 Who Should Take This Program?
The English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program is designed for students and professionals
at all levels who:
- plan to enter an American college or university at the undergraduate or graduate level,
- need to prepare for the TOEFL, GMAT, GRE, or other entrance examinations,
- want to succeed in the university classroom with native English speakers, or
- intend to study English for their major or career.
| English for Academic Purposes |
| Number of weeks |
11 to 19 |
| Hours of instruction |
23+ per week |
| Requirements |
Prior instruction in English |
| Number of levels |
six |
| Dates |
August 21-Dec. 14, 2007 (17 weeks)
Jan. 7-May 16, 2008 (18 weeks)
May 27-August 8, 2008 (11 weeks)
August 18-Dec. 18, 2008 (17 weeks) |
| Also included |
All students have access to a variety of electives, pronunciation clinics, sports and conversation clubs, language and computer labs, personalized student counseling, and academic advising. |
| Students arriving after the EAP start date may attend
the International English for Communication (IEC) program until the next EAP session
begins. |
Program Highlights
- Academic Skill-Building The EAP program helps international students develop
the skills needed to succeed at U.S. universities.
- University Advising The ALI offers advising on academic matters, careers, and
university selection. Advisors help students with admission applications and write letters
of recommendation.
- TOEFL Waivers Students applying to SDSU undergraduate and graduate degree programs
and local community colleges are eligible to receive a TOEFL waiver after completing advanced
levels.
- Participation in SDSU Courses Advanced students may enroll in up to two regular
SDSU classes with American students. Official SDSU grades, credits, and transcripts are
awarded and may be transferred to other universities.
- Interaction with Native Speakers EAP students have the opportunity to practice
their English speaking and listening skills and to improve their knowledge of American
culture by interacting with native speakers inside the classroom. The ALI Student Life
Office can also help students make contact with native speakers outside the classroom.
Testing and Placement
The EAP program offers English instruction in all levels from beginning to advanced. Students
take various placement tests to determine their English level. They are tested in the different
skill areas (listening, speaking, reading, writing, and grammar) and placed according to
their varied needs and abilities. At the end of each term, students have the option of testing
again to measure their progress.
Curriculum
- After taking the EAP placement examination, students are placed individually into each
of their courses according to the strength of their language skills in each course content
area; such personal attention continues throughout the program.
- Significant instruction time is dedicated to developing academic English reading, writing,
grammar, listening, speaking, and vocabulary skills; and strategies necessary for success
in college and university coursework in English.
- Other coursework focuses on American culture, media production, and preparation for
the TOEFL and other standardized examinations required for admission to undergraduate
and graduate university programs.
- Students are exposed to U.S. university classroom culture and take part in campus activities
on a regular basis throughout the EAP program.
- Advanced-level students have the option of substituting regular SDSU courses for some
ALI classes.
Pre-MBA Program
The English for Academic Purposes program offers a Pre-MBA specialization. Those wishing
to successfully apply to, and participate in, a U.S. MBA program and those wishing to
take the GMAT preparation courses should take the ALI Pre-MBA Program.
Test Preparation
The ALI offers extensive TOEFL, TOEIC, GMAT, and GRE preparation specifically designed
to meet the needs of international students.
Semester at SDSU
This program is for students who want to take more than two regular SDSU classes without
going through the regular university admission process.
Are You Ready for the Next-Generation TOEFL iBT?
In the United States the next-generation, (Internet-based) TOEFL iBT exam is being used.
It has four sections: reading, listening, writing, and, for the first time, speaking.
Grammar, as a separate section of the test, has been eliminated, and there are two writing
tasks. Learn about all the changes in the test and the types of questions, and learn some
new strategies to handle these changes.
Here are some key reasons why students should prepare for the TOEFL iBT at the ALI:
- the ALI's expert faculty have been trained in instruction for the new TOEFL iBT exam
at teaching conferences and special workshops by the Educational Testing Service (ETS,
the makers of the TOEFL, TOEIC, and GRE exams),
- SDSU's official test center is conveniently located for students to take the official
TOEFL exam in a familiar environment,
- research for the speaking component of the new TOEFL iBT was carried out here at the
ALI by expert faculty,
- specialized test preparation classes are offered to help students develop test-taking
strategies and become familiar with the test components, and
- the ALI regularly pilots new material for upcoming TOEFL iBT tests so students get
simulated authentic practice.
|
Programs