Course: Intensive English Program

The Beautiful San Francisco Bay Area

The San Francisco Bay Area is a scenic, cultural, social, and recreational center with a mild climate year-round. The Bay Area offers all the amenities of a major metropolitan setting. Cal State East Bay’s Hayward campus is just 30 to 40 minutes away from San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, San Jose, and Silicon Valley. The hilltop campus overlooks the San Francisco Bay and is surrounded by residential neighborhoods, with the comfort and security of a family community.

Intensive English Program Overview

The Intensive English Program teaches a wide variety of English-language skills including general English and English for academic preparation. The course curriculum offers seven levels of instruction including beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Program instructors have Master’s degrees in teaching and have first-hand experience working with international English learners.

The California State University, East Bay Intensive English Program features:

• 8-week sessions (starting in January, March, May, August, October)
• Seven levels of academic English instruction
• Small class size - an average of 15 students per class, allowing for a dynamic exchange between students and instructor
• IELTS preparation classes
• Individual academic advising and support

Admission Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• A minimum level of English proficiency

Ideal Student(s)

• Overseas high school graduates interested in preparing and qualifying for university undergraduate programs
• Visiting university students who want to improve their English in combination with an American campus experience
• Advanced overseas graduates interested in preparing and qualifying for a Master’s degree
• Professionals interested in preparing for the IELTS exam

Housing & Campus Life

ALP Students live at the Cal State East Bay on-campus apartments and suites. University Village is just a short walk from classes. These spacious, fully-furnished apartments feature a kitchenette with refrigerator and microwave along with community computer labs and study, exercise, laundry, and recreation spaces. ALP Students also have full access to the University library, gym and a variety of dining options on campus. Free shuttle buses run from campus to nearby BART train stations which offer access to the entire Bay Area.

Students Have Opportunities to:

• Improve English speaking, listening, reading and writing skills
• Meet American students and other people from countries around the world at one of the most diverse universities in the U.S.
• Use English outside the classroom through the Bay Area Experience class
• Apply to the university and earn degrees after completing the program (if admission requirements are met)

Intensive English Program Features

• Program length: 8 weeks*
• Average class size: 12 students
• University Preparation Program:
• Workshops + activities to prepare for admission to CSUEB
• University degree counseling and admissions advising
• Speaking Partners: weekly conversation practice with a university student partner
• Fun Trips to places & activities in the San Francisco Bay Area

*NOTE: Two 8-week Intensive English sessions per semester and an 8-week summer session. Students who sign up for a semester-long program receive a tuition discount.

Program Fees

Intensive English Program (8 weeks)

• Application Fee (Non-Refundable): $150 one-time application fee & each time deferring or changing program
• Student Health Services Fee / Semester: $187.50
• ALP Tuition: $2,800
• Total Fees: $2,987.50

*Intensive English Program (1 semester)

• Application Fee (Non-Refundable): $150 one-time application fee & each time deferring or changing program
• Student Health Services Fee / Semester: $187.50
• ALP Tuition: $5,000
• Total Fees: $5,187.50

*If you're planning to study more than 1 session (8 weeks), you have an option to pay for a full Fall or Spring semester (16 weeks) at a discounted price ($5,000) or pay for a single 8-week session ($2,800).

Outcomes

• Fluency in English speaking and writing for academic, professional, and general purposes
• Preparation for freshman year or graduate studies at CSUEB
• Broadened knowledge of academic subjects from a U.S. perspective
• Enjoyment of many intellectual, social and cultural experiences

Curriculum

Students are given their class schedules based on the results of the English placement tests given during the orientation. The length of the program depends on the student's level of English upon arrival and academic progress.

The curriculum consists of a required Core Program of 3 courses:

• Core Skills - mainly focuses on academic writing and grammar
• Reading Skills - mainly focuses on academic reading and vocabulary
• Communication Skills - mainly focuses on academic Listening and Speaking

It is mandatory for students to take one course from a variety of Content classes at all levels, along with the core program. These courses are designed to help students practice learning typical first-year university content in English. Electives include such courses as U.S. American Culture, Hospitality Management, Current Events, Test Preparation, Community Services, and University Preparation Program.

All new students are required to take the supplemental program Bay Area Experience, weekly off-campus activities to encourage English use outside the classroom.

University Preparation Advising Workshop is offered to provide university degree counseling and admission advising and preparation for undergraduate and graduate studies at CSUEB.

Sample Schedule (Subject to Change)

Preparation for Graduate Studies

Students who plan to enter a university graduate program at Cal State East Bay or other universities in the United States should take courses in the Intensive English Program. Based on the results of their initial placement, students who receive permission from the ALP Director may have the option of taking such courses as:

• GMAT Preparation
• Graduate Reading and Writing
• Undergraduate CSUEB courses to meet graduate program goals