Curriculum
The ALI curriculum provides a serious, intensive program of language training that stresses academic skills and university preparation. It is primarily designed to give students the language and academic skills necessary for successful university study in the United States. Classes are designed for serious, mature and self-directed students with academic or professional goals.
The ALI curriculum features:
- 22 hours a week of instruction in reading and writing, listening and speaking, grammar, and (at the higher levels) elective courses such as cross-cultural communication, business English, and pronunciation.
- A strong focus on learning useful language strategies for success.
- 4 proficiency levels from low intermediate (TOEFL 325 and above) to advanced (TOEFL 520-600).
- Gateway, a special program for students who complete the highest ALI level. Gateway students may enroll in one SF State class while continuing to study English at ALI.
- Optional TOEFL and GMAT preparation courses on Fridays for an additional fee.
Please note: ALI does not have a beginning level course. All students should have had some formal study of English before applying to the program. Also, students with TOEFL scores of over 600 on the initial placement examination will be counseled to seek other study opportunities in advanced academic programs.
Other Learning Opportunities at the ALI:
- Conversation Partner Program (for high-intermediate and advanced students) that pairs ALI students with American university students for conversation and social activities during the fall and spring sessions only.
- Conversation Groups Program (for low-intermediate and intermediate students) that groups four to six ALI students to practice conversation in a fun, relaxing way with two SF State MA TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) graduate students.
