University of San Francisco

University of San Francisco ESL Program

University of San Francisco
English as a Second Language Program
English as a Second Language/Intensive English Program
2130 Fulton Street LMM 142
San Francisco, California 94117-1080
USA
Telephone: 415.422.6862
Fax: 415.422.2353
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The University of San Francisco is a private, Catholic, Jesuit university founded in 1855. USF's programs reflect the hallmarks of a Catholic education: a commitment to academic excellence coupled with traditions of service and social justice. The University's 55-acre hilltop campus overlooks Golden Gate Park, the Pacific Ocean, and downtown San Francisco. USF is located in a safe, residential neighborhood with easy access to public transportation. The University of San Francisco offers over 45 undergraduate majors and numerous graduate degrees. With 8,000 students from over 88 countries, USF mirrors the cultural diversity of San Francisco and the Bay Area.

San Francisco Bay Area

San Francisco is a beautiful, cosmopolitan city. Among its attractions are Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, cable cars, Fisherman's Wharf, museums, historical sites, restaurants featuring food from around the world, and world-class opera, ballet, theatre, and music of all types.

English as a Second Language Program

The University of San Francisco has a long commitment to educating international students. Since 1974, USF has offered programs in English as a Second language for non-native speakers of English. Individuals study to improve their language skills for academic, professional or personal reasons. Several types of programs are offered:

Intensive English Program

Admission for individuals 18 years or older and/or with a high school degree
Year-round program, with 2 six-week summer sessions
Up to 26 hours of instruction per week
Small classes (15 students on average)
Academic preparation
Cultural component to courses
Integrated program with emphasis on basic skill areas
Elective courses such as TOEFL preparation, English through computers, pronouncing American English, and U.S. culture through film
Instruction at intermediate to advanced proficiency levels (Note that USF does not offer beginning level courses.)

Conditional acceptance to the University of San Francisco degree programs:

International students who do not have a sufficient TOEFL score (550 TOEFL, 213 computer-based TOEFL or 79 Internet-based TOEFL) may be conditionally admitted into degree programs at USF if they are academically qualified. Students take ESL courses along with other USF courses. ESL courses offered are academic reading and writing, academic oral communication skills, grammar, pronunciation, and electives. To enroll in a USF degree program, individuals must apply to and be accepted by the USF Office of Admission.

Special Programs

The ESL Program can design programs for special groups upon request. Programs can be at any time during the year. Examples of past programs are legal English, business English, conversational English and U.S. culture, and ESL teacher training seminars. The ESL Program can also arrange private lessons for individuals.

Housing Options

On-campus housing in residence halls with a small meal plan is available in summer.
Residence clubs and other private off-campus arrangements.

Facilities and Activities

Modern Language Learning Center. It has 28 individual stations with a computer at each.
Conversation Partner Program during the fall and spring semesters. Interested ESL students are matched with native English speakers for conversation and cultural exchange.
Modern classrooms in buildings with other USF classes.
Library and computer laboratories. Each student is given an e-mail account.
Koret Health and Recreation Center. This modern on-campus facility's features include Olympic size swimming pool, weight room, exercise machines, basketball courts. Students may also join intramural teams.
International student advisors, orientations, and workshops.
On-campus events, lectures, and sponsored field trips.

Faculty

Faculty are creative, dedicated ESL professionals. The ESL faculty hold advanced degrees (masters or doctorates) in TESL, linguistics, or related fields. They have extensive teaching experience in the United States and abroad. Most have taught many years at USF.

Accreditation

The University of San Francisco is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The ESL Program is a member program of AAIEP (American Association of Intensive English Programs).

Educating minds and hearts to change the world.

If you are interested in any of our programs and would like to request information, please contact us!

Visit the web site of University of San Francisco - English as a Second Language Program.

AAIEP Member Program