L.E.A.P. is more than just classroom instruction. The Center for International Programs and the L.E.A.P. Program offer optional activities throughout the semester. The Center for International Programs offers the following programs to help students develop their English abilities and learn about the surrounding culture:

Guest Speaker Program

This program brings guest speakers from the surrounding community and from different departments on campus to talk about topics that have a direct impact on the international students. Guest speaker presentations might include a session devoted to campus organizations and activities; a session on study skills, time management and test anxiety; a session on etiquette; a session on university grading policies and course registration procedures; a session on culture shock or a session on West Virginia culture and history.

English Conversation Partners Program

This program offers students one-on-one contact with other students at Marshall University for whom English is their first language. The program will match students in the L.E.A.P. Program with American students. Partners meet once a week to speak English and learn about each other’s cultures and countries. Partners may just sit and talk. Others have lunch or meet for coffee. It is up to the partners to decide what they want to do.

International Table

This event brings international students at Marshall University together with people from the surrounding community. Anyone is welcome. The purpose of this event is to offer internationally-minded people an opportunity to share cultures and languages. The table is held several times each semester on Friday evenings at a restaurant/pub near the campus. L.E.A.P. students will be informed about the event by email and announcements made in class.

Elementary and Secondary School Visitation Program

This program allows international students, including students in the L.E.A.P. program, to visit an elementary, middle school or high school and to share their culture with the children, many of who have never had any contact with a person from another country. The international students in turn gain practice in English conversation and learn about American youth culture. L.E.A.P. students who are interested in visiting classes at elementary schools, middle schools and high school to give oral presentations about their country and culture, should contact the Director of the L.E.A.P. Program.

College Lecture Visitation Program

This program gives L.E.A.P. students the opportunity to visit undergraduate and graduate classes on campus. Students select classes from the schedule of undergraduate and graduate courses that are related to their desired field of study. With the permission of the related department, L.E.A.P. students may visit college lectures during the second half of the semester. Students participating in this program are required to take notes during the first thirty minutes of the class and record their observations for use in the L.E.A.P. classroom. This program is offered to all students enrolled in Level 109 of the L.E.A.P. Program.

Social and Recreational Activities*

• “Get-To-Know-You” Picnic in September and June at one of the local parks at the beginning of the summer and fall sessions
• Halloween Costume Party and Dance in October
• One-day Trip to Charleston, West Virginia in December and May at the end of the spring and fall semesters
• One-day Trip to Kings Island Amusement Park in August at the end of the summer session
• International Festival in November. (Visit the Center for International Programswebsite to see photos from the most recent International Festival)
• Spring Picnic at Beechfork State Park or Ritter Park

*This is a sample list of activities that are typically sponsored by the L.E.A.P. Program and/or Center for International Programs. Activities are subject to change. There may be a charge for some activities to cover the cost of transportation, food, fees, etc.

On Your Own

• Marshall University Artist Series, which brings to the Huntington community professional performances in music, dance, theater, and film
• Student can go shopping at the Huntington Mall, they can visit West Virginia’s largest museum, attend Marshall University sporting events, go to concerts at the Huntington Civic Arena. Student may also take a walk, jog or play tennis in Huntington’s city parks, or see a movie at one of two downtown theaters. Many of these trips to nearby attractions can be reached by our public bus transportation, or students can bike or walk.
• Student can rent a car or take a Greyhound Bus to several larger cities (all within three hours drive), including Cincinnati, Ohio; Columbus, Ohio; or Lexington, Kentucky. Huntington is also served by Amtrack Train and two regional airports to reach other destinations, including Washington, D.C. or New York City
• Students can join the various intramural teams sponsored by Marshall University Recreational Sports. The Recreational Sports Office offers students the opportunity to participate in such team sports as softball, volleyball, basketball, tennis, track & field and soccer
• Students can also join student organizations sponsored by Marshall University Student Activities, such as the International Student Organization.