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NOTE: This is not an open enrollment program where students apply through San Diego State University. Instead, it is a program sponsored by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE). For more information about the program, click here.

This three-week pre-academic program was offered to incoming Fulbright foreign students. It was sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs as part of its Fulbright Program, the U.S. government’s flagship international exchange program supported by the people of the United States and partner countries around the world. For more information, visit eca.state.gov/fulbright.

This activity is administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE).

This program is designed to provide an orientation to the U.S. academic system and culture, English language training, and field-of-study preparation. The program is also aimed at building a basic understanding of current issues in U.S. society and a solid foundation of U.S. social values, both of which are necessary for successful intercultural communication in the participants’ host communities. This pre-academic Fulbright program serves the overall goal of the Fulbright Program: to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.

Before moving on to continue their graduate and doctoral studies at universities across the U.S., the international students spent part of their summer at SDSU learning the ins and outs of American culture and the U.S. education system while doing some sightseeing around America’s Finest City.

SDSU is just one of eight American universities authorized to host the introductory program. Attending students in 2022 came from Panama, Indonesia, Argentina, Brazil, and Japan, among other nations.

Read our Blog post about the Fulbright English for Graduate Students Program for more information on this innovative program.

What Our Past Fulbright Scholars Say

Evelyn Siqueira Caixeta's photo and storyBeing part of the EGSP at San Diego State University was a life-change opportunity, since I could enrich my english skills, as well as become a more self confident person, due to all the responsibilities I needed take about American culture and my own life. This program allow me to figure out how all 18 different cultures are completely diverse and how that diversity influences in our lifestyle and thoughts. Besides, I am feeling that I am already prepared for the academic life in other university around the U.S."

- Evelyn Siqueira Caixeta

Ana's photo and storyThe Fulbright EGSP has been the best experience I have ever had before in my entire life. At the beginning, I was feeling a little overwhelmed because there were so many changes, a lot of new people and from many different countries and cultures. But after just a few days, I felt completely accompanied and guided by an amazing team at SDSU, and now I feel much more confident about living and studying in the U.S. for my master's degree. I would absolutely recommend any Fulbright grantee to take advantage of this amazing experience if they have the opportunity, don't even doubt about it."

- Ana G. Camargo

Laura's photo and storyThe EGSP program at SDSU was very special to me as a student and as an individual. Each session was well planned with students' current and potential cultural and academic needs in mind. Everyone on the staff was eager to help us with every question and concern, and excited to help us prepare for our graduate studies. Overall, thanks to this program, I feel a lot more confident and prepared to start my master's program this fall."

- Laura Delince

Evelyn Bakhtawar's photo and storyThe program was so important for me and my academic journey as the program not only gets me more familiar with the U.S. academic culture and values, but also provides me a great opportunity to be together with other emerging scholars from different countries learning about their diverse cultures and values. I feel now at home in the U.S. and ready to take my academic journey. Also, a huge thanks to all organizers."

- Bakhtawar

Miguel's photo and storyBest experience ever! I can not be more grateful to all SDSU Global Campus Staff, especiallyl to Luis and Renee. Hope to meet you again some time"

- Miguel Felipe Arevalo Castiblanco

Majoro's photo and storyThe Fulbright Pre-academic orientation was a truly transformative experience for me as a person. Coming from the third world, I have always wanted to experience the true meaning of being part of an international community, where individuals from different walks of life get to know each other and be united by one thing - the pursuit of excellence taking place in the context ruled by friendship and respect for diversity and inclusion. I saw the true picture of my philosophy of life which is Olympism. I have strong conviction that the whole experience will serve me well through my lifetime.“

- Majoro Khale

Rawdha's photo and storyMy three weeks in SDSU have been absolutely fantastic! I have never thought that I would build such meaningful relationships within such a short period of time. 21 Fulbrighters, 17 countries, three weeks and a lifetime of memories. I have loved every aspect of the program and SDSU staff was always there when we needed them. They have done everything within their power to make us feel home."

- Rawdha Hidri

Program Information

Links for Current Grantees

Program Administration

Luis Vega, Fulbright Pre-Academic Program Director
Luis Vega
Fulbright Pre-Academic Program Director
American Language Institute
luis.vega@sdsu.edu
(619) 594-5907

Renee Rodriguez
Renee Rodriguez
American Language Institute
rrodriguez10@sdsu.edu
(619) 594-5907

Arrival Information

Shuttle/Taxis from Airport
Reservation: No reservation necessary unless you arrive late at night

Housing
Piedra del Sol
5600 Hardy Ave, San Diego, CA 92115