Choosing to study abroad can be one of the most rewarding and stimulating experiences in a student’s life.

The English Language Academy (ELA), located on the campus of the University of San Diego (USD), offers a challenging curriculum in a beautiful Southern California setting. The ELA offers the following programs and courses:

• Intensive English
• Undergraduate Pathway (preparing students for Academic Study in the US)
• Graduate Pathway/School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES)
• Customized Programs
• Global Leadership Summer Program for Teens
• Online College Prep Courses
• Accent Modification (Coming back November 2022)

Highlights

• An intensive all-English environment to practice and refine language skills
• Skill-based level placement helps facilitate dynamic learning experience
• Highly qualified, experienced professors with Master’s degrees
• Small classes (10-15 students)
• A friendly, dedicated staff available to help students with academic planning, housing, visa processing, social activities, and campus functions
• Certificate of Achievement after successfully completing the program
• Field trips that provide opportunities to reinforce English skills and learn about American Culture

Location

USD is located in San Diego, California – a beautiful, safe, people-friendly and multicultural city.  We enthusiastically welcome international students, and invite you to experience our wonderful weather, taste a variety of foods, and choose from world-class entertainment options, ranging from the Old Globe Theatre to the World-Famous San Diego Zoo. Come enjoy our amazing beaches, mountains, and desert, all within a one-hour drive of each other!

Accreditation

USD’s English Language Academy is a member of the American Association of Intensive English Programs (AAIEP) and Association of International Educators (NAFSA). Our Intensive English Program is accredited by CEA – the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation.

Main Programs

Intensive English Language Program (IEP)

The IEP helps students 18 and older to develop and expand their English language skills in courses taught by highly qualified, experienced instructors with graduate degrees and extensive English language teaching skills. This program offers:

• Fall and Spring Semesters:
  14 weeks each, split into two 7-week Sessions
• Summer Semester:
  10 weeks, split into two 5-week Sessions
• A personalized, rigorous course schedule
• CEA Accreditation

USD Undergraduate Pathway Program/Conditional Acceptance to USD

The USD Pathway Program offers academically prepared international students the opportunity to become full-time, degree-seeking USD students through completion of an English language and college readiness curriculum. The curriculum is administered by the ELA and includes

• Intensive English Language instruction (1-3 semesters – as determined by academic achievement)
• A personalized Pathway to college admission, based on a variety of assessments, and closely monitored to ensure success
• Improvement of TOEFL/IELTS test scores necessary for admission to a US academic program
• A Letter of Recommendation from a member of the English Language Academy

USD Graduate Pathway Program/School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES)

The USD Graduate Pathway Program offers international students with a Bachelor’s degree the opportunity to become degree-seeking graduate students at the School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES) through successful completion of an English language and graduate degree program readiness curriculum.

• Intensive English Language instruction (1-3 semesters – as determined by academic achievement)
• A personalized Pathway to college admission, based on a variety of assessments, and closely monitored to ensure success
• Improvement of TOEFL/IELTS test scores necessary for admission to a U.S. graduate program
• A Letter of Recommendation from a member of the English Language Academy

Customized Programs

Customized programs are available to specific groups of individuals from non-English-speaking countries who wish to improve their English skills for personal, academic, or professional reasons. They can be tailored to the precise needs of a particular group of participants, allowing for a laser-focused learning experience. Some examples:

• Professional Development for University Professors
• Professional Development for Primary and Secondary School Teachers
• Business English for University Managers and Administrators

Global Leadership summer program for teens

Beginning early July through mid-August, students 13 to 17 years of age have the unique opportunity to experience American university life by living on the safe, beautiful campus of USD, while attending project-driven English classes, taught by USD instructors, and practicing their conversational skills during field trips, sporting activities, and social events. The program features:

• Small class sizes (average of 8 students, maximum of 10)
• Experienced instructors who are passionate about teaching young students
• A variety of engaging project-driven activities, including debates, presentations, research, and teamwork where students will improve their communicative and leadership abilities
• Flexible program options (2, 3, and 4 weeks)
• Great weekday activities, and fun-filled weekend excursions, including a 3-day trip to Los Angeles (with a visit to Disneyland)

Online College Preparation Courses

For those non-native English speakers who are looking to attend universities in the U.S., we offer online courses that will provide information and support needed for such students to be academically successful.  These courses are:

• Preparing for University in the U. S.
• TOEFL iBT Test Prep
• Introduction to Graduate Writing
• IELTS Test Prep