5 Reasons to Study English at the University of Central Florida

05 Oct 2016

There’s a reason writers like Jack Kerouac and Ernest Hemingway loved living in Florida. Maybe it was the sunshine; maybe it was the 600 miles of gorgeous beaches; maybe it was a combination of both. Whatever it is, we’re sure you’ll find it in Orlando.

Nicknamed “The City Beautiful”, Orlando is the metropolitan hub of central Florida. (In 2013, Orlando had over 59 million visitors!) Since it’s a port state, Florida has placed a priority on international relations and trade. Florida’s universities reflect this multicultural attitude, particularly the University of Central Florida. UCF, boasting a dozen campus locations across central Florida, has made it their mission to promote cultural diversity and provide a quality education to students around the world. In fact, UCF accepts international students from 148 countries!

But apart from the sunshine and sea breezes, let’s take a look at why you should study English at the University of Central Florida’s English Language institute.

1. UCF’s English Language Institute offers a diverse global learning environment committed to making you feel welcome and excited

Even though the University of Central Florida is the largest public university in the U.S., the English Language Institute at UCF offers an average class size of 15 students, so you’ll get the individual attention you’ll need to excel. UCF also combines traditional university education with global, cultural learning. In addition to meeting other international students from across the globe in class, you’ll be able to participate in campus events and clubs. One of these events is the International Fair, where you can learn more about not only your own culture, but many more as well!

2. Don’t meet the language requirement? No problem, thanks to Access UCF!

If you’re thinking about undergraduate study at UCF but English isn’t your strong suit, don’t panic. UCF offers the Access UCF track, specially-designed to help you improve your English proficiency while taking up to 12 credits of undergraduate coursework at UCF. The best part? You can transfer those credits when you enroll as a graduate student! For more information, check out the Access UCF track on UCF’s website.

3. Relax after class at one of Orlando’s 12 theme parks!

All work and no play make Jack a dull boy (or Jill a dull girl, or however you self-identify). So have some fun and explore Orlando’s theme parks, from the famous Disney World, Epcot, and Universal Studios, to the educational Discovery Cove and SeaWorld Orlando. And, if you’re a Harry Potter enthusiast like many writers of our time, be sure to check out the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort. Even if you’re not a fan of ‘The Boy Who Lived’, we’re sure you’ll discover the true meaning of magic at any of Orlando’s theme parks.

4. Or work up a sweat at UCF’s Recreation and Wellness Centre

Fancy rock climbing? Wanna get your scuba diving certification? How about going camping or canoeing? Whatever your taste for adventure, UCF’s got it covered. As a UCF student, you can take advantage of the gym, rock climbing wall, and two swimming pools thanks to the Recreation and Wellness Centre. You can also rent out sports equipment – everything from canoes to camping gear – if you’re eager for a weekend excursion with your new UCF friends.

New to the world of fitness? No problem! You can participate in a fitness assessment and orientation, which will assess your current fitness level and provide you with an overview of UCF’s fitness programs. For more information about UCF’s recreational programs, click here.

5. Looking for more opportunity? Check out Orlando’s research park!

Orlando is renowned for its research, particularly in the scientific, medical, and technological fields. And after a few weeks at UCF, you might decide you like it and want to stay. (Hey, we don’t blame you!) Orlando is always looking to recruit talented international employees. This is why UCF has partnered with the Central Florida Research Park. The CFRP, which is on UCF’s doorstep, aims to provide employment and internship opportunities to UCF students.

Describing themselves as a “campus-like environment for business”, the CFRP believes that combining industry with education is imperative, particularly in the ever-changing field of research. The research park has over 10,000 employees and is home to divisions of prestigious companies like Bank of America, Boeing, and AT&T. For more information about the partnership, visit the Central Florida Research Park website.

Sound appealing? We think so! But don’t just take our word for it – check out this video from UCF’s English Language Institute and see what one of over 2,000 current international students has to say: