On a 304-acre campus in the foothills of northern San Diego County, California State University, San Marcos is a forward-looking institute dedicated to creating future leaders. It’s one of 34 public universities in the US recognized by the Carnegie Foundation in the Community Engagement Classification for both Curricular Engagement and Outreach & Partnerships. It’s also close to some of Southern California’s best beaches, with the US–Mexico border just an hour away.
California State University, San Marcos English Language Pathway Program
About the Program
Spring 2025 Language Pathway + Summer 2025 Language Pathway + Fall 2025 Academic
Program dates:
Early March - Mid December
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
38,480
At a Glance
Language of Instruction:
English
Language Prerequisite Level:
Intermediate
GPA Requirements:
2.00
Academic Level:
Undergraduate
Academic Strengths:
Sociology,
Biological & Physical Sciences,
Computer Science,
Law,
Music, Film & Performing Arts
Housing:
Homestay
Visa Required:
Maybe
Stay Healthy & Safe While You Study Abroad
WHAT STUDENTS SAY
Moon Kyu
California State University San Marcos was truly the best university in all respects. Everyone was friendly and the weather was so nice.
California State University, San Marcos SAF Alumni
About the University
California State University, San Marcos
Founded in 1989, California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) opened its doors to students in fall of 1990 and became the 20th campus in California State University’s 23-campus family. Today, more than 14,000 students attend the 304-acre campus in the foothills of northern San Diego County. From here, it is a short distance from some of Southern California’s best beaches and an hour from the US–Mexico border.
CSUSM is one of 34 public universities in the US recognized by the Carnegie Foundation in the Community Engagement Classification for both Curricular Engagement and Outreach & Partnerships.
Learn more at California State University San Marcos' official website.
Academics
California State University, San Marco's Academic Approach
In the Intensive English Pathway (IEP) program, you can take university classes for credit during your time in ALCI, while continuing to develop your English skills.
The English language program arranges group beach picnics, cultural celebrations and other trips so you can make the most of the social side of San Marcos life, too.
Participation in this language program is a great way for you to have access to leadership and service-learning activities as well.
Courses
You have two options for progression from the IEP (Intensive English Pathway) program to the academic program, Study @ The Beach.
Option 1: Submit the following test scores during your first semester to increase your chance at progression to Study @ The Beach after completion of the IEP Program, assuming you maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher during your time in the IEP Program. CSUSM always has the final say on progression.
- IELTS: Overall score of 5.5 with a 5.5 in writing, and no section below a 5.0
- iBT: Overall score of 61, with 19 in writing, and no section below a 14
- iBT MyBestScores are also accepted
Option 2: Successfully complete the IEP Program without an iBT or IELTS score by Earning the ALCI Recommendation.
Earning the ALCI Recommendation is done by performing well in IEP classes, maintaining a 2.0 GPA, and making great progress between the initial placement test and the post-test carried out at the end of the semester.
*Recommendations may vary. Depending on performance, you may be recommended to stay in IEP, take 1-2 university courses, or be fully promoted to Study @ The Beach.
If you feel unsure about your ability to progress based on class performance alone, you are encouraged to take IELTS or iBT tests offered by the school towards the end of your first semester. Achieving the scores listed in Option 1 will increase your chances of progression. However, CSUSM always has the final say.
Many scholars with conditional admission have completed the Intensive English Pathway program and continued their studies in the credit-bearing academic program.
Classroom Hours Per Week
In each of the six proficiency levels, there are 24 hours of language instruction per week.
*SAF program fee tuition rate is based upon enrollment in 24 hours of language instruction per week.
Elective Courses
Academic courses in reading, vocabulary, academic writing, grammar, public speaking, study skills, test preparation and enrichment classes.
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
When applying to study abroad, you must meet the entry requirements set by the host university—and SAF is here to set you up for success.
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.
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:
- IELTS: 5.0
- TOEFL iBT: 51
- *TOEFL IBT Take Home Edition and IELTS Indicator are both accepted
- *TOEFL ITP Digital Testing accepted but needs to be supplemented with a writing sample and a speaking test via Zoom. Minimum score: undergraduate 500, graduate 550
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.
Fall 2024 Language Pathway + Spring 2025 Academic
Program dates:
Mid August - Mid May
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
33,590
Spring 2025 Language Pathway + Summer 2025 Language Pathway + Fall 2025 Academic
Program dates:
Early March - Mid December
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
38,480
Housing Information
Homestay
The SAF program fee covers a comfortable and friendly homestay with an English-speaking American family.
*Housing is subject to availability. For specific questions regarding housing please contact SAF.
About San Marcos
Why San Marcos
In the San Diego County foothills, San Marcos is a dynamic city a short hop from some of Southern California’s best beaches. Like many of Califronia's cities, San Marcos a social, culturally rich town alive with the great outdoors—beaches, mountains, and deserts—where adventures hover around every corner, and the food is fantastic.
The Student Experience
Learn Northern California Slang
Be prepared for your time at University of California, Berkeley by studying a bit of Northern California slang!
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.
