Student Life, FAQs and Helpful Vocabulary

Live, learn and grow better with the CAP community!

Your time at Temple University will be full of new experiences that will challenge and excite you. Each day will bring along learning opportunities both in and out of the classroom. For those good days and not so good days, we are here for you—supporting you along your path.

Learn about the CAP Advantage—designed with your unique needs in mind!

Temple University Main Campus

Did you know that Temple University has campuses in three (3) different countries?

Once you become a full-time Temple student, you have the opportunity to study at our Tokyo or Rome campus. And of course you can stay right here, on Main Campus in Philadelphia!

Your Support Staff

Mary Scholl, Programs Specialist

TESOL Master's Degree, Temple University
Over fifteen years in English language teaching
Over five years working in conditional admissions programs
Certificate of Instructional Learning Technology from CEHD, Temple University

Stephanie N. Hopwood, Student Services Coordinator

Ph.D. in French Literature, The University of Virginia
Over fifteen years of university teaching in the U.S.
Two years of teaching English overseas
Five years of university academic advising experience

Events and Activities

As a CAP student, you'll have special opportunities to learn from experts on Temple's campus and improve your skills. Join the Center's other international students for regular events. Meet new people and have some fun!

Learn More

CAP Coffee and Chat

Hear from academic advisors
Chat with instructors from Fox School of Business, the Engineering School and more
Develop ypur resume and interviewing skills
TCALC Events

OIA Events

The Office of International Affairs supports both international undergraduate and graduate students. Join their monthly and seasonal events!

Philadelphia—The City of Brotherly Love

Temple University Main Campus is located in the heart of the city of Philadelphia. Surrounded by world class art museums, live music venues, international cuisine and cultural diversity, Philadelphia will provide you with a vibrant student life on and off campus.

Take a Tour

Did you know Philadelphia

is the 1st World Heritage City in the U.S.?
is the 2nd largest city on the East Coast?
has the 3rd most populous downtown in America?
was voted "one of the world's greatest places" in 2021 by Time Magazine?
was voted one of the 25 best places to visit in 2020 by National Geographic?
is considered an affordable city compared to other large U.S. cities?

Take a look around our amazing city!

Helpful 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!

Center for American Language and Culture (TCALC)