Study USA: The American English Institute at California State University, Fresno

Education USA

The American English Institute (AEI), located on the campus of California State University, Fresno, has offered a non-credit intensive English program for international students for 30 years. AEI courses are designed to 1) prepare students for academic study in a college or university in the United States, 2) prepare students for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and 3) help future university students improve their communication skills for everyday life in the United States.

The Academic Program

The AEI offers instruction at low-intermediate through advanced levels. The program consists of a minimum of 20 instructional hours per week divided into reading/vocabulary, listening/speaking, pronunciation, writing/grammar, TOEFL preparation, and pronunciation classes. Preparation for university coursework is emphasized.

Program Features

Friendly "family" atmosphere
Orientation program before classes begin
Up-to-date teaching methods
Trained and experienced instructors
Computer lab
TOEFL testing
Concurrent enrollment in one university course for qualified students with advanced English skills.

Special Activities

Social and cultural activities
Trips to such places as San Francisco, Santa Cruz, or Monterey
Conversation partners
Opportunities to join university organizations

Special Services

Students at the American English Institute can enjoy many university facilities and events such as these:

Health center
Library
Bookstore
Cafeterias
Art galleries
Concerts, plays, and special lectures
Sports events such as soccer, football, and baseball
Weight and fitness rooms
Swimming pool and track
Basketball, volleyball, and racquetball courts

Fresno

Fresno is in the center of the richest agricultural valley in the United States. The city's Central California location is excellent because it is midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Fresno is within an easy drive of three national parks: Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon. The Pacific Ocean is only 2.5 hours away by car.

Fresno has a population of about 465,000. Its moderate climate provides many mild days throughout the year, with hot days in summer and cold days in winter. Many students are happy to discover that Fresno's living expenses are significantly lower than those of the other major cities in California.