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 Language Pathway Program
About the Program
Program Advisor
Student Counselor SAFFY
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
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
Former SAF Scholar
Living in a homestay gave me great opportunites to immerse in the culture.
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
For 20 hours a week over a nine-week term, you work exclusively on your English fluency, learning about American culture and communication in a robust language program by the Pacific Ocean. During your first week, you work through registration, orientation, and a proficiency test to place you in the best classes for your ability and aspirations. Depending on your level, you can take elective courses that take you beyond grammar and deeper into culture and communication.
Elective courses
- 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.
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 + Winter 2025 Concurrent
Program dates:
Early October - Late February
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
29,040
Fall 2024 Language Standalone + Winter 2025 Concurrent + Spring 2025 Academic
Program dates:
Early October - Mid June
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
42,670
Spring 2025 Language Pathway + Summer 2025 Language Pathway + Fall 2025 Concurrent
Program dates:
Late March - Mid December
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
51,920
Housing Information
Off-Campus Apartment
As a UCSD scholar, you have a shared accommodation in an off-campus apartment. Some apartments may include a fitness center and swimming pool.
*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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Student Blogs
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Find out what a homestay is and why its a great option for studying abroad.
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Tips for staying all-around well while studying abroad at DCU.
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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.
