TSMC–ASU English Language Program
In the TSMC–ASU English Language Program, you will learn in a supportive, flexible format that fits around family and daily responsibilities. When you participate in the program, you will:
- Build confidence using English in real-life situations
- Communicate more easily in your community, with schools, and in daily activities
- Learn alongside other TSMC family members in a supportive environment
- Develop skills that help you feel more independent and connected
How it works
The 8-week program follows a consistent weekly structure designed to balance learning with your schedule. You’ll attend class (in-person) one day per week and complete the remaining activities at times that work best for you. The program is designed to be family-friendly and manageable alongside daily responsibilities.
- 6 hours: In-person instruction, once per week, at the ASU West Valley Campus
- 2 hours: Live, online sessions with your instructor
- 10 hours: Online, Self-paced English practice
You will be placed into one of three levels based on a short English assessment:
- Basic: Build foundational communication skills for everyday situations
- Intermediate: Expand your ability to communicate with more confidence and independence
- Advanced: Use English more fluently across a wide range of real-life situations
Program themes
You will learn through practical topics that reflect real-life situations. As you progress, you revisit these themes with increasing depth and complexity:
- Greetings & Introductions
- Personal Information
- Family & Friends
- Daily Routines
- Time & Schedules
- Food & Drinks
- Shopping
- Places in the City
9. Directions & Transportation
10. Hobbies & Free Time
11. Weather & Seasons
12. Health & Body
13. At the Restaurant
14. Work & Jobs
15. Travel & Holidays
16. Review & Real-Life Talk
Learning beyond the classroom
ASU West Valley campus
Face-to-face components of the program will be held at the ASU West Valley campus, nearby the TSMC site in North Phoenix.
Learning on campus at ASU allows you to practice English in everyday situations, become more comfortable navigating a university and the surrounding community and provides you with valuable educational resources such as:
study rooms
access to university libraries
recreational facilities
on-campus experiences and more
Pricing
Tuition costs
Program tuition and all required instructional components of the program are fully sponsored by TSMC.
- English language instruction (in-person, live online, and self-paced components)
- Course materials and access to ASU learning platforms
- Program administration and student support
Additional participant costs
Participants will be responsible for personal and incidental expenses including:
- Meals and dining on campus
- Printing or optional course-related materials
- Personal transportation
- Optional campus or community activities not included in the program
- Any charges related to visits to ASU Health Services
These charges, if incurred, are the responsibility of the participant and are not included in the program sponsorship. Participants should plan for basic personal expenses during the program.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Before the Program
Participation is coordinated through TSMC. TSMC will identify and invite participants for each session.
Yes. You will complete a short online assessment from ASU to confirm your English level.
- The test takes about 30 minutes and must be completed in one sitting
- It is used to confirm general English ability, not detailed placement
You will submit required documents through TSMC, including passport information, forms for J-1 processing, and program forms such as FERPA and immunization records.
Deadlines are listed in the Timeline section.
Submitting documents on time is important to avoid delays in visa processing.
Most participants will either apply for a J-1 visa or complete a change of status in the U.S.
You will work with TSMC and immigration counsel to complete this process.
Visa timelines and appointment availability may vary based on U.S. consulate scheduling.
Eligible dependents may apply for J-2 status. J-2 dependents must be under 21 years old.
Please consult with TSMC and ASU on eligibility of dependents to join the instructional part of the program.
Participants may remain enrolled for up to 24 months, depending on visa status and continued participation.
During the Program
The program is 18 hours per week:
- 6 hours in-person
- 2 hours live online
- 10 hours self-paced
Yes. Attendance is required for visa compliance.
Missing more than one full in-person class (6 hours) in a session may result in a compliance notification.
Participants must complete at least 80% of program activities.
Ongoing issues with attendance or progress may lead to removal from the program.
You should plan travel during breaks between sessions.
Travel during a session may affect attendance and visa compliance.
For international travel or visa-related questions, consult TSMC and immigration counsel, as situations may vary.
In-person classes are held, once a week on Wednesdays, at ASU’s West Valley campus.
You will need:
- A laptop
- Reliable internet access
- A quiet space for online learning
The program is designed to match your level.
You will be placed in Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced and progress at an appropriate pace.
Program Costs & Logistics
The program is fully sponsored by TSMC. There is no tuition cost for participants.
You are responsible for personal expenses such as meals, transportation, and optional activities.
You are responsible for any charges incurred while on-campus, such as printing charges, and any fees associated with visits to ASU Health Services.
Yes. Course materials are included, and no additional textbooks are required.
Changes, Withdrawal, and Completion
Participants who plan to leave the program must coordinate with TSMC and notify ASU in advance.
TSMC and the participant must provide written notice to ASU at least two weeks before the end of the current session. This allows ASU to update enrollment and immigration records for the next session
Before providing notice, participants should consult with TSMC and immigration counsel to understand any visa or status implications
Yes. Enrollment is confirmed before each session.
TSMC and participants must confirm continuation prior to the end of the current session.
ASU will notify participants and TSMC of the process for continuing in each session at least two weeks ahead of the end of each session.
If attendance or progress requirements are not met over multiple sessions, participants may be removed from the program.
Program completion is tied to your period of participation (up to 24 months) and continued engagement.
For detailed Program policies, please refer to the full Program Policies document.