The ALI offers advanced English students an easy way to sample one or two semesters of study at an American university without going through the regular university admissions process.
SDSU offers more than 3,000 class sections each semester in more than 80 different academic fields. A large number of these classes have additional spaces available after SDSU students have enrolled. Semester at SDSU allows international students to take advantage of these extra spaces.
Through this program, students can enroll in 12 undergraduate or 9 graduate units of SDSU courses. Credits earned are listed on a permanent SDSU transcript and may be transferable to other universities.
Students who are not planning to participate in Optional Practical Training (OPT) can also choose to take a combination of intensive English courses and SDSU courses. For example, some students take an advanced academic writing class designed to help them complete their courses successfully.
Semester at SDSU is for students who have met the TOEFL requirement or who have obtained high scores on the ALI placement tests. Some students who choose to come without an official exam score and do not meet the requirement may need to complete a semester or more of intensive English before enrolling in university courses.
For course descriptions, please visit http://arweb.sdsu.edu/es/catalog/quickref.html. For sample class schedules of the courses usually offered, go to www.sdsu.edu/schedule. Please be aware not all courses are offered every semester.
Please note that the ALI cannot guarantee participation in specific university courses. Students enroll in classes on a space-available basis.
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Semester at SDSU (Includes Certificates in Business, HTM, and Sustainable Tourism)
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Number of weeks
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17
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Hours of instruction
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Varies according to course enrollment. Minimum 12 units undergraduate/9 units graduate
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Requirements*
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Prequalify with TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 6.5 or CAE A/B or TOEIC 400/385/150/160 (L/R/S/W)
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Dates
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See Calendar & Fees
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Also included
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All students have access to a variety of electives, pronunciation clinics, sports and conversation clubs, language and computer labs, personalized student counseling, library, and academic advising.
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*For questions regarding alternate means of verifying English proficiency with advisor's approval, contact the ALI.
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Students successfully completing the Semester at SDSU program for two consecutive semesters are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT allows international students to work in paid or unpaid positions in the U.S. for up to one year. The ALI immigration advisor will assist you through the process.
OPT is only available to students who have taken full course loads of SDSU classes for two semesters, not those who combined intensive English courses in their program. SDSU courses should be related to the student's major.
Semester at SDSU Certificate Programs
Semester at SDSU students may also earn certificates in Business; Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation; and Sustainable Tourism. There are also Additional Semester at SDSU Options.