Student Life
There is more to learning English in the United States than studying in the classroom. Georgetown University offers many resources to support and enrich your learning experiences. Besides classroom study, you will have the opportunity to attend lectures by world leaders, researchers, and artists. You will also want to explore Washington, DC with its many interesting neighborhoods, parks, outstanding museums, and sites of government: the White House, the Capitol, and the Supreme Court. Take advantage of all that the region has to offer you!
EFL Program Resources
EFL Language Labs
Students in the EFL Program have access to three labs, each with updated facilities and current technology:
• Computer Lab
• Self Access Lab
• Teaching Lab
The EFL Computer Lab has workstations with the latest Windows and Microsoft software programs. In addition to complete Internet access, students can use special Sanako Media Assistant software to listen to audio files and record their speaking.
Outside of class, the EFL Self Access Lab provides students with the opportunity to practice their listening and pronunciation skills. They can listen to digital audio materials through the Sanako Lab 100 system, view video-recorded materials, or watch a variety of cable television programs. Each station also includes a computer for individual work with Office applications or the Internet.
Instructors use the EFL Teaching Lab with their classes for a range of listening and speaking activities. The Sanako Lab 100 system creates digital recordings of individual speaking tasks or pair/group discussions, and instructors use a variety of audio and video materials for listening skill practice. Activities can be integrated, providing opportunities for natural, communicative interaction. In addition to the language lab system, each station has a computer with complete network and Internet access.
Interact DC
Each week students meet and exchange ideas with guest speakers from the Georgetown campus and the Washington, DC community. Topics include discussion of university life, outdoor activities to pursue, and discussions of world cultures.
Access DC
The Access DC Program is a way to practice your English while having fun and exploring the city of Washington. Each program begins with a bus tour to visit some of the famous monuments in Washington, DC such as the White House, the Washington Monument, and the Jefferson Memorial.
Field trips and activities include trips to see DC professional sports teams, performances at the Kennedy Center, Six Flags amusement park, a cruise on the Potomac River, concerts and more! In addition, students and faculty enjoy an International Potluck lunch at which everyone brings food typical of their native countries.
Weekend trips may include a visit to Baltimore, a trip to the Amish country in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, visits to Mount Vernon (the home of George Washington), or a day at the Wolf Trap, America’s National Park of the Performing Arts.
Language Exchange Program
The EFL program arranges conversation partners with Georgetown students enabling EFL students to practice their English and share their culture.
Current Students - Fill out your form here.
Georgetown Campus Resources
Lauinger Library
Georgetown's main campus library offers a computer lab, photocopiers, and study space along with books, periodicals, and wireless access.
Yates Field House
Yates is a modern facility where students can work out, organize intramural sports teams and take group exercise classes, such as yoga and ballroom dancing. Yates has a swimming pool, locker rooms, squash and racquetball courts and a variety of cardio and strength-training equipment.
Student Health Center
The Student Health Center provides medical care for students. Services include office visits, laboratory services and preventative care.
Health Insurance
Georgetown automatically enrolls all EFL students in a special short-term insurance plan. The cost is automatically charged to the Student Account of each student and can be waived during the first week of the program. For more information about the policy and the waiver process go to http://studentaffairs.georgetown.edu/insurance/efl.html.
Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)
Adjusting to a new environment can be stressful, especially when coming from another country. CAPs offers the opportunity to talk with someone who understands your concerns. It is completely confidential, and the first meeting is free.
Campus Ministry
As a university with a Jesuit tradition, Georgetown understands the importance of religion and spirituality in students' lives. Many religions have representation on campus and students are encouraged to meet with these religious leaders at any time.
Getting Around Washington, DC
Georgetown University Transportation Shuttle (GUTS)
Georgetown University is not Metro-accessible, that is, it does not have a subway station. Georgetown provides free shuttle bus service to and from the University. There are five routes: Law Center, Wisconsin Ave., Rosslyn Metro (Blue and Orange Lines), Dupont Circle Metro (Red Line) and Arlington Loop (stops at Clarendon on the Orange Line). You can visit the GUTS website by clicking here. When looking for housing, you may want to consider whether or not your apartment is near a shuttle bus route.
The Metro
" Metro” is the name of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. It consists of the Metrorail, an underground train system, and Metrobuses. The website www.wmata.com offers a “Trip Planner” function allowing you to input your location and your destination. It will then give you an itinerary, including walking directions. Metro begins service at 5:00am on weekdays and at 7:00am on weekends. Metro service runs until midnight Sunday through Thursday and until 3:00am on weekends.
When using the Metro:
-You must use exact change on the bus. A bus trip is $1.25, with free transfers for up to two hours. If you’re using a SmarTrip Card, a pre-paid travel card, it will automatically give you free transfers. Otherwise ask your bus driver for a transfer.
-During “rush-hour” and late-night periods, the Metrorail might be more expensive than at other times of day.
-The farecard machines will only give you up to $5 in change.
Weather
The weather in Washington can vary greatly during the semester, so bring a variety of clothes. Average monthly temperatures are:
High Low Average
September 26°C / 79°F 16°C / 61°F 21°C / 70°F
December 8°C / 46°F 0°C / 32°F 3°C / 37°F
February 8°C / 46°F -2°C / 28°F 3°C / 37°F
May 25°C / 77°F 13°C / 55°F 19°C / 66°F
July 31°C / 88°F 21°C / 70°F 26°C / 79°F
Things to Do while in DC
We may not visit all of these places as part of Access DC, but you can always visit them by yourself!
The Wolf Trap
The Wolf Trap is America's National Park for the Performing Arts. It includes an outdoor amphitheater and an indoor performance hall, The Barns. Both venues feature musical performances and plays throughout the year.
The Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center, named in honor of President John F. Kennedy, is a beautiful building with several theaters, including an opera house and a concert hall. Every semester, EFL students have the opportunity to visit the Kennedy Center and see a variety of performances, including ballets and musicals.
Washington Nationals Baseball
The "Nats" are Washington's major league baseball team. Students usually go to a game in the spring or summer. The opportunity to see the great American pastime isn't to be missed!
Potomac Riverboat Cruise
One of the most popular events in the EFL program, this 50-minute cruise offers a narrated tour as the boat moves down the river past some of Washington's most breathtaking sites.
Day Trips Within Virginia:
Day Trips Within the Region:
Nearby Parks:
Home to some of the best hiking in the DC area, Great Falls is located along the Potomac River at some of its most intense points. Visit for incredible views of the waterfalls, beautifiul nature walks, and an introduction to the area's history. With entrances in Virginia and Maryland, not far from Georgetown, Great Falls Park gives students the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the region without travelling too far.
The Smithsonian National Zoo is a Washington landmark that is just a short metro ride away from campus. The park is home to hoards of exotic animals and events throughout the year for students and visitors to participate in. In addition, the zoo has free admission, making it the perfect outing for any Georgetown student.
Roosevelt Island is dedicated to America's 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt, for his love of the outdoors. The park features numerous walking trails, information about the local environment, and a Memorial Plaza dedicated to President Roosevelt. Admission is free and the island is only a short walk from the Rosslyn metro. It is a great opportunity to escape into the outdoors while staying near campus.
Nearby Restaurants
The Tombs is a favorite among students and faculty alike. With a wide selection of simple and classic American food and drink, this restaurant is popular as both an affordable lunch stop and a fun night out with friends. The Tombs is located right outside the main entrance of campus, and is a welcoming venue for all visitors.
For a cheap and tasty lunch, Booeymonger is a popular destination. This Georgetown establishment is known for its delicious sandwiches and salads, and is an affordable option for students. It is only about an eight minute walk from the university, and is a good opportunity for students to begin stepping outside the campus grounds and exploring the city.
