LCC International University’s MA TESOL program is a blended learning delivery model. Blended learning is when students study both in person and online during one course of study. Our MA TESOL program is online for most of the year. Students study one class at a time asynchronously as their schedule allows, in their own homes, in their own countries. 

But we all agree that the Summer Residency Session is the highlight of our year. During the Summer Residency Session, students study in person for two (2) weeks each year. In early August, students and faculty gather in person on the LCC campus in Klaipeda, Lithuania. Each weekday morning, we host in person classes on campus. During this time, we learn to know each other academically and personally; students and faculty have longer conversations than is possible in an online setting. We spend time getting to know each other, sharing meals, and enjoying Klaipeda. 

A typical daily schedule during the Summer Residency Session is:

9:00-12:00 Class

12:00-14:00 Lunch

14:00-15:00 Workshops are held 2 afternoons each week

15:00- Study/ Free time 

The classes are intense. In week 1, first year students study ENG 520 Second Language Acquisition, while second year students study ENG 610 Action Research. In week 2, first year students study ENG 500 Teaching English, while second year students study ENG 671 Research Methods.

After the Summer Residency Session, students return home and continue with these courses online through November. These summer courses give students a “jump start” in courses in person, then they continue online. 

Informative, afternoon workshops prepare students for the year ahead. First year students attend workshops like “Orientation to LCC,” “Orientation to Moodle and databases” and “Practicum preparation.” Second year students attend workshops like “Thesis Preparation,” and “APA Writing Style.” We schedule an optional excursion to explore Lithuania culture on one afternoon.

 In week 2, the third-year students defend their theses. All students and faculty are invited to attend the thesis defenses. At the end of the Summer Residency Session, we celebrate the achievements of our graduates in a simple graduation ceremony on Friday at 15:00. We applaud our students for their work and celebrate the completion of their MA TESOL degrees. 

Housing is available on campus or in Klaipeda. Students have the option of living in the student dormitory located on campus. Two (2) students share a room equipped with beds, desks, a toilet, a shower, sinks, a refrigerator, and plenty of storage space. Pillows and bedding are provided. Students can prepare and eat meals in a shared kitchen on the same floor equipped with stoves, sinks, microwaves, cooking utensils, plates, cups, bowls, and cutlery. Alternatively, students may choose to find their own housing in Klaipeda. 

Weekends are unscheduled, allowing time to explore Lithuania’s white sandy beaches, endless forest trails, and long, long summer days.

 At the end of the Summer Residency Session, we bid farewell to students and faculty with the promise of hundreds of online contact hours until we meet again next summer.

Author: Robin Gingerich, Ph.D., MA TESOL Program Director at LCC International University.