Study USA: California State University Sonoma American Language Institute

Education USA

The SSALI Experience is safe and welcoming.

The Sonoma State American Language Institute (SSALI) is located in scenic Northern California near the rural beauty of the world-famous Wine Country and one hour from San Francisco. The spectacular Pacific coast, impressive redwood forests, and numerous parks are only minutes from campus. SSALI is the perfect program for those desiring challenging classes taught in a supportive and family-like environment.

Academics

The academic program is a professionally designed curriculum for students from high beginning to advanced levels of English proficiency.
Students receive instruction in grammar, composition, oral communication, reading & vocabulary.
Class size averages 12-15 students. Students get a lot of individual attention.
Students study 20 - 25 hours/week. Classes are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Up-to-date textbooks and multi-media materials are used for instruction.
There are reading, listening and computer labs which provide opportunities for independent study.
Students can select from a variety of special elective classes such as TOEFL Preparation, American Culture & Conversation, Pronunciation, Listening, Idioms & Slang, English through Music.
The SSALI faculty are talented, dedicated professionals who really care about their students.

Special Features

University ID card for use of campus facilities: library, media resources, computer labs, recreation center, swimming pool, sports facilities
Free wireless internet access in all campus buildings
Conversation partner with an American student or community volunteer
Attendance and graduation certificates
College and university admissions assistance
Personal counseling to help students with academic problems or cultural adjustments
Schulz Information Center
New Recreation Center with gyms, dance studios, climbing wall, weight room
Airport pick-up service at San Francisco International Airport
Supportive, family-like environment in a beautiful and safe community

Concurrent Enrollment and Conditional Admission

Enrollment in university courses through Open University for advanced students
Conditional admission into Sonoma State University for eligible students
TOEFL waiver for Sonoma State University for students who successfully complete the advanced level at SSALI

Housing

SSALI students have several housing options, but most choose a homestay; the cost is $575/month and includes 16 meals/week. Some students may choose a homestay without meals. All SSALI homestays are within a short walk or bicycle ride from campus. On-campus housing may be available in the attractive townhouse suites or apartments. Off-campus apartments and shared rentals may also be available. Prices vary widely.

Activities

Each semester students enjoy a number of social and cultural activities. Students can join university groups like ISA (International Students' Association), Outdoor Pursuits (camping and hiking trips), JUMP (volunteer in the community), and Wine Club. The university also sponsors activities such as Asian Heritage Month and the International Film Festival. Students can also have a conversation partner, join lunch conversation groups, and attend plays, concerts and special sporting events. Many students participate in sports teams playing baseball, soccer, and volleyball. The cost for all activities is minimal. Some sample activities are:

Welcome Pizza Party
San Francisco & Alcatraz Trip
Winery and Redwood Forest Tour
Holiday Party
Halloween Party
Thanksgiving with an American Family
Level parties or activities
Potluck dinners at a teacher's home
Sacramento Trip
6 Flags/Marine World Amusement Park
Spring Dance Party
Intramural sports
Ice Cream Social
Graduation Party

Calendar and Costs

SESSION			TUITION
Intersession	3 weeks	January	$780
Spring Semester	13 weeks	February - May	$2930
Mid term Spring	7 weeks	Mid-March - May	$1585
Summer I	5 weeks	June - July	$1185
Summer II	5 weeks	July - August	$1185
Fall Semester	13 weeks	September - December	$2930
Mid term Fall	7 weeks	Mid October - December	$1585

The University

Sonoma State University offers majors in the arts and humanities, the natural sciences, and the social sciences, as well as several outstanding professional programs. There are now 41 bachelor's degrees, 14 master's degrees and 10 teaching specialist and service credentials. Some of the degrees offered are:

American Multicultural Studies	Geography
Anthropology	Global Studies
Art (History, Studio, Film)	History
Biology	Kinesiology
Botany	Mathematics
Chemistry	Music
Communication Studies	Nursing
Computer Science & Engineering	Physics
Counseling	Psychology
Criminal Justice Administration	Sociology
Cultural Resources Management	TESOL
Economics	Theater Arts
English	Women's and Gender Studies
Environmental Studies