ALI

STEM Exploration – Apply by December 15 for Spring 2025

International Program Blends STEM and English Skills

In our STEM Exploration Program, you will gain English language skills while exploring applied Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) in the San Francisco Bay Area. Activities include site visits to experience and learn about topics including computer science, engineering, mathematics, life sciences and environmental sustainability. The program is designed for undergraduate and graduate students and professionals. There are two- to four-week programs available. No student visa (F-1) required. ESTA or B-2 Visa.

Advance Your Knowledge

  • Learn and discuss current topics in applied science and technology
  • Create and deliver short academic presentations
  • Practice listening and speaking English in and out of the classroom

Apply by December 15, 2024 to Start in February 2025

Find out more about this new program, and apply today to start in spring.

English for Academic Preparation - Apply by May 15 for Summer 2025

International Students - Study English in San Francisco, California

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.

Apply Now for Summer - Start May 29 or July 2

  • Prepare to study in an American university.
  • Learn English in an intensive language program that emphasizes university preparation and academic skills.
  • Study on campus at San Francisco State University.
  • Conditional admission to SF State is available.

Find out more about EAP.

The International Student Journey - IEM 2024

As part of International Education Month (IEM), the Center for Global Engagement will host a panel discussion called “The International Student Journey,” with international alumni from SF State’s English for Academic Preparation program, academic certificate programs and University Pathway Program.

Attendees will hear unique student stories and valuable advice on reaching academic and professional goals. Center for Global Engagement program alumni will share insights from their academic and professional journeys focusing on navigating transitions from English language study to university certificate and degree programs to career. The session will be interactive with ample opportunity for Q&A.

Hybrid Event

Attendees may attend in person in the Science and Engineering Innovation Center, room 500 (fifth floor) or online. Zoom link will be provided by email on November 11.

English Language Programs Information Session - Spring 2024

Join us for a virtual information session to learn about our English language programs for international students.

English for Academic Preparation

  • Learn English skills to prepare for American colleges and universities
  • Held at the SF State main campus
  • Offered in fall, spring and summer
  • Conditional admission to SF State

San Francisco Discover

  • Improve your spoken English
  • Two- to four-week programs
  • Student visa not required
  • Visit innovative companies, universities and San Francisco neighborhoods
  • Offered multiple times per year

RSVP to receive the Zoom information.

San Francisco Discover - Apply for Spring 2025

International Students - No Student Visa Required

Improve your English, and experience the entrepreneurial and innovative City of San Francisco. San Francisco Discover is an English language and culture program that uses the city of San Francisco as the classroom. The program combines language study with excursions throughout the City’s colorful and exciting neighborhoods.

As a student in the program you will improve your English skills while you learn how San Francisco has become a global center of entrepreneurship and innovation. You will have the opportunity to explore the arts, business, culture and technology of the city as you practice your English skills with locals from a variety of backgrounds. Two- to four-week sessions are available.

Apply

Winter: Apply by November 15 to start in January
Spring: Apply by December 15 to start in February

The International Student Journey - IEM 2023

As part of International Education Month (IEM), the Center for Global Engagement will host a panel discussion called “The International Student Journey,” with international alumni from SF State’s English for Academic Preparation program and academic certificate programs.

Attendees will hear unique student stories and valuable advice on reaching academic and professional goals. Center for Global Engagement program alumni will share insights from their academic and professional journeys, focusing on navigating transitions from English language study, to university certificate and degree programs, to career.

The session will be interactive with ample opportunity for Q&A.

If you have any questions, please contact us at globaled@sfsu.edu or +1-415-338-1438.

International Business Certificate Graduate Honored in Newsweek Japan

After earning his certificate from the College of Professional & Global Education, entrepreneur Sota Watanabe went on to found two successful tech companies

Sota Watanabe, a former College of Professional & Global Education (CPaGE) International Business student, has been selected one of “100 Japanese people the world respects” by Newsweek Japan for his impressive record as a young entrepreneur. Prior to this, he was selected for the Forbes “30 Under 30 Asia” list in 2022. 

Watanabe was an Economics major at Keio University in Japan and wanted to expand his global business experience. He applied to the International Business Professions program run by ICC Japan. As part of this program he enrolled in CPaGE’s American Language Institute to improve his English. Following completion of the English for Academic Preparation program, Watanabe earned a certificate in the SF State International Business program. This program helped Watanabe develop the knowledge and skills to become a global leader.

“The groundwork for working globally, including English and business skills, was developed while I was in San Francisco. Without these experiences at SF State, I can’t imagine where I would be today. It was an experience that allowed me to experience and interact with cutting-edge technology and broaden my horizons,” said Watanabe.

During his program, he spent time in the San Francisco Bay Area attending IT, art and language exchange Meetups and visiting technology headquarters in Silicon Valley. Watanabe was able to visit Google, Facebook and Apple. He also completed an internship for Silicon Valley startup Chronicled. When he left SF State, Watanabe returned to Japan and founded Stake Technologies, the first company in Japan to adopt blockchain acceleration sponsored by UC Berkeley. Watanabe received an unprecedented four rounds of funding from Web3 Foundation, which he is using to further innovation at his company. He also founded another tech company, Astar Network. He later participated in the 2021 International Student Journey event hosted by CPaGE’s Center for Global Engagementas an alumni panelist.

International Business Professor and Department Chair Bruce Heiman taught Watanabe in “Research in International Business and the Global Market.” From his interactions with Watanabe in and outside the classroom he shared that he  sees him as an example for past, current and future students. In addition to being a high academic performer while a student at SF State, Watanabe was well respected by his peers and became good friends with many other students as well as professors. The International Business courses he followed while at SF State helped him achieve a solid comfort level working in groups comprised of members from diverse cultures. His outgoing nature and ability to span cultural boundaries has served him well in his career.

“We are proud to have Sota as an example of a graduate of our certificate program,” Heiman said.

“From the first day Sota arrived at SF State, it was clear he was going places,” added CPaGE Assistant Dean Saroj Quinn. “Sota is one of the most inquisitive, passionate and charismatic students I have met. Every time I spoke with Sota during his program, I learned something new about the innovation and entrepreneurship landscape of San Francisco. Sota truly made the city of San Francisco his classroom, using his free time to build a global network.”

Newsweek Japan magazine cover

American Language Institute Info Session - Spring 2023

Join us for a virtual information session to learn about our English language programs for international students.

English for Academic Preparation

  • Learn English skills to prepare for American colleges and universities
  • Held at the SF State main campus
  • Offered in fall, spring and summer
  • Conditional admission to SF State

San Francisco Discover

  • Improve your spoken English
  • Two- to four-week programs
  • Student visa not required
  • Visit innovative companies, universities and San Francisco neighborhoods
  • Offered multiple times per year

RSVP to receive the Zoom information.

English Language Programs Information Session - Fall 2024

Join us for a virtual information session to learn about our English language programs for international students. RSVP to receive the Zoom information.

Student raises his hand and is called on by the teacher in English class

English for Academic Preparation

  • Learn English skills to prepare for American colleges and universities
  • Held at the SF State main campus
  • Offered in fall, spring and summer
  • Conditional admission to SF State
International students in front of a mural about corporatocracy

San Francisco Discover

  • Improve your spoken English
  • Two- to four-week programs
  • Student visa not required
  • Visit innovative companies, universities and San Francisco neighborhoods
Touring English language students outside Intel headquarters

STEM Exploration

  • Gain technical vocabulary and understand of new science and technology concepts
  • Learn and discuss current topics in applied science and technology
  • Create and deliver short academic presentations
  • Two- to four-week programs

Global Programs Virtual Information Session - Summer 2022

The Center for Global Engagement is excited to invite you to join our virtual information sessions and learn about SF State’s global programs. Get program details in an online information session. Our faculty and staff will share the latest updates about classes, program requirements and tuition. All sessions are offered through Zoom.

Find a program that matches your academic or career goals!

International Student Programs:

  • Academic Programs
  • Professional Development Certificates
  • Open University

English Language Programs:

  • English for Academic Preparation
  • Conditional Admission
  • Gateway Program
  • San Francisco Discover

Document Readers are required to view documents.