Program Overview

English for Academic Preparation

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

Program Features

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

Student Activities

Enjoy Life in San Francisco

Our instructor and staff will take students to:

• Explore iconic landmarks such as Pier 39 and enjoy a scenic Bay Cruise
• Enjoy sports events like going to a SF Giants baseball game
• Celebrate Halloween with fun costumes and mingle with students, faculty, and staff
• Participate in Culture Day and share culture and country with others
• Join the International Student Journey panel discussion to hear inspiring stories from CGE alumni about how they've achieved their goals through CGE programs

Volunteer Opportunities in San Francisco

Students can get involved in the community by:

• Serving meals at GLIDE Memorial Church
• Assisting with cleanup at Ocean Beach

Cost and Length

• Tuition:
  • Fall/Spring: $6,400 (16 Weeks), $3,650 (8 Weeks)
  • Summer: $4,200 (10 Weeks) | $2,800 (5 Weeks)
• Application Fee: $100 ($150 starting in Summer 2026)
• Gator Pass (mandatory fee): $130/semester (Note: There is no Gator Pass in summer)
• Length: Fall/Spring: 16 or 8 Weeks | Summer: 10 or 5 Weeks
• When to Start: Fall, Spring, Summer

San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University (SFSU) is committed to providing innovative, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs for students, as well as continuing and professional educational opportunities. SFSU educates more than 23,700 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 SFSU students as you study in classrooms throughout the SFSU 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

San Francisco

San Francisco is a beautiful, international, and welcoming city to people from all over the world. International students immediately feel "at home" in this city. With a population of around 830,000, the city is full of colorful and interesting neighborhoods that can be easily explored by walking. Today, San Francisco is at the center of the technology world, home to new and important technology companies such as Twitter, Pinterest, Linkedin, Dropbox, Uber, and many more.

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. This course prepares students for success in their transition to living 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 students free of charge.

English to University Studies Pathway

The English to University Studies Pathway program helps students level up their academic English skills for admission to the Semester at SJSU program. Students can fulfill the English requirements through SFSU's English for Academic Preparation program and then enroll in SJSU.

Student Testimonials

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