form and enrollment fee of $3,000 are due to MICA’s Office of Admission by early-May (for freshmen) or mid-May (for transfer students) and due to Office of Graduate Admission by mid-May (for graduate students). Please note that the enrollment fee is non-refundable.

Information on the visa requirements will be sent separately to you after your enrollment is received.