Katelyn Hill is a student services advisor and professor at American Collegiate DC, a first-year program for international students based at American University (AU). She helps international students build their English skills, identify their academic and professional interests, and prepare to transfer to a four-year undergraduate program at a US-based university, such as American.
“I started out in speech therapy, earned my bachelor’s in communication disorders, and then my master’s in international higher education,” said Hill. “I specialize in accent modification. I’ve always wanted to help people communicate.”
For many international students who want to study in the US but aren’t quite ready to enroll in a bachelor’s program, American Collegiate offers an opportunity to boost their grades, improve their English, and put together a solid educational plan with transferable credits.
Keep reading to learn more about Katelyn Hill, the American Collegiate experience, and life in Washington, DC, the capital of the USA.
What Is American Collegiate DC?
International students from more than 100 countries study at American Collegiate DC, Shorelight’s undergraduate transfer program at AU. The program prepares students for the academic requirements of higher education in the United States. It also helps students adjust to life in the US and feel comfortable speaking and operating in a different country.
“When the students get here, there’s the language barrier, there’s the jet lag. But we start with a three-day intensive orientation. We teach them our roles and what we do,” said Hill. “My role is to register these students in classes, talk about their major and their future goals, and then align them with the resources that AU has to offer.”
Students earn approximately 30 transferable credits at American Collegiate DC, providing the foundation needed to enroll in several top-tier US colleges and universities. American Collegiate DC is the only US university transfer program that guarantees acceptance to another top-100 school for students who maintain high marks and meet the proper criteria.
“The goal for many students is to continue at American University — but we do have a transfer student population where, after one year, they can transfer to another university,” said Hill. “But many end up staying at AU because they’re already oriented to the campus, and they are happy here.”
Highly Ranked Programs in Business and More at American University
American is a top-tier university in the United States with leading programs in many areas of study, from the arts to business. Many international students choose to stay at AU to continue their education, given all the options available to them.
“Business-oriented students fall in love with this school because of the Kogod School of Business,” said Hill. “American University is also very well-known for political science. It’s diverse, it’s extremely social. There’s networking on campus and outside of campus that can really push careers unlike any other university.”
Living in Washington, DC, as an American Collegiate Student
Part of Hill’s job is to help students find and take advantage of AU’s resources. For instance, AU has a dedicated writing center and immigration office. American Collegiate students attend classes in AU buildings, but generally live off campus. They have access to the clubs, organizations, and faculty that bring AU’s vibrant Washington, DC-based campus to life.
“There are a lot of culture-oriented clubs at AU,” said Hill. “There’s a Chinese student body and a Latinx club. Students who feel homesick can meet friends in these organizations. We’ve had some Turkish students go to embassy events and network there. I think that’s something unique at American University – it being so close to Embassy Row.”
Washington, DC, is one of the most exciting cities in the United States. In addition to unparalleled educational and career-building opportunities, American is also a fun place to attend university. Cafes, restaurants, and shopping options surround the city campus, and there’s plenty to do after dark.
“Personally, I’m a big salsa dancer, and there’s dancing every night here,” said Hill. “There are just so many social opportunities. AU has so many unique clubs for the students to join, there’s something for everybody. It is more of a professional school, but you’ll still see really fun, activated events.”
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