For example, in studying about the strengths and stresses in American families, students will learn vocabulary and concepts that they can apply when they meet and interview an American family at a picnic. Or in studying about the American education system, students learn some of the principles that underlie American educational practices and then visit selected American schools to interview principals or teachers and to observe the students at work in the schools. Students carry their observations back to ACCESS and report to their classmates on what they have learned and observed.

Topics regularly studied in the course of a year include American families, American business, American education, religion in America, and volunteer service. Other topics are introduced to fit special events in the university or community calendar s uch as national elections or special exhibitions.

Students find that Discovery Classes give them opportunities to meet Americans in structured situations where starting conversations is often easier. They also find that the knowledge they gain of American culture assists them in talking with roommates a nd other Americans they meet.