International Owls Academy - an in-person college prep program for international students ages 15-17
Our Classes & Workshops
In the morning, you will take classes with other high school students from Philadelphia, the U.S., and all around the world! Choose one workshop from options such as health and medicine, business, arts, and world affairs.
World Affairs
We live in a global age when events beyond our borders -- including wars, pandemics, economic booms and busts, and the climate crisis -- significantly affect our lives. In this workshop, students will work together to understand the most important global challenges of our time and draft policy advice to policymakers about how best to meet these challenges and promote international peace and security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.
Money Matters: Building a Business
Every organization needs a good accountant to help it understand, analyze, and improve its operations and performance. If you are interested in business and have enjoyed your high school math courses so far, this workshop is ideal for you. You’ll learn accounting fundamentals, such as preparing and analyzing financial statements, auditing, building wealth, understanding taxes, and applying financial concepts to real-world scenarios to help businesses succeed. You will learn from professionals in the field, and participate in a case competition with other students. This workshop is part of the Accounting Institute.
Understanding and Influencing Public Health Behavior
Gun violence, climate change, opioid use, food access, and other public health issues impact individuals across the lifespan and in the spaces where we live, work, and play. At the end of the workshop, you will be able to engage in critical conversations about these topics that are grounded in scientific knowledge, the process of inquiry, and current literature. Approaching these topics from the perspectives of both public health professionals and journalists, you will be able to describe the impact of public health on daily life and identify opportunities and solutions where the public can engage in action across a variety of professions.
DNA, Genes, and Medicine: Navigating the Genomic Frontier
Advances in scientists’ understanding of the human genome are making it possible to identify why certain diseases occur, and how to better prevent or treat them. In this interdisciplinary workshop that blends genomics, evolutionary biology, and informatics, you will learn how new technologies that harness the power of our genes to fight disease are being developed and used in the medical field.
Green Design Lab: 3D Printing and Sustainable Making
Learn how to 3D print, laser cut, and build electronic devices with sustainable practices in this hands-on workshop. Edit, design, and print 3D models. Create 2D designs and cut them with lasers. Assemble working electrical circuits with solar power. Build and take-home projects to help you think about sustainable making.
These afternoon workshops will include meetings with Temple University admissions counselors, visits to colleges within Temple University, presentations on university admissions processes, and an introduction to college applications and admissions essays.
Students will select one elective for the afternoon. TOEFL/IELTS Preparation will introduce the content and strategies needed for success on these standardized tests accepted most widely by U.S. academic institutions for admission purposes. Students who are not interested in test preparation may opt to take American Cinema. In this course, students will watch and discuss American films, write critiques, engage in online discussions of the films and their cultural perspective, and work in groups to create a short film of their own.
Each week, students will come together for active, student-centered exercises to strengthen leadership, and interpersonal and communication skills.
Housing, Meals and Airport Pick-Up & Drop-Off
EducationUSA Academy students will live in a residence hall on Temple University’s campus.
Live with domestic high school students in a minors-only building (only students under 18 years old allowed to live in the building).
- 24/7 building security and mandatory rules, including curfew
- 24/7 dedicated chaperones to assist with day-to-day needs
- Background checks for all staff and security
- Shared bedroom and bathroom (separated by gender)
- Wi-Fi available
- Towel, pillow, blanket and sheets provided and washed weekly
Meals are provided.
- Students will be provided with a meal plan card* for weekday meals and some weekend meals.
- A gift card** will be provided for meals during weekend regional trips and students can purchase food to bring on the trip with this.
- Orientation and farewell party will be provided
* If the meal plan card is lost, the student must pay a replacement fee of $50 for a new card. The student is responsible for paying this fee - the program will not cover the cost of any lost meal plan cards.
** If the gift card is lost, there is no replacement for a gift card and the student must purchase all meals from their personal funds.
Chaperones will escort all students to and from the airport.
- Airport pick-up is provided on July 13 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Temple University campus
- Airport drop-off is provided on August 3 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. from Temple University campus to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
- Pick-ups and drop-offs outside of July 13 and August 3 will be accommodated for an extra fee
- Early arrivals may also incur an accommodation fee for an additional night’s stay
Keeping you safe is our #1 priority at the EducationUSA Academy at Temple University.
- 24/7 chaperones
- Student to chaperone ratio 7:1
- Chaperones are trained, experienced, Temple University juniors and seniors
- Students/Guardians must complete mandatory medical and activity waivers
- Students must follow and sign rules & regulations
- Chaperoned airport pickup and drop off
Insurance provided for students on a J Visa through TCALC's Geoblue student plan. Upon arrival, students will be provided with their insurance card which is to be kept with them at all times.
IMPORTANT: Students not on a J Visa must purchase their own health insurance for travelers. Insurance will not be provided by the program.