American Association of Intensive English Programs
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Host:
San Diego State University
Contact:
Dr. William Price, Executive Director
Email
Tel: 619-594-5907
Fax: 619-287-2735
5250 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-1914 USA
Established:
1974
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American Language Institute

Description

The American Language Institute (ALI) at San Diego State University was established in 1974 to provide quality English language education and to promote cultural awareness for international students and professionals.  The ALI is one of the largest and most highly regarded ESL programs in the U.S.  The ALI offers Intensive English for Communication (IEC) for those who want to improve their English for work or pleasure, and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) for students who plan to enter an American university at the undergraduate or graduate level. Also offered are the Pre-MBA/Graduate Business Program, Semester at SDSU/Certificate Courses, test preparation within the programs:TOEFL, GMAT, GRE, and TOEIC, teacher training through the TESL/TEFL Certificate as well as the TEFL Seminar.  ALI Customized Programs for groups, university faculty and administrators, corporations and government agencies are also available.

Location

The ALI is located on the beautiful campus of San Diego State University (SDSU). SDSU is located in a safe residential neighborhood about 18 kilometers from downtown San Diego and is a major transit center for the public trolley and buses. San Diego is California's second-largest city and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean, the Anza-Borrego Desert, and the Laguna Mountains. Also within a few hours' drive are Los Angeles, Palm Springs and Orange County, making San Diego the ideal location to study English.

Teaching Qualifications

ALI classes are taught by nationally recognized teachers with advanced degrees, who are trained in the latest teaching methods.

Course Information

General English: Yes
English for Academic Purposes (EAP): Yes
English for Business: Yes
Other Programs:
  • Business for Global Practices (BGP): A certificate program within the Intensive English for Communication program.
  • EAP Summer Study Abroad: Advanced students may take six to 12 undergraduate units during the Summer term.
  • Workplace English: Group courses offered to employers/employees with language development needs. Courses can be conducted at the SDSU campus or on-site. 
Private Classes: No
Customised Groups: Yes
Maximum Class Size: 18
Average Class Size: 15
Levels:
Beginner Levels: 2
Intermediate Levels: 3
Advanced Levels: 3
Minimum Hours Required Per Week: 20
Maximum Hours Per Week: 25
Part Time Available: Yes
Session Length:

English for Academic Purposes and Pre-MBA: Jan 4-May 13, 2011(18 weeks); May 24-Aug 12, 2011(12 weeks); Aug 23-Dec 16, 2011(17 weeks)

*Intensive English for Communication and BGP: Jan 3-May 12, 2011(18 weeks); May 23-Aug 11, 2011(12 weeks); Aug 22-Dec 15, 2011(17 weeks)

*IEC offers flexible entry with an average of 2 intakes per month. IEC students may take shorter A and B sessions or begin their studies after the term begins for three weeks or longer.

Please visit our website for Semester at SDSU  and other program dates and details.

http://www.americanlanguage.org

Student Origins and Enrollments

Student Origins:
Africa: 1%
Asia: 44%
Europe: 37%
Latin America: 2%
Middle East: 16%
Average Enrollments:
February: 1000
July: 500
October: 1000

Facilities

ALI classes are in SDSU's Gateway Center and the Extended Studies Center, and are equipped with computer and language labs for ALI student use. The ALI is located on the campus of SDSU, the third-largest university in California. ALI students have access to the campus bookstore, library, cafeterias, restaurants, and SDSU Health Services.  Students may purchase membership to the Aztec Recreation Center, which includes tennis courts, an Olympic size swimming pool, and climbing wall.  

Fees

Fees based on a session length of 3 weeks.

Fees may have changed since this information was published — check for latest information.

Included means that this service is provided at no extra charge.

Application Fee: $175.00
Tuition Fees: $1,080.00 to
Book Fee: $75.00
Health Insurance Fee: $88.00
Optional Fees:
  • Airport pickup: $60 (San Diego International Airport)
  • Conditional Acceptance: $125

 

Notes on Fees:

Cost of books is approximate. Insurance cost is for programs 4 weeks or less.  Example of tuition cost is based on a 3 week Intensive English for Communication program.

Please go to the American Language Institute website at americanlanguage.org for all program fees.

Accommodations

Dormitory: $1650
Homestay: $695
Apartment: $795
Hotel: $80

Living on campus or with an American family can be an exciting and enriching part of your ALI/SDSU experience. Whatever option you choose, you'll find a true sense of community at your San Diego home. Aside from the obvious benefits of convenience and camaraderie, on-campus or homestay living definitely offer important academic and cultural benefits as well!

Prices for accommodations are subject to change.

Student Services

  • Organized activities and trips
  • Conversation partners and groups
  • Group volunteer activities
  • Variety of electives
  • Pronunciation clinics
  • University advising
  • Conditional Acceptance

 

 

 

Educational Service Opportunities

The ALI offers academic advising to university bound students as well as university advising to help them with the application process. 

Transportation

  • A public bus terminal and trolley are located near the ALI building offering connections to downtown, shopping, and San Diego's many beaches. 
  • Many students choose to rent cars.

Affiliations

San Diego State University, College of Extended Studies

The American Language Institute is a project of the San Diego State University Research Foundation.

 

 

 

Application Information

Admission is open to all individuals 18 years old and above who have completed high school. The application fee is $175. Students are encouraged to apply at least one month in advance to allow time to obtain their student visa.

Undergraduate conditional acceptance to San Diego State University (SDSU) is for qualified prospective ALI students who want to attend SDSU to earn an undergraduate degree but do not meet the SDSU English language proficiency requirements. Conditional acceptance through the ALI is not available for SDSU graduate studies or for students seeking a second undergraduate degree or students with a TOEFL (or the equivalent) of iBT 80 or above. The nonrefundable conditional acceptance application fee is $125.00.

Contact

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