All AE and pathway students have access to a variety of organizations, activities, and events.
Student Activities
Each semester, there are several out-of-class activities for students to practice their English and experience the culture and history of Birmingham, Alabama, and the southeastern United States. Students always have the opportunity to participate in several field trips to area destinations or culturally-related on-campus activities, depending on student interest. Previous activities offered have included the following:
- A visit to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
- Canoeing down the Cahaba River
- A tour of historical Birmingham, including Sloss Furnaces, an old steel mill
- An IMAX movie at the McWane Science Center
- A World Cup party at a local restaurant
- A springtime picnic at Oak Mountain State Park
- Pumpkin-carving party at Halloween
- Preparing and riding in a float for the UAB Homecoming Parade
Each semester features something new for everyone to join, have fun, and learn at the same time!
Friendship Partners is a program in which interested international students are introduced to a local American family for friendship and cultural exchange. Friendship Partners is a free program to international students, and it provides a unique outlet to learn more about American culture and family life. Plus, it provides yet another opportunity to practice your English!
English Language Program activities
ELI 111, 112, and 113 are required, extended orientation courses for all full-time Academic English students. During these courses, students have expanded practice with oral communication skills. These enrichment courses also provide students with opportunities to learn more about US and Birmingham culture.
To see pictures of Academic English students involved in various out-of-class activities, visit our Facebook page.
The UAB Student Experience
- All students have access to all UAB Student Involvement activities, which include a wide variety of campus-wide events and organizations.
- There are also over 240 official student organizations available on campus, as well as weekly volunteer activities for any interested students.
- All students have full (free) access to all events of UAB Athletics, including football, basketball, soccer, baseball, and many other sports.
- All students have full access to the Campus Recreation Center, an impressive facility that features everything from a swimming pool and athletic equipment to sports courts and a climbing wall. The Rec Center also organizes campus-wide intramural sports; students can sign up to play soccer, basketball, or any number of other sports. Outdoor Pursuits, located in the Rec Center, offers outdoor activities and trips at a radically-reduced cost, including cheap equipment rental.