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 level; need to prepare for the TOEFL and IELTS; want to succeed in the university classroom with native English speakers; or intend to study English as their major.
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 and university selection. Advisors help students with admission applications to San Diego State University and other schools.
- TOEFL Waivers
Students applying to SDSU undergraduate and graduate degree programs and local community colleges may be eligible to receive a TOEFL waiver after completing advanced levels.
- 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. The ALI Student Life Office can also help students make contact with native speakers outside the classroom.
- Observing University Courses
High-intermediate and advanced students can receive assistance from EAP advisors in arranging observations of university courses in areas of interest. With the permission of the SDSU professor, EAP students can observe classes.
- Enroll in SDSU Classes
Advanced students may enroll in up to two regular SDSU classes (six units)* with American students during the fall or spring semesters, or one SDSU class (three units) during the summer term. Official SDSU grades, credits, and transcripts are awarded and may be transferred to other universities. See EAP Plus below for more information.
*An additional fee is required.
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 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.
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English for Academic Purposes
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Number of weeks
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12 in summer, 17 in spring or fall
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Hours of instruction
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23+ per week
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Requirements
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Prior instruction in English preferred
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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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Dates
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See Calendar & Fees
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Students arriving after the EAP start date may attend the Intensive English for Communication (IEC) program until the next EAP session begins.
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Curriculum
- Placement Tests
After taking the EAP placement examination, students are placed into their courses according to the strength of their language skills in each course content area, meaning that students may be in different levels for listening, reading, writing, etc.
- English Skills
Significant instruction time is dedicated to developing academic reading, writing, grammar, listening, speaking, and vocabulary skills, and strategies necessary for success in college and university coursework.
- Other Coursework
Students can also study American culture, multimedia production, pronunciation, academic vocabulary; and take preparation courses for the TOEFL and IELTS examinations that are required for admission to undergraduate university programs.
- Activities
Students are exposed to U.S. university classroom culture and can take part in SDSU campus activities on a regular basis.
- Program Electives
Elective courses are offered each semester to further support test-taking skills, improve language proficiency, and increase knowledge of U.S. culture. Courses vary by session and placement level.
Popular electives include:
- Internet-based TOEFL Prep
- IELTS Prep
- English Through Dance
- American Pronunciation
- English Sentence Patterns
- Developing Fluency Through Verbs
- Talk! Talk! Talk!
- Preparation for Academic Reading
- English Through Popular Music
- English Through Sports
Sample Schedule - Morning Schedule
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Session
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Monday
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Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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Morning |
TOEFL/IELTS |
Reading |
TOEFL/IELTS |
Reading |
Elective 1 |
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Morning
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Writing
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Listening & Note-taking
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Writing |
Listening & Note-taking |
Elective 2
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Break
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Afternoon
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Grammar
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Academic Speaking
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Grammar
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Academic Speaking
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Sample Schedule - Afternoon Schedule
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Session
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Monday
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Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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Morning |
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Elective 1 |
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Morning
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Elective 2
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Afternoon
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Grammar
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Academic Speaking
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Grammar
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Academic Speaking
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Break
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Afternoon |
Writing |
Listening & Note-taking |
Writing |
Listening & Note-taking |
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Late Afternoon
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TOEFL/IELTS
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Reading
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TOEFL/IELTS |
Reading |
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Pronunciation Clinic
In addition to daily speaking classes and pronunciation electives, the ALI offers students free personalized articulation and accent modification using specialized software, customized lab activities, and teacher-created materials.
EAP Plus
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.
- Open to advanced students who test above the ALI level 106.
- Students work closely with their ALI advisors to choose SDSU classes.
- Students earn SDSU credit in courses with American students.
- Official SDSU transcripts and transferable credit are awarded.
- Additional fees apply on a per-class basis.