Founded in 1960, the University of California, San Diego has grown to be one of the top 15 research universities in the world, celebrated for its transformative faculty that holds Nobel Prizes, Pulitzer Prizes, and MacArthur Fellowships. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean from La Jolla, California, the university’s relaxed atmosphere helps create a positive environment for learning and innovation. The sun-kissed backdrop that follows you everywhere you go also helps.
University of California, San Diego English Language Standalone Program
About the Program
Spring 2025 Language Standalone + Summer 2025 Language Standalone + Fall 2025 Language Standalone
Program dates:
Late March - Early December
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
46,210
At a Glance
Language of Instruction:
English
Language Prerequisite Level:
None
Academic Level:
Undergraduate
Academic Strengths:
Biological & Physical Sciences,
Business, Economics & Finance,
Computer Science,
Music, Film & Performing Arts
Housing:
Off-campus apartment
Visa Required:
Required
Stay Healthy & Safe While You Study Abroad
WHAT STUDENTS SAY
Saya Matsuo
At first, I wasn't able to have a good conversation, but I was able to deepen my English and friendships by going out for dinner and hanging out on the beach together.
University of California, San Diego SAF Alumni
About the University
University of California, San Diego
Initially the university’s marine institute, UC San Diego has grown into a world leader in its own right. In exemplary research and transformative teaching—by faculty that hold Nobel Prizes, National Medals of Science, Fields Medals, Pulitzer Prizes, MacArthur Fellowships—UCSD stands out as one of the best universities on the planet.
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean from La Jolla, California, UC San Diego has a surprisingly relaxed vibe considering the elevated academic drive in its classrooms, lecture halls, labs, and study groups. The 263 sunny days per year, long sandy beaches, and adventure-filled mountains, though, foster the perfect conditions for an active, balanced lifestyle.
Learn more at University of California, San Diego's official website.
Academics
University of California, San Diego's Academic Approach
In the Communication & Culture English program at UCSD, you are assigned a conversation partner as a supplement to your course studies. These partners are UCSD students or employees who seek to help international students with English conversation skills and build your language and culture skills by practicing outside of the classroom.
C&C English program also allows access to UCSD Extension’s resources, including highly experienced international student services staff, a state-of-the-art language lab, academic advising and many other facility/resources and activities throughout the campus.
Courses
Classroom Hours
- 20 hours per week (50 minute classes)
- 9 weeks per term (week 1 is testing, orientation and registration)
*SAF program fee tuition rate is based upon enrollment in 20 hours of language instruction per week.
Language Levels
All levels of English proficiency (ELI core levels 99-110) are welcome to take this program. Your English proficiency level is determined during the first week of the program.
Elective Courses
These differ depending on your English proficiency level.
- Listening through TV and Music
- American Music
- American Film
- TOEFL/TOEIC Preparation
- Idioms and Slang
- Everyday English
- American Culture
- American Short Story
- Vocabulary Development
- Conversation
- Reading and Writing
- Current Events
- Oral Presentations
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
There are no requirements to join this program.
A language test when you arrive determines your skill level.
No prior test is necessary to participate.
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 Standalone
Program dates:
Early October - Early December
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
13,380
Fall 2024 Language Standalone + Winter 2025 Language Standalone
Program dates:
Early October - Late February
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
22,930
Fall 2024 Language Standalone + Winter 2025 Language Standalone + Spring 2025 Language Standalone
Program dates:
Early October - Mid June
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
31,610
Spring 2025 Language Standalone + Summer 2025 Language Standalone + Fall 2025 Language Standalone
Program dates:
Late March - Early December
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
46,210
Housing Information
Off-Campus Apartment
The SAF program fee includes a shared room with a shared bathroom, kitchen, common area, and laundry in an apartment off-campus.
The SAF Program fee is based upon a double room in an off-campus apartment. SAF program fee does not include break stay housing or include early arrival housing.
*Housing is subject to availability. For specific questions regarding housing please contact SAF.
About San Diego
Why San Diego
Home to one of the planet's most transformative universities and most impressive zoos, San Diego, on California's Pacific coast, has a surprisingly relaxed vibe. Its near-constant sun, long sandy beaches, and adventure-filled mountains create the perfect conditions for an active, balanced lifestyle. Its diverse population and strong East Asian communities add to the SoCal welcome as do downtime excursions to Stuart Art Collections, Disneyland, and Universal Studios.
The Student Experience
Study tours: Academic excellence meets cultural experiences
Here's a recap of three SAF study tours taking place in London, Los Angeles and San Diego.
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.
