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. These certificate courses are for students and professionals interested in learning more about American business practices as they relate to business around the world. Participants have the opportunity to follow either of two business tracks depending on their length of stay. Students who successfully complete a term of study are eligible for the Certificate of Achievement. Students who successfully complete one session qualify for the Certificate of Recognition.
Program Highlights
- TOEFL Not Required
Students are tested on site. Those scoring into the intermediate to advanced levels are eligible for the BGP program.
- Interaction with Other International Business Students
Participants of the BGP program have the opportunity to take classes with people from around the world.
- Interaction with Native Speakers
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 Student Life Office helps international students make contact with SDSU students and other native speakers outside of the classroom.
- Excellent Faculty
Most instructors hold advanced degrees and have experience in both business and language instruction.
- Observing University Courses
High-intermediate and advanced students can receive assistance from BGP advisors in arranging observations of university courses. With the permission of the SDSU professor, Business for Global Practices students can observe classes.
Testing and Placement
The Business for Global Practices program offers instruction for intermediate to advanced levels of English. Students are given individual speaking tests as well as tests that assess their levels in grammar, reading, writing, and listening. Students are then placed in appropriate classes for their levels. Students not testing into the intermediate or above levels will be placed in the IEC program.
Flexible Start Dates
New Business for Global Practices students may begin their studies after the term begins on any of our flex entry dates for four weeks or longer. To be eligible for a BGP Certificate, students entering on a flex entry date must enroll in the next complete BGP session.
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Business for Global Practices Certificate (BGP)
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Number of weeks
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6+ summer, 8+ fall or spring
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Hours of instruction
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23+ per week
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Requirements
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Intermediate to advanced English language proficiency
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Number of levels
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4
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Also included
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Electives, pronunciation clinics, sports facilities, conversation clubs, language and computer labs, student advising, the SDSU library, academic advising
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Dates
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See Calendar & Fees
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Curriculum
- Core Classes and Electives
In addition to English classes, students enroll in four or more business classes. Choices include: Introduction to Business, Business Discussions, Business Video, Profiles in Business, Oral Presentations, TOEIC Business Idioms, Biz Talk, Business Reading, Talking About Business, Communication in Business, Business Foundations, Multimedia for Business, and Intermediate and Advanced Business Writing. Choices vary by session and placement level.
- Seminars
One or more seminars may be offered during a term. Choices vary by session. Past offerings include: The History of Business in the U.S., Entrepreneurship, American Law, Employment Law, Customer Service, U.S. Stock and Bond Markets, Change Leadership, Management Challenges, Marketing Case Studies, and Trends in Management.
- Portfolio
Students are encouraged to assemble a portfolio throughout the program. The portfolio should include option activities and work completed in classes.
- Program Electives
Elective courses are offered each semester to further support test-taking skills, to improve language proficiency, and to increase knowledge of U.S. culture. Courses vary by session and placement level.
Popular electives include:
- Business Writing
- Biz Talk
- Profiles in Business
- TOEIC Business Idioms
- American Accent Improvement
- So-Cal Companies
- Tactics for TOEIC
- Internet-based TOEFL Preparation
- Advanced Grammar
Customized Component
Students customize their experience by adding one of the following features:
- SDSU Classes
With the permission of the professor, students may observe an SDSU course and complete a weekly summary report.
- Research Project
Students can design and complete an independent research project.
- Industry Interview
Students can arrange, conduct, and report on an interview with a business person in an industry of interest.
- Journal
Students can maintain a record of their experiences in the U.S. This journal should include observations, opinions, and impressions. Students are responsible for comparing and contrasting their home countries with the U.S., with particular emphasis on the areas of business, law, culture, and politics.
Sample 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 |
Introduction to Business |
Talking About Business |
Introduction to Business |
Talking About Business |
Elective 1 |
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Morning
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Grammar
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Writing for Communication
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Grammar
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Writing for Communication
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Elective 2
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Break
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Late Morning
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Business Reading
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Listening for Communication
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Business Reading
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Listening for Communication
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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.