San Francisco State University (SF State)
Center for Global Engagement, American Language Institute (ALI) [San Francisco, California]
HIGHLIGHTS
- TOEFL Waivers and Special Admission to SF State for Qualified Students
- Two Institutional TOEFL testings each semester
- Enjoy the mild climate, beauty and international atmosphere of San Francisco, "America's Favorite City"
Choose Your Course Below
- Information
- About the ESL Program
- San Francisco State University’s Center for Global Engagement offers two English instruction programs. The English for Academic Preparation program offers an intensive semester length program to prepare students for study in an American university. San Francisco Discover is a fun, two- to four-week program for students who want to improve their speaking skills and explore the City of San Francisco. A student visa is not required for this short program. SF State also offers supplemental TOEFL preparation courses.
San Francisco is known as "America's Favorite City," famous for its great beauty and tremendous mix of people from so many cultures. San Francisco is also the center of the technology world with multinational corporations, start-up ventures and social media companies such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Uber, Yelp, Pinterest, Airbnb, Zynga and many more nearby.
As an SF State Center for Global Engagement student, you can:
• Use all SF campus facilities including sports facilities, restaurants, the library and computer labs.
• Join social activities, such as playing and watching sports, museum visits and movies.
• Participate in the conversation partner program, which pairs you with an American university student for informal conversation.
• Visit our full-time advising staff if you need help with immigration, academic and personal problems. - Fast Facts
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Affiliation : Public University
Establishment : 1961
Membership/Accreditation : EnglishUSA
Enrollment : 250
Average Class Size : 16
Airport Pickup : Not Available
Tuition : Low
Community Type : Urban
Transportation : Bus, Train, Taxi, Streetcar - A Message from School
Welcome to the Center for Global Engagement at San Francisco State University. I am happy to welcome you to our profile on ApplyESL.com. We offer a world famous English for Academic Preparation program that has been on the campus of San Francisco State University since 1961. We also offer San Francisco Discover, a short program that helps students improve their spoken English while exploring San Francisco, America's favorite city and the center of the technology industry.
The English for Academic Preparation program will give you the skills you need to succeed with English in a college or university, as well as in the workplace. The program is known for its excellent teachers and outstanding advising and student services.
With our activities program, you can visit many wonderful places in San Francisco, and you’ll have many chances to practice your English and have fun with classmates and Americans.
We are very pleased that when students finish their studies in the English for Academic Preparation program, they always tell us that they feel ready and excited to start using English in an American classroom with American students.
San Francisco Discover offers a chance for students to live like a local for two to four weeks, while improving their spoken English and exploring our beautiful and diverse city. A student visa is not required for this program.
I hope you consider applying to the SF State Center for Global Engagement. You too can become part of this exciting and dynamic community. Best wishes. I hope to see you soon.
Saroj Quinn
Director, Global Engagement
San Francisco State University (SF State)- CONTACT INFORMATION
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Center for Global Engagement
San Francisco State University
1600 Holloway Avenue
San Francisco, California 94132 U.S.A.TEL: +1 (415) 338-1438
FAX: +1 (415) 338-1717
E-mail: globaled@sfsu.edu
Website: http://ali.sfsu.edu/ -
- More Details
- Housing
- ALI provides students with the opportunity to live in on-campus dormitories, off-campus residences, or enjoy a homestay experience. Students living on-campus will be close to classes, campus activities and other students. For students who prefer a more independent lifestyle, off-campus residences provide more privacy and offer opportunities to interact with people in the community outside the campus environment. The school also arranges homestays for those students who want to experience local culture first-hand as a member of a family and practice their conversational English. Students are encouraged to make their housing arrangements as early as possible due to the limited amount of space available. Private off-campus apartments are also available; however students must make their own arrangements. For more information, use the Contact Address to ask the school directly.
- Surrounding Area
- SFSU's 90-acred campus is only 1 mile from the Pacific Ocean and is ideally situated in the southwestern area of "America's Favorite City," San Francisco. Celebrated for its beauty, mild climate and sophistication, San Francisco’s hilly streets provide gorgeous views of the San Francisco Bay and its famous bridges, including the world-renowned Golden Gate Bridge. San Francisco is home to a variety of cultures and ethnicities, encouraging both visitors and residents alike to explore diverse neighborhoods such as vibrant Chinatown, the Italian quarter of North Beach and popular Fisherman's Wharf. San Francisco's many entertainment and cultural attractions appeals to all tastes and preferences, from visiting the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, watching the San Francisco Ballet and enjoying the San Francisco Symphony to cheering on San Francisco's professional football, baseball, hockey and basketball teams. A trip across the Golden Gate Bridge will take you to beautiful Muir Woods National Monument, the "best tree-lovers monument" in the world, the famous wine country of Napa and Sonoma, and picturesque beaches and hiking trails. For outstanding camping, hiking and climbing excursions, spectacular Yosemite National Park is only a 3 1/2 hour drive from San Francisco.
- About the College/University
- Founded in 1899, San Francisco State University (SFSU) is one of the twelve campuses of the California State University System. SFSU's urban, park-like campus is home to more than 25,000 graduate and undergraduate students, including 1,400 international students, and 1,700 faculty members. SFSU offers its students bachelor's degrees in 166 areas of specialization and master's degrees in 95 areas. Students are actively involved in 170 clubs and organizations and operate a television and radio station, as well as publish a student newspaper and a literary magazine. As a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), SFSU has a strong athletic program consisting of 16 men and women teams. SFSU students can attend athlectic events free-of-charge by using their Student ID card. Intramural sports are also popular on-campus. Every fall and spring semester, students join basketball, volleyball, swimming, water polo, flag football and tennis teams and participate in on-campus tournaments.
- Conditional Admission / Credit Courses
- Special admission to San Francisco State University is provided for qualified ALI students, and all ALI students receive substantial assistance in applying to colleges and universities. Two possible TOEFL waivers for admission to SF State undergraduate programs are available for ALI students. Either waiver will meet the SF State English proficiency requirements. You do not need to complete ALI’s highest level to receive a TOEFL waiver. If you are interested in graduate degree programs, SF State offers a TOEFL waiver through the ALI for certain majors.
- Study Options
English for Academic Preparation (EAP)
- Overview
- Merit Scholarships available: Fall $500, Spring, $500 and Summer $300
Eligibility:
Students enrolling for the full fall, spring or summer term (students enrolling in A or B terms only are not eligible)
2.5 high school GPA; or 2.5 high school GPA and 2.0 GPA in all university coursework
3.0 undergraduate GPA for applicants with completed undergraduate degrees
To apply for the Merit Scholarship, upload transcripts when applying to the EAP program.
The English for Academic Preparation program operates on a semester system, offering 16-week and 8-week sessions in the fall and spring and 8-week and 5-week sessions during the summer. Students enrolled in the program receive 20 hours of in-class instruction per week and practice the fundamentals of reading and writing, oral communication skills (listening and speaking) and grammar. Students in the advanced levels additionally select elective courses to study areas such as American culture, business English, pronunciation, American literature and grammar for writing.
The program offers five levels of English classes, from low intermediate to advanced. At the beginning of each session, students will take the Institutional TOEFL test to determine their English ability level.
Students are given the unique opportunity to be matched with American university students for informal conversation. These conversation partners meet in an informal setting to talk with one another and participate in social activities together. The Conversation Partner Program is a popular, successful program among students and has created long-lasting friendships.
Small, interactive classes are emphasized. Class sizes range from 12 to 20 students per class. Every effort is made to keep classes at an ideal size for effective English language instruction. - Data
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CLASS SIZE: 12 - 20 Students CLASS LEVELS: 5 Levels COURSE LENGTH: 5,8,10,16 weeks MINIMUM AGE: 17 Years Old REQUIREMENT: High School Diploma VISA INFORMATION: F-1 Student Visa Required (I-20 Issued Upon Request) HOUSING: Dormitory / On-Campus Apartment
Homestay
Off-Campus Residence - Dates
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2024
20258 WEEKS: 10/10 - 12/12 8 WEEKS: 1/21 - 3/13 3/13 - 5/15 16 WEEKS: 1/21 - 5/15 - Costs
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- APPLICATION FEE
- US$ 102.65 ($2.65 Admin Fee)
- TUITION FEE (2024 - 2025)
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16 WEEKS US$ 5,995 10 WEEKS US$ 3,995 8 WEEKS US$ 3,459 5 WEEKS US$ 2,595 - HOUSING
PLACEMENT FEE - N/A
- HOUSING FEE
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LENGTH HOMESTAY DORMITORY / ON-CAMPUS APARTMENT OFF-CAMPUS RESIDENCE 5 - 16 WEEKS US$ 1015 - 1300 Per Month US$ 1750 - 2400 Per Month US$ 1180 - 2000 Per Month - Airport Pickup Service
- Student Arranged (Taxi, Bus or Car Service)
- Health Insurance
- US$ 442 - 612
- Books and Supplies
- US$ 200 - 300
- Remarks / Other Information
- Dates and fees are approximate and may change without prior notice.
The application fee is non-refundable.
The campus dormitory is based on availability.
The homestay fee range reflects options for no meal or meals. -
San Francisco Discover Program
- Overview
- San Francisco Discover is an engaging program for students who want to improve their speaking skills and explore the colorful and innovative city of San Francisco. The program is two to four weeks long.
In-Person Program
15 hours a week of classroom instruction
Guest lectures from university faculty or industry experts
Excursions and cultural events
Classes are held at San Francisco State University. Students love the beautiful and spacious main campus. downtown and in the middle of the technology scene. The tuition covers classes, visits to interesting and special places in San Francisco’s many neighborhoods, a monthly transportation pass, and other fun activities such as the San Francisco Bay Cruise and local sports games.
The following is included in the SF Discover in-person program fee:
MUNI public transportation pass for entire time on program, used 24/7
San Francisco Bay cruise
Admission fees for museums
Silicon Valley one-day trip including transportation
Visits to a variety of San Francisco neighborhoods, landmarks and sightseeing locations
Excursion leaders on all site visits
Weekly SF State University faculty lectures integrated into lessons
SF State University Conversation Partners integrated into lessons
Students will:
Visit San Francisco neighborhoods and innovative companies, and discover San Francisco culture, arts, food, businesses, and go on a Silicon Valley trip, and more
Learn about San Francisco technology innovation, global business, art and design, entertainment and sports
Become confident speaking English and gain conversation skills, vocabulary and idioms
English Conversation Partnering and interaction with San Francisco State University students
Weekly SF State University faculty presentations
Develop and practice your presentation skills
Certificate of Completion
San Francisco Discover in person is a part-time, non-academic program for people who wish to improve their English in the United States. This program does not require a student visa.
For more details, please visit SF Discover or contact us at celglobal@sfsu.edu - Data
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CLASS SIZE: 12 - 20 Students CLASS LEVELS: 1-2 Levels COURSE LENGTH: 2,3,4 Weeks MINIMUM AGE: 18 Years Old REQUIREMENT: High School Diploma VISA INFORMATION: No F-1 Student Visa Required HOUSING: Homestay
Private Dormitory
On-Campus Dormitory - Dates
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2025
2 WEEKS: 1/13 - 1/24 2/17 - 2/28 7/7 - 7/18 8/11 - 8/22 3 WEEKS: 1/13 - 1/31 2/17 - 3/7 7/7 - 7/25 8/11 - 8/29 4 WEEKS: 1/13 - 2/7 2/17 - 3/14 7/7 - 8/1 8/11 - 9/5 - Costs
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- APPLICATION FEE
- N/A
- TUITION FEE (2024 - 2025)
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2 WEEKS US$ 1,535 3 WEEKS US$ 2,305 4 WEEKS US$ 2,995 - HOUSING
PLACEMENT FEE - N/A
- HOUSING FEE
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LENGTH HOMESTAY DORMITORY / ON-CAMPUS APARTMENT OFF-CAMPUS RESIDENCE 2 WEEKS US$ 1015 - 1300 Per Month US$ 800 - 900 US$ 45 - 50 Per Night 3 WEEKS US$ 1015 - 1300 Per Month US$ 1200 - 1350 US$ 45 - 50 Per Night 4 WEEKS US$ 1015 - 1300 Per Month US$ 1500 - 1650 US$ 45 - 50 Per Night - Airport Pickup Service
- Student Arranged (Taxi, Bus or Car Service)
- Remarks / Other Information
- Dates and fees are approximate and may change without prior notice.
Dormitory/on-campus housing available in July only.
Campus dormitory is based on availability.
Homestay (one month minimum required) fee range reflects options for no meal or meals. -
STEM Exploration Program
- Overview
- Students will gain English language skills while exploring applied Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) in the San Francisco Bay Area. Activities include site visits to experience and learn about topics including computer science, engineering, mathematics, life sciences and environmental sustainability. Students will increase their understanding of applied science and technology and emerging STEM research. Students will learn new vocabulary and technical concepts and gain confidence discussing and presenting about STEM topics. The program is designed for undergraduate and graduate students and professionals. There are two- to four-week programs available.
Highlights:
• Silicon Valley tour
• Field trips and campus lab visits
• Interact with STEM industry and academic experts
• SF State University Conversation Partners integrated into lessons
• 15 hours a week of classroom instruction
•
Program fee includes:
• MUNI public transportation pass for entire time on program, used 24/7
• San Francisco Bay cruise
• Silicon Valley tour including transportation
• Admission fees for museums
This is a part-time program. This program does not require a student visa.
For more details, please visit STEM Exploration or contact us at celglobal@sfsu.edu.
For housing information email celglobal@sfsu.edu. - Data
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CLASS SIZE: 12 - 20 Students CLASS LEVELS: 1 - 2 Levels COURSE LENGTH: 2, 3, 4 Weeks MINIMUM AGE: 18 Years Old REQUIREMENT: High School Graduate VISA INFORMATION: No student visa (F-1) required. ESTA or B-2 Visa. HOUSING: Dormitory (Summer A ONLY)
Off-Campus Residence - Dates
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2025
2 WEEKS: 1/13 - 1/24 2/17 - 2/28 7/7 - 7/18 8/11 - 8/22 3 WEEKS: 1/13 - 1/31 2/17 - 3/7 7/7 - 7/25 8/11 - 8/29 4 WEEKS: 1/13 - 2/7 2/17 - 3/14 7/7 - 8/1 8/11 - 9/5 - Costs
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- APPLICATION FEE
- N/A
- TUITION FEE (2024 - 2025)
-
2 WEEKS US$ 1,535 3 WEEKS US$ 2,305 4 WEEKS US$ 2,995 - HOUSING
PLACEMENT FEE - N/A
- HOUSING FEE
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LENGTH HOMESTAY DORMITORY / ON-CAMPUS APARTMENT OFF-CAMPUS RESIDENCE 2-4 WEEKS N/A US$ 945-1875 (Summer A) Contact School - Airport Pickup Service
- Student Arranged
- Remarks / Other Information
- Dates and fees are approximate and may change without prior notice.
Dormitory/on-campus housing available in July only.
Campus dormitory is based on availability. -
- Location
United States San Francisco, California-
Location
Center for Global Engagement
San Francisco State University
1600 Holloway Avenue San Francisco, California 94132 U.S.A. - Getting To Your School
- From San Francisco International Airport:
It is the students’ responsibility to arrange their own transportation from the airport to campus. Taxis are available at the airport. It will cost approximately US$25 and will arrive on campus in 20 minutes.
- Student Reviews
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Academic Quality: 4.5 School Environment: 4.4 Helpfulness of Staff: 4.6 Activities and Social Life: 4.1 Accommodation: 3.5 4.3
- There are 25 reviews for this school
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Eegii
[ Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Age 32, Male ]
Welcome to SFSUThere are many opportunities to study at SFSU.
Jen Hua You
[ Taipei, Taiwan, Male ]
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful.SF Discover Improved My EnglishThis program improved my English speaking and listening skills and gave me more chances to travel around San Francisco including places that are not just tourist attractions. [It let us] both learn and travel as part of the program, and I think it was worthwhile.
Marielle R. Côco
[ Sao Paulo, Brazil, Female ]
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful.With SF Discover My English Has ImprovedBesides realizing my dream to know San Francisco, I was able to learn the history of the city and to improve my English. The teachers are great. They have a lot of teaching experience, and they help a lot when students have difficulties. I've had conversations in Brazil where I've been told how much my English has improved.
Emily (Minling) Zhang
[ Beijing, China, Female ]
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful.Tailor-Made for Future Grad and Undergrad StudentsThe English for Academic Preparation program at SF State is the best language program I have taken. It helped me to improve my reading, speaking, listening and writing skills all at once. I also got to know new students from all over the world, and we had a good time studying together and supporting each other. The program is tailor-made for students who plan to attend an undergraduate or graduate program at a university in the near future.
Mohammed Bakhsh
[ Kuwait City, Kuwait, Male ]
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful.Place to Meet Students from Many NationsThe English for Academic Preparation program at SF State is the greatest school for learning English because the classes are a comfortable place to meet students from many nations, and the staff are so welcoming and helpful. They have a lot of fun activities, parties and field trips.
Asako Hanafusa
[ Tokyo, Japan, Female ]
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful.Academic Preparation ProgramTo get into graduate school, the English for Academic Preparation program gave me great advice, resources and encouragement. It was the best choice for me to train at SF State's English for Academic Preparation program before pursuing my academic goal in the U.S.
Motaz
[ Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Age 20, Male ]
14 of 17 people found the following review helpful.Activities for International StudentsI felt that the ALI was like a second family to me. Sometimes I wished that there were even more activities that could can help me reduce my "homesickness". International students sometimes need to ease their sense of alienation and help to immerse themselves in American society.
A Former Student
[ Shenyang, China, Age 23, Male ]
4 of 6 people found the following review helpful.Best Way to Improve your EnglishSan Francisco State University is a great place for international students to learn English and American culture. You can meet students from all over the world and be friends with them. It is just a few miles from downtown San Francisco and takes about 20 minutes with the Muni line. There are different instructors with every single subject. Also they provide all kinds of outdoor activities like baseball games, rafting, camping, golfing and museum visits for free. Tuition prices are reasonable compared with other language schools, however the campus dormitory is pretty expensive. It is better to find a place near the campus to live.
蔡宏昕
[ 台北, 台灣, Age 28, Male ]
- Below you will find additional reviews in other languages.
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ivy
[ hong kong, china, Age 20, Female ]
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful.san francisco state university這間大學的ESL 課程還尚算不錯，對於我來說也可以學到一些有用的知識，而環境方面也感覺可以！這間大學中國人相對較多，但san francisco 是真的一個很好的地方 !!!
希望各位有一個愉快的留學生活 ~
何信儀
[ 台北, 台灣, Age 27, Female ]
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful.整體還不錯聽說讀寫都有顧慮到，也都有一定的進步，老師上課注重學生的思考、討論和互動，有別於台灣傳統式的教育，為將來融入美國教育預做準備，寫的方面亦會教導美國式的文章寫法，基本上和東方人寫作文的方式完全顛倒，說的方面也會教導學生如何寫報告上台演講，循序漸近，功課多但壓力不大，建議想在美國留學的學生可先上語言課程適應一下，進步蠻多的，但若只是去美國遊學完即回國，若回國後無相同的環境繼續練習，半年後程度退回許多，且華人較多，須克制自己少與說中文者往來，否則效果不大。
익명
[ 서울, 대한민국, Age 20, Male ]
ALI 16주수업 재밌고 영어만 사용해서 영어 금방 느는거 같아요.
Nice!
샌프란
[ 서울, 한국, Age 26, Male ]
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful.대체적으로 아주 좋습니다.일단 샌프란시스코라는 도시가 굉장히 마음에 들었습니다.
학교는 그렇게 크지는 않습니다. 학생들은 꽤 많은데
학교 부지가 작아서 학교가 북적거리고 활기가 넘쳐서 좋습니다.
보통 다른 대학부설 어학원은 학교 안에 따로 건물이 있어서
현지 대학생들과 동떨어져 있는 느낌이 있는데
SFSU ALI는 교실을 계속 옮겨다니면서 수업을 해서
활기가 넘칩니다.
수업도 아주 좋습니다. 수업의 질은 10점 만점에 9점을 주고 싶스빈다. 대체적으로 아주 만족스러웠습니다.
ai
[ 東京, 日本, Age 21, Female ]
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful.ALIでの１０週間ALIはとにかく授業中の発言を求められる学校です。最初は戸惑いましたが、すぐに慣れます。宿題の量も非常に多いのですが全部こなすと確実に英語力は伸びると思います。学期の最初と最後の２回、TOEFLを受ける機会があるのですが、学期末のTOEFLでその伸びを実感することができるはずです。特に感動したのが、スタッフ陣のサポートの良さです。本当に親切丁寧で、出国前から何度も電話してお世話になりました！大学へのtransferの前段階としての語学スクールを探している人にはぜひおすすめしたいです。
Kazu
[ 大阪, 日本, Age 22, Male ]
5 of 7 people found the following review helpful.San Francisco State University ALI について。教師陣の質は非常に高く、非常に丁寧に教えてくれます。私が受講した時は生徒のおよそ８割が中国人で教室内で中国語を話していました。したがって英語を勉強しながら、いかに彼らと接するかも重要になりました。
留学する方に向けて：日本人の友達同士で固まって、日本語を話すのはお勧めできません。日本語は忘れても帰ってから思い出せます(笑)。なるべく多くのネイティブの友達を作り、普段から英語で考え、英語で話す訓練をしてください。異文化に触れるのは最初は怖いですが、一度触れてみるとすごく楽しいですよ。
学生
[ 山东, 中国, Age 24, Female ]
學生
[ Taipei, Taiwan ]
學生
[ 彰化縣, 台灣, Age 31, Female ]
學生
[ 高雄, 台灣, Age 27, Female ]
익명
[ Seoul, Korea, Age 25, Male ]
익명
[ sanfrancisco, USA, Age 21, Female ]
Adriana
[ Bogota, Colombia, Age 24, Female ]
刘星
[ 四川, 中国 ]
Chen Tzu Ying
[ Taipei, Taiwan, Age 28, Female ]
Ane
[ Portugalete, España ]
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- Video
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Welcome to the Center for Global Engagement at San Francisco State University. I am happy to welcome you to our profile on ApplyESL.com. We offer a world famous English for Academic Preparation program that has been on the campus of San Francisco State University since 1961. We also offer San Francisco Discover, a short program that helps students improve their spoken English while exploring San Francisco, America's favorite city and the center of the technology industry.
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