California State University, Long Beach in California is a 322-acre, peach-tree-studded campus that delivers world-class teaching in state-of-the-art, park-like facilities—all blissfully near the Pacific Ocean. With a diverse population and vibrant oceanside environment, the large university, founded in 1949, seamlessly blends academic and outdoor life for a rewarding study-abroad experience.
California State University, Long Beach Language Pathway Program
About the Program
Fall 2025 Language Pathway + Spring 2026 Academic
Program Advisor
Your Student Counselor is your study abroad ambassador and supporter. They join your application journey when you’ve confirmed you’re interested in studying abroad. At this point, they guide you through each stage of the application, notify you of the documents you need, let you know when your admission results are in, and walk you through the next steps, including class enrollment and organizing pre-arrival tests.
At a Glance
Stay Healthy & Safe While You Study Abroad
Mayuko Sakata
I was sometimes overwhelmed by active students during class group projects, but I learned the importance of cooperation in accepting opinions in an environment where discussions can be controversial.
California State University, Long Beach SAF Alumni
About the University
California State University, Long Beach
Studying abroad at CSULB, located in the fifth-largest city in California, offers access to the university’s 322-acre campus. Near the ocean, boasting a beautifully landscaped, garden-like setting, and providing outstanding instructional facilities enhanced by aesthetically pleasing architecture and attractive design, the location is ideal for your Long Beach study abroad stay.
With a diverse population and a scenic and convenient location, the university seamlessly blends an array of academic opportunities with easy access to outdoor activities and thrilling local culture, adding up to a complete student experience.
Learn more about what you can look forward to while studying abroad at California State University, Long Beach, and take advantage of the university’s official website.
Academics
California State University, Long Beach's Academic Approach
Welcoming and supportive, California State University, Long Beach is a highly sought-after language-learning institution. The opportunities here are abundant, so if you’re highly motivated, you can go far.
Putting into practice what you learn in class is critical to mastering English. Test your skills after one of your interactive language sessions—totalling 23 hours a week—whether on campus as an active member of one the university’s clubs or off-campus in your shared student spaces.
Courses
As a SAF scholar in level 5 or 6 of the Intensive English program, you are eligible to take CSULB university courses through Open University while in the Intensive English Program. The university courses you take are put on an official transcript that you can transfer to other universities. ALI staff help you pick your courses and register for them.
Classroom Hours Per Week
There are seven proficiency levels and 23 hours of language instruction per week.
*SAF program fee tuition rate is based upon enrollment in 23 hours of language instruction per week.
Get To Know Our Application Process
From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.
Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor
Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.
Application Requirements
The requirements outlined in this section include the language proficiency scores you may need to demonstrate your language skills, a guide to the GPA range and other academic prerequisites required by your host university, and a list of documentation and other application materials you will need to finalize your application. You may need to supply additional information throughout the process, and you will be alerted through your emails and SAF Student Portal if this is the case for you.
Language Test Score Requirements
To prove your language proficiency, you can use any of the following:
- *CSULB Intensive English: level 5/6
- If you’re in level 5 or 6 of the Intensive English program, you can take CSULB university courses through Open University and receive an official transcript that may be transferrable to other universities
- *IELTS: 5.5 *Minimum sub-score is 5.5
- TOEFL iBT: 61
Program Dates
When studying abroad, you will want to consider the time of year and how long you are away. Most programs follow the host university's academic calendar.
The dates shown below are general estimates, and as you get closer to the start of the term, you will get more detailed information from SAF. If you have any questions, your Student Counsellor and Program Specialist are always here to support you and point you to the correct information.
Spring 2025 Language Pathway + Fall 2025 Academic
Program dates:
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
Spring 2025 Language + Summer 2025 Language Pathway + Fall 2025 Academic
Program dates:
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
Fall 2025 Language Pathway + Spring 2026 Academic
Program dates:
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
Housing Information
Homestay
The SAF program fee covers a comfortable room in a friendly homestay with an English-speaking American family near CSU Long Beach.
*Housing is subject to availability. For specific questions regarding housing please contact SAF.
About Long Beach
Why Long Beach
Palm trees and wide-open beaches, classic American boardwalks, and a lot of boats to look at: This is Long Beach, one of California's most popular beachside destinations. Just a short hop from Greater LA, Long Beach’s vibrant downtown and shoreline buzz with lively restaurants, shops, and bars to create a truly social and scenic oceanside experience.
The Student Experience
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Orientation
Advising and Support
The process of studying abroad could quickly feel overwhelming, but we have been doing this for decades and do everything we can to support you through it.
Many SAF staff are alumni and have walked this path. They have real-life experience to draw on as they advise and support you through every step of our comprehensive services. They’re in your corner, taking care of all the details and explaining what you need to do next.
Take the first step in your study abroad journey by scheduling a consultation with your closest Student Counselor. You can discuss your for-credit academic courses and language programs and explore internships, research programs, and study tours. When you know what you want to do, we guide you through the pre-program steps, help you arrange your visa and transport, and finalize your accommodation or digital experience.
Get To Know Our Application Process
From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.
Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor
Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.
Commonly Asked Questions About Studying Abroad
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Why Travel With SAF?
Studying abroad is an unforgettable experience, one that stays with you in your career, your contacts, your future. It can define you. At any of our prestigious university partners, you can build personalized for-credit programs that can last up to a whole year.