English for Academic Preparation

Study English in San Francisco, America's Most International City

The English for Academic Preparation (EAP) program gives you an opportunity to study in beautiful San Francisco, California, and learn English in an intensive language program that emphasizes university preparation and academic skills.

Program Information in Your Language Español   |   日本語   |   한국어   |   繁體中文   |   简体中文

International students after bicycling over the Golden Gate Bridge

Gateway: English + University Credit Studies

  • Improve your English and academic skills for university success
  • Take an SF State course for credit
  • Receive support to understand and complete your university course assignments
International students at the SF State sign

Conditional Admission

  • For international students who are academically qualified to apply for admission to SF State, but have an insufficient TOEFL score
  • Apply to SF State after deadlines have passed
  • Receive assistance with your application
Students talk while sitting on the lawn

TOEFL Waivers

  • Two possible TOEFL waivers
  • Either waiver will meet SF State English proficiency requirements
  • You do not need to complete the highest ALI level to receive either TOEFL waiver

News & Events

About the Program

Features

  • Well-trained, enthusiastic teachers and small classes with individual attention to all students
  • A curriculum that gives you strategies to understand and use English at an American university
  • TOEFL waivers for qualified students applying to SF State undergraduate degree programs
  • Advisors to help you apply to SF State and assist you with immigration questions, academics and American life
  • Student activities to help you enjoy your city and American culture
  • Free course A U 110 Living in San Francisco introduces history, culture and neighborhoods with field trips

Student Activities

Enjoy Life in San Francisco

Activities coordinators will take you to:

  • Enjoy sports events like SF Giants baseball and Golden State Warriors basketball
  • Visit famous places like The Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz
  • Concerts, street fairs and museums
  • Do other fun things such as rock climbing, bowling, golf and soccer

Practice Conversation with Americans

Conversation programs will help you practice English with SF State students. You can enjoy casual conversation on campus.

Volunteer in San Francisco

You can join other students and the volunteer coordinators to volunteer at different places in San Francisco such as the Stern Grove Festival concert series and Glide Memorial Church.

 

International student volunteers with red balloons

English for Academic Preparation Cost and Length

Tuition:
$5,995 (16 Weeks), $3,459 (8 Weeks)  |  $3,995 (10 Weeks), $2,595 (5 Weeks)

Application Fee:
$100

Length:
Fall/Spring: 16 or 8 Weeks  |  Summer: 10 or 5 Weeks

When to Start:
Fall, Spring, Summer

International Students at the beach, with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University (SF State) is committed to providing innovative, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs for students, as well as continuing and professional educational opportunities. SF State educates more than 27,000 students, including 1,800 international students from over 100 countries each year.

    University Life

    As an English for Academic Preparation ​program student, you can:

    • Meet SF State students as you study in classrooms throughout the SF State campus
    • Live on campus in university dormitories
    • Use university facilities, such as the library, gym, computer labs, and enjoy all the student cafes and restaurants

     

    Student using rock climbing wall

    San Francisco

    Everyone loves San Francisco because it is beautiful, international and welcoming to people from all over the world. International students immediately feel "at home" in this city.

    San Francisco is not a big city — the population is around 830,000. The city is full of colorful and interesting neighborhoods which you can easily explore by walking.

    Today, San Francisco is at the center of the technology world. It is home to new and important technology companies such as Twitter, Pinterest, Linkedin, Dropbox, Uber and many, many more.

     

    USA flag at the Golden Gate Bridge

    A U 110: Living in San Francisco Course

    Earn University Credit while Exploring San Francisco

    Enroll in A U 110: Living in San Francisco, a one-unit course that introduces new students to the geographic, historical and environmental, socio-cultural and political context of the Bay Area, San Francisco and San Francisco State University. In addition, this course prepares students for success in their transition to living in San Francisco while preparing for life in San Francisco, building community, and learning about the campus and the surrounding area. The course is experiential and includes field trips throughout the city.

    The in-person course is optional and is offered to you free of charge. You are encouraged to take it to learn more about and experience the City of San Francisco.

     

    International students pose in front on Bruce Lee mural

    What Students Say

    Emily (Minling), Student from China

    Emily (Minling), China

    “The English for Academic Preparation program at SF State is the best language program I have taken. It helped me to improve my reading, speaking, listening and writing skills all at once. I also got to know new students from all over the world, and we had a good time studying together and supporting each other. The program is tailor-made for students who plan to attend an undergraduate or graduate program at a university in the near future.”

    International Business Certificate Graduate, Sota Watanabe

    Sota, Japan

    Sota built his English skills at the American Language Institute, then went on to earn a certificate in our International Business program, where he developed the knowledge and skills to create his own startup and become a global leader.

    Elena Zheltova, Russia

    Elena, Russia

    “The American Language Institute is the best English program that I have ever attended. Seriously. Everything there was flexible, but structured. My class had six people from different countries, and everybody was very goal oriented.”

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