Center for Global Engagement offers English and Academic Programs:

English Programs:

1. English for Academic Preparation
   • Conditional Admission
   • 5-17 week options available
   • Full-time non-credit academic English program
2. San Francisco Discover
   • 2-4 week options available
   • Part-time non-academic English program
3. STEM Exploration Program
   • 2-4 week options available
   • Part-time non-academic English program

ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC PREPARATION

The English for Academic Preparation (EAP) program will give you the skills and strategies you need to succeed in an American university. The American Language Institute (ALI) of SFSU is one of the oldest and most respected intensive English programs in the country. Since 1961, the ALI has been helping thousands of students improve their English to reach their academic and personal goals. ALI teachers all possess a Masters Degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). The program focuses on:

• reading and writing strategies to help you write effective essays and read and analyze articles
• listening and speaking strategies to help you understand university lectures, give presentations, and participate actively in class discussions
• grammar that will improve your speaking and writing
• content in electives such as Business English, Grammar for Written Expressions, and Pronunciation and Academic Presentation Skills

Qualified students can receive special TOEFL waivers for admission to SFSU undergraduate programs.  All students will receive substantial assistance in applying to colleges and universities from the advisors.

SAN FRANCISCO DISCOVER

The San Francisco Discover is a non-academic English language program that uses the city of San Francisco as the classroom. The program combines language study at our beautiful San Francisco State University (SFSU) Campus with trips throughout the city's culturally diverse neighborhoods.

STEM EXPLORATION

The STEM Exploration Program is a non-academic English language program that students will gain English language skills while exploring applied Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The San Francisco Discover and STEM Exploration are two to four-week short term programs that do not require a student visa or proof of English proficiency. Anyone who is interested in improving their conversational English skills while experiencing the city of San Francisco is welcome to join!

*Applications may be accepted after the priority deadline on a space available basis.

Note: Program fee will be due in full 1 week after the priority deadline. No classes on holidays such as Martin Luther King Jr, Day and Labor Day.

Program Fee Includes:

• All class materials
• 15 hours a week of classroom instruction excluding holidays
• Visits to a variety of San Francisco neighborhoods, landmarks, museums and activities such as San Francisco Bay Cruise
• Guest lectures from University faculty or industry experts
• An unlimited monthly San Francisco public transportation pass

*Airport pick-ups available upon request and for an additional fee.

ALI is a member of EnglishUSA.

Certificate Programs:

1. Business Administration
2. Hospitality & Tourism Management
3. International Business
4. Liberal & Creative Arts

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

The Business Administration certificate program is designed to give students a broad foundation in business administration in just eight courses. Taking courses in accounting, business communication, statistics, operations management, finance, information systems, management and marketing, graduates will be prepared to enroll in an MBA or accelerated MBA or launch a career in business. Through SFSU activities, students will have opportunities to experience innovation firsthand and network with entrepreneurs, founders, innovators and more.

HOSPITALITY & TOURISM MANAGEMENT

The Certificate in Hospitality & Tourism Management is designed to meet the needs of international and non-matriculated students to learn specific concepts and skills in hospitality management within two semesters. Semester option is available.

The certificate is focused on food service, lodging, recreation/resort business, and is also practically oriented toward skills and occupations. The Certificate in Hospitality & Tourism Management is proof of completing a coherent set of required courses and related work at an acceptable level of academic accomplishment.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

The Certificate in International Business is designed to offer international students and non-matriculated U.S. residents the opportunity to acquire competencies in international business in two semesters. Semester option is available.

The program consists of core courses that focus on conceptual, theoretical and practical skills to prepare students for a career or advancement in international business. Additionally, more than 15 different electives are offered on a rotational basis. Electives focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, doing business in different countries and regions, leadership, cultural competencies, human resource management, business negotiations and management.

LIBERAL & CREATIVE ARTS

The Certificate in the Liberal & Creative Arts exposes students to the liberal and creative arts. Taking a wide range of courses, many of which are also general education courses, students gain broad exposure to the humanities, arts and social sciences. International students welcome.

Certificate Application Deadlines*

Fall Semester: May 15

Spring Semester: November 15

*Applications may be accepted after the deadline on a space-available basis only.

Program Fees (subject to change): $14,040 + Living expenses

Academic Credit Program

1. Summer in San Francisco 

• June – August
• 5 or 10-week option available
• Full-time credit courses

Summer in San Francisco

Summer in San Francisco is a complete university experience at San Francisco State University (SFSU). Take university courses, live on-campus, and enjoy everything San Francisco and the Bay Area has to offer through field trips, social activities, and visits to neighborhoods, museums and more.