The English Language Academy (ELA) at the University of San Diego prepares you to enter a university degree program. ELA offers a year-round program at the Intermediate and Advanced levels for students. The program includes:
- Minimum 20 hours of classroom time per week
- 14 week intensive language program with courses in reading/writing, speaking/listening, as well as electives
- Short-term professional courses, including Business and Legal
- Teachers of Engish to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
- Special Group Programs, which include ESL classes and recreational activities
- TOEFL preparation
- Small classes-15 students or less
- Academic advising for university admissions
Connect
Small classes and a strong connection with your professors, who have advanced degrees and many years of teaching experience, will make the world of difference for you as you learn to live and study in the United States. In addition, ELA students have the same privileges as USD students, including access to the campus bookstore, library, cafeterias and restaurants, health services, and campus sports activities and clubs.
Our staff, who have worked and studied abroad, know that choosing to study abroad can be one of the most challenging steps of your life. We are committed to helping you achieve academic and personal success while you are with us. At orientation, you will tour the university and San Diego, as well as meet international students from around the world who are studying at USD. To ensure your continued success, you will receive academic advising from the faculty and staff, as well as receive a certificate after completing the program.
ELA is housed in a modern new building on campus with state-of-the-art computer equipment, a dedicated teaching faculty, and close to all USD facilities.
Admissions Criteria
- Academic Requirements
Students who have completed high school in good academic standing may enter the English Language Academy (ELA). Classes are offered at the Intermediate and Advanced levels. Students with a TOEFL score of 430 (paper score) or above should do well at ELA. Even if your TOEFL scores are high, you can still benefit from our study skills courses.
- Concurrent enrollment at USD
ELA students who meet the USD Admissions criteria may take regular university course (up to six units) on a space available basis.
- Conditional Acceptance at USD
ELA can provide conditional acceptance to a USD degree program. Students who need conditional acceptance to obtain a student visa first must meet the admissions criteria established by USD.
Students seeking conditional admissions should:
- meet the TOEFL requirements established by the university
- present acceptable scores on any entrance exams required by USD (SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.)
- complete any prerequisite courses for acceptance into a particular major, in addition to language training. These courses can be taken while the student is enrolled in the ELA program.
If you need conditional acceptance, please contact the ELA Program Director for more information
If you have already applied to USD and have been denied admission because of your TOEFL score, the Admissions Office will hold your application for two years to allow you to attain the USD TOEFL requirement of 550. Please note that individual undergraduate and graduate degree programs at the university require different TOEFL scores.
Housing
ELA is located in a safe, urban environment and close to many affordable housing options. Our professional staff is dedicated to making your stay successful and enjoyable. They will help you find the kind of housing that is right for you--on-campus dormitories, homestays, or apartments.
Enjoy
ELA is situated just minutes from the ocean in a city that has one of the best climates in the country, with an average daily temperature of 21 degrees Celsius. While you are here, we hope you will take advantage of the sites and sounds of southern California:
- World famous San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park
- Miles of spectacular sandy beaches
- Ocean, desert, and mountain recreation
- Sunny and warm climate
- Mexico and Baja, California…25 km south
- Disneyland, Hollywood, and Los Angeles…150 km north
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