San Diego State University (SDSU)

The American Language Institute (ALI), the affiliated language-study institution of SDSU, offers a variety of benefits as described below. Depending on their program type and English proficiency, ALI students can take not only the English classes offered by ALI but also SDSU courses. Qualified students can earn credit for those courses without going through a separate SDSU admissions process. ALI students enjoy nearly the same benefits as regular SDSU students, including use of the on-campus bookstore, cafeterias, restaurants and medical service center, as well as school sports and club activities. They can also become members of the Aztec Recreation Center, a state-of-the-art 23,000m2 fitness facility. Members of the Aztec Recreation Center can use the newly opened tennis courts, an Olympic-size swimming pool, racquetball facilities, rock climbing, dance classes and bowling facilities. Students also get the chance to learn surfing, sailing, water skiing and windsurfing at the Mission Bay Aquatic Center, the world's largest educational waterfront facility. The following are the reasons why many students from around the world choose ALI, SDSU's affiliated language-study institution. ALI belongs to the College of Extended Studies, one of the 8 affiliated colleges of SDSU, which is the flagship campus of the California State University system and the largest university in the San Diego area. SDSU has been designated a "Research University" by the Carnegie Foundation for its active research. ALI is a renowned teacher-training center that trains teachers from around the world in the latest ESL/EFL teaching methods and methodologies. Classes are taught by instructors who hold a master's degree or higher and have completed training in the latest teaching methods. ALI is the only member in the San Diego area of the University and College Intensive English Programs (UCIEP) and is also a member of the American Association of Intensive English Programs (AAIEP) and the Association of International Educators (NAFSA). ALI's University Advising Services has a strong record of helping students gain admission to degree programs across the United States, including SDSU's graduate school of business. Advanced students can register for regular SDSU courses and earn credit for them without a separate admissions process. Through the Semester at SDSU program, ALI offers a certificate program in which students study alongside American students in regular SDSU classes, can formally earn credit, and receive an official transcript. All ALI classes are held at the Gateway Center and the Extended Studies Center on the SDSU campus. Students can use the high-speed computers and language labs at the Gateway Center and the central library on the SDSU campus. ALI provides on-campus housing (dormitories and apartments) year-round. Students can easily use public transportation such as the San Diego trolley serving SDSU, which quickly connects to major destinations throughout San Diego.

San Diego's natural beauty and friendly people attract tourists from around the world. Located in the far southwest of the United States, San Diego is the 9th largest city. It is a rapidly growing center of international trade and is known as a place that welcomes international students and tourists. Local organizations hold numerous activities and events, providing international students with rich and diverse cultural experiences.