From sports stars selling SUVs to pop singers selling soda, advertising and marketing is a huge part of our culture. Sure, it is essential to business, but it also reflects our society. How do advertisers and marketers determine the best way to influence consumers? What campaigns are the most effective? What new trends is technology creating? If you’re planning on influencing others through advertising, public relations or marketing, understanding these concepts will be essential. Get a head start!

But most of all, you have the entire city of Barcelona as your classroom! Remember most citizens of Barcelona are bi-lingual speaking, both Spanish and Catalan, so some words may seem a little different from what you learn in the classroom. And whether you’re a total beginner or practically fluent, you’ll be amazed at how much better your Spanish becomes and just how much fun learning a language can be, when you immerse yourself in the culture.

The program offers three levels of classes to choose from, with placement dependent upon previous Spanish-language experience, as well as your own comfort level:

Elementary Spanish – The beginning class covers basic pronunciation, sentence structure, numbers, present-tense verb conjugation and the introduction of past tense.

Intermediate Spanish – This class picks up where the elementary class ends, covering more in-depth use of the past tense, along with the imperfect, future and conditional tenses, as well as subjunctives.

Advanced Spanish – The ideal class for students who desire a greater proficiency in Spanish conversation as well as composition. The course employs readings and discussions on contemporary subjects to put the student’s speaking and writing ability to use.

Conversational Spanish – Encouraging basic conversation, this course will take your Spanish beyond the grammar and language focus of intro classes to the next level of fluency! Learn how to order from a menu or shop with conversational confidence. Discuss Spanish periodicals, appreciate popular Spanish music and discuss the lyrics. A fun, informative way to absorb and appreciate a great Romantic language! (Intermediate and Advanced students only.)

All rise! Criminal trials have taken over the American airwaves. From celebrity scandals to Homeland Security trials, courtroom dramas have become big news. Whether you’re an aspiring attorney or just like a good argument, this course is for you. Learn the legal nuts and bolts that hold the U.S. judicial system together, and then put that persuasive power to the test by participating in a mock trial. You’ll be part of a crew getting ready for a “big trial,” learning how to develop convincing opening and closing arguments plus successful direct- and cross-examination styles. It’s a first-hand experience of the real inner workings of our legal system. Any objections?

Launching your own company isn’t for everyone. Only the most daring, determined types need apply, but if you have what it takes, you’ll be in the same league as Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, or Google guys Larry Page and Sergey Brin. If you’re ready to develop your own startup, this course could be your first step on the road to success! You’ll create a business plan, hoping to cash in on your innovation and creativity. Research your market, work up a template to put your plan into action, and let your inner entrepreneur take command.

The past decade witnessed one of history’s most successful stock market runs – followed by one of its most devastating declines. What caused this incredible rise and major fall? What do mortgage defaults and taxpayer bailouts mean to your future investment opportunities? Are banks really too big to fail, or should they take their hits in the free market like any business? You’ll examine these tough questions, plus get the chance to create and manage your own investment portfolio! See you on Wall Street!

These intensive 3-week courses build the skills you need to improve your college admissions test scores. Offering complete diagnostic evaluations each week, students will get the practice they need to prepare for either of these challenging exams. Intensive classroom instruction will help students prepare for all test sections, which can be the key to decreasing test anxiety, increasing test preparedness and maximizing test performance. The full SAT or ACT review includes all books, diagnostic exams and classroom materials. ACA students in our Wisconsin program will work with Kaplan Test Prep for their SAT and ACT preparation. Kaplan is renowned for consistently helping students earn the scores that reflect their true ability, helping secure admission to the schools of their choice!
Supplemental fee: $695

Please note: SAT and ACT courses will run approximately one hour longer than the other courses. However, the extended class time will not interfere with any other regularly scheduled ACA activities.

Admissions professionals use TOEFL (the Test of English as a Foreign Language) to determine the proficiency of non-native English speakers enrolling in American colleges and universities. If English is not your first language, a TOEFL course can better prepare you for this critical test. You get intensive instruction, smart test strategies, and plenty of verbal and written practice to help you achieve your desired score. A full-length TOEFL diagnostic exam is included.
Supplemental fee: $695

Looking to be accepted at your dream school and then survive there? This class gives you intensive work on the college entrance application and tips to survive freshman year while keeping your sanity. This course focuses on writing effective admissions essays, getting noticed during interviews, mastering study success in a college environment, library research and winning test strategies. Teachers will keep you on your toes as you navigate this comprehensive course.

Take to the waves or head over the wall! Whether you’re up for some canoeing and kayaking or you want to try your rock climbing skills, this course is the perfect fit for any outdoor sports enthusiast.

The threats to our environment are among today’s most pressing concerns. This course combines classroom discussions and outdoor excursions in its examination of the environmental challenges facing our planet. Is global warming a natural phenomenon, or is humanity creating a climactic catastrophe? How can fuel alternatives lead us to energy independence? Are we ready for solar, wind, geothermal, and nuclear energy? These are the issues we’ll try to power through!

From the laws of Newton, to the theories of Einstein, to the insights of Stephen Hawking, physics is the science where all the action is – literally! Learn more about how physical bodies interact and unlock the mysteries of motion around us all the time. This course is designed to complement high school physics.

Please note: This course is also available as an intensive tutorial for students with specific academic needs. 

Available for (3 or 4-Week Program Only)

When it comes to starting down your perfect career path, nothing can make the difference like real experience. Classroom training is essential, of course, but an opportunity to get some “hands-on” training in your ideal career should not be missed! ACA understands, which is why we offer great internship opportunities. They provide amazing ways to pick up real skill and savvy. Find out if you’re ready to make it in the real world! Work in a state senator’s office or try your hand at some play-by-play at ESPN Radio. Whichever industry you choose, ACA works hard to find each student a fulfilling opportunity.

Past ACA students have interned in the following areas:

• Law
• Government
• Sports Broadcasting
• Advertising
• Photography
• Business

When it comes time to apply for a real job, ACA internship sponsors are more than happy to provide references!

Please Note: Internships are available for students in the 3 or 4-week program only. Register promptly! To apply, students must submit a brief essay detailing their field of interest, goals for the program and any qualities they possess that would be beneficial to the employer. These essays will be distributed to potential employers in the student’s chosen field in search of a suitable match. There are a limited number of internships available. In addition, if you enroll in an ACA internship, this will fulfill one of your AM or PM course options, allowing you to still enjoy additional full-length ACA courses.

This summer, ACA has some serious game! Now, you can take sports-specific courses designed to help you get the most out of your athletic ambition, whether you just want to break a sweat, stay in shape or have your eyes on a state championship!

TENNIS*

Add velocity to your serve. Learn to charge the net with confidence. Unlock the power of your backhand. Or maybe just get a better understanding of the game’s fundamentals. All this is possible when you step on the court with ACA. You’ll play on top-caliber courts and get valuable instruction on how to take your game to the top!

GOLF*

Maybe you want to make your drive come alive. You might be struggling with your short game. This course will help you drop strokes and really get into the swing of things. Focused, individual instruction helps you work through your specific golf challenges, taking you from tee to green with confidence and control!

WEIGHT TRAINING*

It’s time to throw around a little iron! You might be a varsity athlete looking to gain muscle and build power. Perhaps you want to balance your aerobic activity with some strength training. And maybe you’re just sick of being out of shape! This course will get you in the weight room and give you the tools to really work for peak physical performance. Don’t be intimidated. It’s for everyone!

SOCCER*

Ready to be a force on the field? Fancy footwork is just the beginning. From building more intricate attack strategies to solidifying your defensive play, your soccer skills are in for a kick. You’ll play on outstanding top-notch collegiate fields with coaches who understand the intricacies of the game and know how to improve the performance of any player.