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Center for American Language and Culture (TCALC)

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About the Center

LEARN ENGLISH IN THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE U.S. 

ESTABLISHED IN 1974  • YOU ARE WELCOME HERE

Temple University’s Center for American Language and Culture (TCALC) attracts students from all over the world to the historic city of Philadelphia, the second-largest city on the U.S. east coast, and a cultural, artistic and culinary hub. International students enjoy the excellent educational resources available on Temple's campus and many cultural experiences in downtown Philadelphia. Small class sizes and caring, experienced teachers help students at all proficiency levels reach their goals.

Non-native speakers come to the Center to improve their English language skills for study, employment and to enhance their everyday lives. Temple also offers Conditional Admission for students who wish to attend the university, as well as special programs that focus on particular skills or provide a cultural immersion experience in the U.S.

Meet the team that is here to support you !

Meet the Tcalc team

Helpful University Vocabulary

Learn a little more about the university vocabulary!

1. Credit Classes vs. Non-Credit Classes
  • Credit classes are those classes you take that will provide credit toward your college degree.
  • Non-credit classes are those classes that will support your language and academic goals but will not earn you credit toward your degree.
2. General Education/ Gen. Ed./ G.E.

General Education/Gen.Ed./G.E. classes are those that are required for all undergraduate students regardless of your major. These classes are an opportunity to build your knowledge foundation and explore fields that may interest you, but are not your main focus of study. For example, if you are a mechanical engineering major, you might want to explore an art history course. These art history course credits will count toward your degree.

 

3. Matriculation

Matriculation is a formal word that means to enter into a university or to begin university studies. Upon successful completion of CAP 3, students will matriculate into Temple University.

4. Undergraduate vs. Graduate Student
  • An undergraduate student is someone who is working toward their 4-year bachelor's degree.  A student must have a secondary school degree or equivalent to pursue a bachelor's degree.
  • A graduate student is someone who is working toward their master's or doctoral degree.  A student must have a bachelor's degree to pursue a master's or doctoral degree.
5. Major

Your major is the specific subject area that you will specialize in. Most of the classes you take as an undergraduate student will be in your major or related to your major. 

6. Degree

There are four types of degrees available in the U.S. university and college system: associate (2 years), bachelor's (4 years), master's (usually 2 years) and doctoral (3+ years). Once you complete CAP and your undergraduate courses, you will graduate with a bachelor's degree!

7. R1 University

Temple Universty is proud to be categorized as an R1 institution. An R1 institution is one that engages in the highest levels of research.

8. Mascot

A mascot is something that symbolizes an organization. Temple's mascot is the owl. As a CAP student you will be sure to see Hooter and Stella (a live owl) at our football games and other events! Learn more about Temple traditions here!

9. Cherry and White

Every university has a chant or song used to share pride and school spirit. Be sure to practice Temple's fight song before your first sporting event as a CAP student!

T for Temple U
U-ni-versity!
Fight, fight, fight!
For the Cherry and the White,
For the Cherry and the White,
We'll fight, fight, fight!

Learn more about Temple traditions here!