Get a head start on your Tepper School of Business journey with the Business English and Cultural Immersion (BECI) Summer Program. Designed for new international master's students, this program helps you acclimate to U.S. academic culture and life before your program begins in the fall. BECI is also available to domestic students with limited English proficiency or who otherwise believe they would benefit from this programming.
This hybrid program includes six weeks of online instruction followed by two weeks of in-person activities in Pittsburgh leading up to Base Camp.
Kristen and the rest of the Tepper School team greatly helped me become accustomed to the different culture and system. Although it's my first time living in the U.S., I could easily adjust to life here with the support of the BECI Program, which covers diverse subjects closely connected to our lives, such as diversity, health insurance, emergencies, transportation, and more. I'm falling in love with Pittsburgh and CMU!
Yujin Kim
SK Hynix, incoming MBA student and 2024 BECI participant
Program Overview
- What: An immersion program in U.S. culture and business English.
- When: May 31 - July 31, 2026
- Where: The first part of the course will consist of online learning. Participants will have time to travel and get settled in Pittsburgh. The final two weeks will be in-person on the main campus of Carnegie Mellon at the Tepper School of Business in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Why: Business English skill development, network and community building, and cultural immersion to maximize your Tepper School master's experience.
Logistics
Note - All student travel costs to and from CMU and accommodations are the responsibility of the student.
- Modified schedule options are available.
- Scholarships are available and will be awarded on a case-by-case basis.
- All books and materials are covered by the program.
Transportation, entry tickets, and meals for the planned group outings are covered by the program.
What to Expect
As a BECI participant, you'll engage in a dynamic six-week online program followed by two immersive weeks on Carnegie Mellon's campus in Pittsburgh. This intensive experience is designed to enhance your master's journey, helping you improve your business English proficiency, strengthen communication and presentation skills, and navigate U.S. academic culture and life. Plus, you'll build valuable personal and professional connections along the way!
If you're in the full-time program, you'll attend online classes for about three hours per day, five days a week. If you choose the modified program, you'll have sessions for about two hours, three days a week.
The Tepper School partners with leading global companies that recognize the value of investing in their employees' professional development. These organizations support their employees' participation in BECI, helping them build the skills and networks needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving market.
Recent participants have come from companies such as:
- SK Hynix
- LG Electronics
- Korea Exchange
- KOSCOM
- Bumjin Electronics
- East Japan Railway Company
Language and cultural support for all full-time international students in the MBA, MSBA, and MSM programs is now available during the regular academic year with Dr. Kristen Williams.
There is no cost for currently enrolled students.
- 1:1 or Small Groups: Get help with reading and writing strategies in English, practice pronunciation, learn business English vocabulary, and more.
- Scheduled at your convenience with Dr. Williams either in-person or on Zoom.
Our Goal
Assist families of international students in Tepper Masters programs to establish a sense of community in Pittsburgh.
Our Service
Dr. Williams will host in-person activities for spouses on Tuesdays at the Tepper School, a location around Pittsburgh, or at a local apartment complex for approximately three hours. Zoom sessions are also available on Thursdays for approximately one hour and a half. Additional weekend activities each month may be scheduled. Schedule changes may occur to suit the needs of the group.
Our Purpose:
- Build connections
- Practice speaking English
- Learn about American culture
- Have fun!
Cost is $250 per semester (two minis).
Program Flexibility
We recognize that students may need flexibility to participate in the program, so we are offering three different options and the possibility of scholarships.
Note: All Times and dates given are in Eastern Time or ET.
Full Program (Online and In-Person)
- Six weeks of online instruction from May 31 - July 9, travel to Pittsburgh from July 10 - 19, and two weeks of in-person instruction in Pittsburgh from July 20 - 31.
- Online instruction for the six-week portion will be for three hours in the evening, Sunday to Thursday, with approximately three hours of homework per day.
- In-person instruction will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday - Friday, which includes experiential and cultural activities.
- Tuition includes all costs associated with the course such as materials, entry fees and some food during the in-person course.
Modified Online and In-Person Program
- This option is best for those who are required to work full time until the in-person portion in Pittsburgh.
- The modified option includes a shortened online component held from June 1 through July 10. Classes will meet for two hours in the morning on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, with approximately one hour of homework assigned per class session. Students will then travel to Pittsburgh between July 11 and July 19.
- The in-person portion of the program will take place from July 20 through July 31, allowing students to complete the program with an immersive, on campus experience.
- Tuition includes all costs associated with the course such as materials, entry fees and some food during the in-person course.
In-Person Only
- Two weeks of in-person instruction in Pittsburgh from July 20 through July 31.
- Classes will be held Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and include experiential learning activities and cultural events.
- Homework will be approximately 1-2 hours per day.
- Tuition includes all costs associated with the course such as materials, entry fees and some food during the in-person course.
Sample Course Program for Full Program
This is a look at the course program. A detailed program agenda will be provided upon registration.
*Schedule is subject to change*
Week 1 - Virtual Business Theme: Marketing English Topics: Impressions, networking, presentations | Week 2 - Virtual Business Theme: Operations/Global Supply Chain English Topics: Transportation, relocation, travel | Week 3 - Virtual English Topics: Health and safety |
Week 4 - Virtual English Topics: Managing money, setting up U.S. bank account | Week 5 - Virtual English Topics: Academic expectations and time management | Week 6 - Virtual English Topics: Diversity |
| Week 7 - Virtual/On-Campus Prepare and Travel to Pittsburgh *Optional on-campus activities for those who have arrived | Week 8 - On-Campus Business Theme: International Business English Topics: Campus and community resources | Week 9 - On-Campus Business Theme: Sustainability English Topics: Conversational English |
Meet Your Instructor: Kristen Williams
Kristen Williams brings extensive expertise to the realm of higher education. She served as an ESL practitioner at the former English Language Learning Institute (ELLI) within West Virginia University (WVU) for 18 years until being awarded emerita status in 2024. She then joined the Tepper School in the same year.
Kristen holds an Ed.D. in Higher Education Management from the University of Pittsburgh, and an MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) along with a certificate in university teaching from WVU. She demonstrates a profound commitment to academic excellence and is dedicated to advancing her knowledge and skills in the field.
Beyond her instructional roles, Kristen possesses adeptness in various facets of university administration, particularly in the recruitment, admissions, and enrollment processes for international students within U.S. higher education institutions. Moreover, she has garnered experience in managing programmatic accreditation, responding to requests for proposals, and orchestrating specialized programs. Her current venture with the Tepper School team as the director of the Business English and Cultural Immersion Program marks an exciting new chapter in her career journey.