Vocabulary tuition fee плата за обучение

loan заем

interest зд. процент (с суммы взятой взаймы)

to repay возмещать, возвращать

needy нуждающийся

grant субсидия, дотация

scholarship стипендия

dormitory (dorm) студенческое общежитие

bachelor’s degree степень бакалавра

Bachelor of Arts бакалавр гуманитарных наук

Bachelor of Science бакалавр естественных наук

graduate school аспирантура

the arts гуманитарные науки

the science(s) естественные науки

major предмет специализации

“transfer” program подготовительный курс

Master’s Degree степень магистра наук

(M.A. or M.S.) (гуманитарных или естественных)

Doctor of Philosophy степень доктора наук

TASK 1. Agree or disagree with the following statements:

1. The system of university education in the US is centralized.

2. There is no difference between private and State universities.

3. A University course usually lasts for four years.

4. One can obtain a bachelor’s degree at any college or University.

5. There are no special advanced University degrees.

6. Any University has only one campus.

7. There are no colleges which offer “transfer” programs.

8. M.A., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees are research degrees.

TASK 2. Additional text. Read and translate without using the dictionary.

American universities

Higher education began in the United States in 1636, when Harvard College was founded in Massachusetts. The aim was to train men for service in church and civil state. Yale College, Princeton University, Columbia University are the oldest and the most famous American higher educational institutions.

Now there are about 3,000 colleges and universities, both private and public, in the United States. Students have to pay to enter universities.

All the universities are independent, offering their own choice of studies, setting their own admission standards. Higher educational institutions usually are governed by a board of trustees.

Most colleges and universities undergraduate courses last for four years. During the first two years students usually follow general courses in the art or sciences and then choose a major – the subject or area of studies in which they concentrate. The other subjects are called minors. Credits (with grades) are awarded for the successful completion of each course.

A college grants a bachelor’s degree at the conclusion of studies.

A college prepares the student for either graduate study leading to master’s or doctor’s degree or a job immediately after graduation.

Students are classified as freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors

All students who have graduated from the senior class and who continue studying at a university are classified as graduate students. Scholarships are given when a student is doing exceptionally well at school.

American universities and colleges are usually built as a separate complex, called “campus”, with teaching blocks, libraries, dormitories, and many other facilities grouped together.

TASK 3. Discuss the following:

1. Different types of colleges and Universities.

2. The structure of American graduate school.

3. American and Russian Universities. (Pay special attention to the entrance standards and admission policies).