American Language Institute

Programs and Courses

The American Language Institute offers a variety of programs to meet the specific needs and goals of international students, professionals, corporations, and government agencies. These programs include:

• English for Academic Purposes (EAP) - For students who plan to enter a U.S. college or university at the undergraduate or graduate level. Included within EAP are the ALI Pre-MBA Program and Semester at SDSU. Exam Preparation is also included in EAP programs, including TOEFL, TOEIC, GMAT and GRE.
  
  
• Pre-MBA/Graduate Business Program - For those pursuing an MBA or any master's degree at an American university, need to master the English and academic skills needed to pass required TOEFL and GMAT exams, or need to compete in the university classroom with native English speakers.
  
  
• Test Preparation - (TOEFL, TOEIC, GMAT, GRE, IELTS, FCE, CAE, and BULATS)
  
  
• International English for Communication (IEC) - For individuals who desire to improve their "real language" communication skills, to increase their knowledge of American people and culture, and to practice English in natural situations on and off campus.
  
  
• Business for Global Practices (BGP) - These certificate courses are for students and professionals interested in learning more about American business practices as they relate to business around the world. Offered through the International English Communications (IEC) program, these courses combine language study with a business emphasis. The Business for Global Practices (BGP) certificate program is designed for students with high-intermediate to advanced English language proficiency and a high level of commitment.
  
  
• EFL/ESL Teacher Training & Certificate Programs - SDSU's American Language Institute has been training teachers of ESL/EFL since 1981. Teacher training programs include the amTEFL Certificate, the English Teaching Improvement Program (ETIP), and the TEFL/TESL Seminar. The ALI teaching staff has a broad base of experience in teacher training, ranging from Fulbright assignments in Costa Rica, Romania, Japan, and Yugoslavia, to USIA and other seminars in the Philippines, Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand.
  
  
• Semester at SDSU - Sample San Diego State University courses without going through the admissions process. Students can enroll in 3 to 12 units of SDSU undergraduate or graduate courses. Credits earned are listed on an official SDSU transcript and may be transferred to other universities.
  • Business Certificate - Students with an advanced level of English proficiency who are enrolled in the Semester at SDSU program may expand their business knowledge with American students by enrolling in SDSU College of Business courses.
    
    
  • Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation Management Certificate (HTM) - The HTM Program has entered into partnerships with San Diego's finest hospitality and tourism enterprises to provide students with specialized facilities and experiences that complete a well-rounded and comprehensive educational experience. Includes an internship within the San Diego tourism industry. Options include: Hotel Operations & Management; Restaurant Operations & Management; Attractions, Events and Conventions Management; Global Tourism. Students may choose to complete an internship in place of one class.
    
    
  • Additional Semester at SDSU Options - Students enrolled in the Semester at SDSU program can consider the SDSU certificate programs in: Applied Linguistics and English as a Second Language (ESL), Environmental Studies, Gerontology, or Women's Studies.
    
    
• Customized Group Programs - The ALI can offer customized programs for special groups in fields such as business, teacher training, law, health care, sports medicine, and others. These are offered at our San Diego State University location or on-site in the home country.
  
  
• Special Features - The following special features are available to current ALI students at no additional cost:
  - Computer Labs where students receive free access to the Internet and e-mail;
  - Language Lab with 27 stations to help students practice speaking and listening skills;
  - Conversation Club for students desiring to practice their listening and speaking skills in a relaxed, social setting;
  - Pronunciation Clinic where students receive one-on-one instruction in order to meet their individualized pronunciation and fluency goals.