San Diego State University (SDSU)
American Language Institute (ALI) [San Diego, CA]
HIGHLIGHTS
  • One of the largest University Intensive English Programs in the U.S.
  • Weather and recreational opportunities make San Diego, CA. one of the most desirable cities in the U.S.
  • Advising is readily available on academic matters, careers, and university selection
  • Information
  • More Details
  • Location
  • Courses
  • Student Reviews
  • Video
About the ESL Program
The American Language Institute (ALI) at San Diego State University was established in 1974 to provide English language education to international students and professionals. The ALI is among the largest ESL programs in the U.S. with 3,000 students enrolled annually from over 70 countries. The ALI offers two main programs: English for Academic Purposes (EAP), which includes pre-MBA preparation, and the Intensive English Communication (IEC). Also offered are business programs, Study Tours, and certificates in business, e-commerce, TEFL (for teachers of English), as well as internships. The ALI is a proud member of UCIEP, a U.S. consortium of University and College Intensive English Programs known for its high professional standards and quality English language instruction.
DATA
  • Type : Public
  • Airport Pickup : Yes
  • Establishment : 1974
  • Internet Access : Yes
  • Membership/Accreditation : UCIEP, AAIEP
  • Tuition : Medium
  • Enrollment : 500 - 550
  • Activities : Frequent
  • Average Class Size : 14 - 16
  • Location : Urban
  • Student Adviser : Yes
  • Transportation : Bus
A Message from School
Welcome to ALI’s school profile at ApplyESL.com! The ALI is a division of the College of Extended Studies, one of the eight colleges of SDSU, the flagship campus of the California State University system and the largest university in the San Diego region. ALI classes are taught by nationally recognized teachers with advanced degrees, trained in the latest teaching methods. Advanced-level ALI students may enroll in regular SDSU classes and earn college credit without going through the San Diego State University admissions process. All ALI classes are taught on the SDSU campus in the Gateway Center and the Extended Studies Center. All ALI students have access to the high-speed computer and language labs in Gateway Center and the SDSU main library. We look forward to receiving your application from ApplyESL.com!
Bill Price
Executive Director
American Language Institute
San Diego State University
.
CONTACT INFORMATION
San Diego State University
American Language Institute
5250 Campanile Drive
San Diego , CA , 92182-1914 , U.S.A.
TEL: 619-594-5907
FAX: 619-287-2735
E-mail: ali@mail.sdsu.edu
Website: http://www.americanlanguage.org
Student Countries of Origin
ALI serves over 3,000 students each year from up to 70 countries. Typically 59% of international students come from Asia, 22% from Europe, 12% from Latin America, and 7% from the Middle East.
Faculty Qualifications
All ALI instructors are experienced professionals. Most have master’s degrees while all instructors have specialized teaching experience in English as a Second Language and other fields, such as business, computers, and linguistics. ALI faculty members function as administrators, advisors, and curriculum developers. This 'management by teachers' ensures a high quality level of education sensitive to students needs.
Housing
ALI provides assistance in arranging housing in on-campus dormitories or with homestay families. It is best to arrange housing as early as possible due to the limited amount of space available. Check the Course Data Page to make sure that your desired housing option is available for the course to which you will apply. School may also introduce private off-campus apartments, but students have to make necessary arrangements by themselves. For more information, use the Contact Address to ask the school directly.
Surrounding Area
The American Language Institute is located just east of downtown San Diego on the San Diego State University (SDSU) campus. SDSU features the largest campus in the California State University system hosting approximately 30,000 students. San Diego's natural beauty and friendly people attract visitors from throughout the world. Located in the southwestern corner of the United States, San Diego is the sixth largest city in the country. The city has been rated one of the ten most desirable U.S. cities based on weather and recreational and cultural opportunities. In addition, San Diego has a low crime rate when compared to other major cities. San Diego's sunny and warm days (average temperature is 21 degrees Celsius), over 70 miles of sandy beaches, and nearby snow-covered mountains provide year-round opportunities for sports and outdoor recreation. San Diego is home of the world-famous San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park. The area also offers 100 golf courses, major league sports teams, Sea World (Aquarium and amusement park), museums, theater, opera, dance companies and other cultural activities. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean, San Diego is a short drive from the mountains, deserts, Los Angeles, and Mexico. American Language Institute students can also enjoy trips to San Francisco, Las Vegas, and the Grand Canyon.
About the College/University
Founded in 1887, San Diego State University offers bachelor’s degrees in 76 areas, master’s degrees in 54, and doctorates in 10. Eight colleges comprise SDSU: Arts and Letters, Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Extended Studies, Health and Human Services, Professional Studies and Fine Arts, and Sciences. The College of Business Administration is the tenth largest business program in the U.S., with more than 5,000 students. The College has been named one of the “25 Best Business Schools for Entrepreneurs in America,” according to Success Magazine.
Conditional Admission / Credit Courses
Students with a TOEFL score of 550 may take up to 12 units in university classes for credit per semester. Conditional Admission to the university is available for qualified students. (Undergraduate programs only)

Courses
  • Intensive English for Communication (IEC)
    APPLY
    About This Course
    The Intensive English for Communication (IEC) Program is designed to meet the specific needs of individuals who desire to improve their "real language" communication skills, to increase their knowledge of American people and culture, and to practice English in natural situations both on and off campus. Students receive a base of 23 hours of instruction per week: 8 hours of oral communication and 12 hours of general English (listening, reading, writing and grammar), plus up to 4 hours of elective classes. Although all courses are not offered every semester, students have the opportunity to study topics such as business English, TOEFL test preparation, slang and idioms, life in the United States, and a variety of other subjects as electives.

    The IEC program offers classes in seven proficiency levels from beginning to advanced. Based on the results of placement tests students are placed in classes of appropriate difficulty for oral communications and general English. Level advisors are available to counsel students and plan individual schedules and activities. High intermediate and advanced students can audit university classes after receiving approval from professors. Students may attend the IEC for 5 to 20 weeks.

    The average class size is 14 students.
    Course Data
    CLASS SIZE:12 - 15 students
    CLASS LEVELS:7 levels
    COURSE LENGTH:6 - 18 weeks
    MINIMUM AGE:18 years old
    REQUIREMENT:N/A
    VISA INFORMATION:I-20 issued upon request
    HOUSING:Dormitory or On-Campus Apartment
    Homestay
    Dates
    2012
    6 WEEKS:
    5/21 - 6/287/2 - 8/9    
    8 WEEKS:
    8/20 - 10/11     
    9 WEEKS:
    3/5 - 5/1010/15 - 12/13    
    12 WEEKS:
    5/21 - 8/9     
    17 WEEKS:
    8/20 - 12/13     
    Fees
    APPLICATION FEE
    US$ 175
    TUITION FEE (2012)
    6 WEEKS US$ 2,165
    8 WEEKS US$ 2,645
    9 WEEKS US$ 2,975
    12 WEEKS US$ 3,965
    17 WEEKS US$ 5,615
    18 WEEKS US$ 5,945
    HOUSING
    PLACEMENT FEE
    US $150 (Homestay Only)
    HOUSING FEE
    HOMESTAY DORMITORY/ON-CAMPUS APARTMENT OFF-CAMPUS RESIDENCE
    6 WEEKS US $1,042 US $2,470 N/A
    8 WEEKS US $1,390 US $3,175 N/A
    9 WEEKS US $1,563 US $3,575 N/A
    12 WEEKS US $2,085 US $4,670 N/A
    17 WEEKS US $2,953 US $7,140 N/A
    18 WEEKS US $3,127 US $7,260 N/A
    Airport Pickup Service
    US$ 60 (Complimentary for Homestay)
    Remarks / Other Information
    Dates and Fees are approximate and may change without prior notice.
    Application fee is non-refundable.
    Homestay housing fees include meals.
  • English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
    APPLY
    About This Course
    The English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program is designed for students and professionals who plan to enter an American college or university at the undergraduate or graduate level, who need to prepare for the SAT, TOEFL, GMAT, GRE, or other entrance examinations.

    The EAP prepares its students to both succeed in the same university classroom as native English speakers as well as provide instruction on how to obtain the necessary language skills for an academic major or career advancement. Students receive up to 25 hours of instruction per week with a focus on reading, writing, structure (grammar), listening, academic speaking, and TOEFL preparation. This type of course helps students develop skills in specific areas such as American studies, vocabulary development, GMAT or GRE test preparation, spreadsheet reading and creation, and business. Students may attend for 12, 17 or 18 weeks.

    Once a student enrolls in the program he or she will take various placement tests to determine his or her English level. Students are placed according to the results of this exam in each of the following areas: reading, writing, speaking, listening, and grammar. Advanced students may concurrently enroll in SDSU classes for credit at no additional cost. Advisors offer assistance on academic matters, careers and university selection as well as help students with admissions applications and writing letters of recommendation.

    The average class size is 15 students.
    Course Data
    CLASS SIZE:12 - 15 students
    CLASS LEVELS:4 levels
    COURSE LENGTH:12,17,18 weeks
    MINIMUM AGE:18 years old
    REQUIREMENT:N/A
    VISA INFORMATION:I-20 issued upon request
    HOUSING:Dormitory/On-Campus Apartment
    Homestay
    Dates
    2012
    12 WEEKS:
    5/22 - 8/10     
    17 WEEKS:
    8/21 - 12/14     
    Fees
    APPLICATION FEE
    US$ 175
    TUITION FEE (2012)
    12 WEEKS US $3,930
    17 WEEKS US $5,580
    18 WEEKS US $5,580
    HOUSING
    PLACEMENT FEE
    US $150 (Homestay only)
    HOUSING FEE
    HOMESTAY DORMITORY/ON-CAMPUS APARTMENT OFF-CAMPUS RESIDENCE
    12 WEEKS US $2,085 US $3,765 N/A
    17 WEEKS US $2,953 US $6,750 N/A
    18 WEEKS US $3,026 US $7,140 N/A
    Airport Pickup Service
    US$ 60 (Complimentary for Homestay)
    Tuition Deposit
    US$ 175 (Non-Refundable - Deposit Applied to Tuition Payment)
    Remarks / Other Information
    Dates and fees are approximate and may change without prior notice.
    Application fee is non-refundable.
    Homestay housing fees include meals.
LOCATION
country flag United States
San Diego, California
Location
San Diego State University
American Language Institute
5250 Campanile Drive San Diego , CA , 92182-1914 , U.S.A.
Getting To Your School
From San Diego International Airport:
School provides airport pick-up service for US$40 that brings students directly to campus. It takes approximately 20 minutes. Taxis are also available at the airport. It will cost approximately US$30 and will arrive on campus in 20 minutes. Additionally, the campus is accessible by buses that run on a limited schedule.
Student Reviews
There are 10 reviews for this school
Academic Quality: 4.2
School Environment: 4.4
Helpfulness of Staff: 4.1
Activities and Social Life: 4.0
Accommodation: 3.4

4.1
  •   By Eric [ Taichung, Taiwan, Age 19, Male ]  2009/10/17
  •   By Viola Sismondi [ Italy, Europe, Age 26, Female ]  2009/3/6
  • ------------　Below you will find additional reviews in other languages. -----------------
  •   By 學生 [ 高雄, 台灣, Age 18, Female ]  2009/10/20
    1 of 1 people found the following review helpful.
    短期留學得好地方 我覺得那一間真的很棒!!!!
    這是我第一次去，留下給我很棒很棒的回憶。老師是真的很認真教學，然後不只學到東西，也在這邊教到了很多朋友，我覺得我的人生在這邊開始有了不一樣的思考點。回到台灣之後，我更成長了一次。
    建議大家暑假想遊學得話這裡是個很適合的地方，聖地牙哥本身就是一個很好的旅遊地點了，課餘之外跑出去玩也是個很棒的經驗。
  •   By 學生 [ 台北市, 台灣, Age 25, Male ]  2009/3/8
    4 of 4 people found the following review helpful.
    SDSU兩個月的自助旅行之感想與意見 我於大三升大四的暑徦，決定去美國自助旅行，但當時英文很差且又不願意多花錢請代辦中心的情形下，我在網路上發現ApplyESL網站，並透過它，完成了遊學的每一項申請手續，當時同學都嚇一跳，都覺得我英文這麼爛，怎麼可能自己會辦得成功。雖然透過網路，有點覺得怕怕的，但是到了美國，每一項的手續跟步驟，都讓我在美國旅行時，無往不利。感想：我預計1年後會再出國旅行一次，也會使用ApplyESL網站，希望該網站裡，能提供更多該地區的地圖、交通圖、美食、觀光等
    。
  •   By FAN [ TAIPEI, TAIWAN, Age 26, Male ]  2009/3/6
    教學品質水準不一 SDSU 學校環境跟設施實在不錯，在ALI就學能完全享用SDSU提共學生的所有福利，教學設施也相當完善，如果單就環境來說，是一所相當不錯的語言學校，但，或許這一兩年擴張太快，感覺在宣傳方面下了很大的功夫，華人與各國學生暴增。
  •   By MK [ 新潟, 日本, Age 26, Female ]  2009/3/6
    5 of 6 people found the following review helpful.
    語学留学から大学進学 私はサンディエゴ州立大学（SDSU）付属の語学学校に1期通い、その後サンディエゴのコミュニティカレッジに2年、さらにカリフォルニア州立大学のLong Beach校に進学し、今年の8月に卒業します。当初は語学留学だけのつもりでアメリカにきました。しかし、SDSUの語学学校の生徒たちはみんな学ぶことにとても意欲的で、大学進学はもちろん、MBAを目指している人たちも多くいました。先生方も進学に向けての指導や、TOEFLのための授業もたくさんあり、そんな学生たち、先生方の影響で、大学進学を目指すようになりました。私の経験上語学学校選びは大学付属の学校を推薦します。
  •   By 學生 [ CA, USA, Age 23, Male ]  2009/10/14
  •   By 學生 [ 台北, 台灣, Age 23, Female ]  2009/5/14
  •   By 學生 [ 台南縣, 台灣, Age 25, Female ]  2009/3/6
  •   By James [ 台南市, 台灣, Age 29, Male ]  2009/3/6
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