Overview
With the help of experienced, caring teachers, you can practice using English for everyday conversation in a fun and interactive atmosphere. The Conversation & Culture program can be your gateway to effective communication and additional professional or academic goals in 2- or 4-week increments.
Benefits
- Study in 2-week sessions for up to 12 weeks. Our 2- and 4-week ESL programs are also suitable for students who want to combine part-time English study with a holiday abroad.
- Learn to speak and understand authentic English with more confidence in classes which focus on real-life communication through lively learning activities
- Immerse yourself in American culture as the focus of your listening, speaking, reading, and writing practice
- Refresh your language skills before attending an American college or university
- Attend small classes – usually about 16 students
- Get to know classmates from different countries and gain an international perspective
- Advance your skills through your choice of specialized courses including American Culture, English for Science & Technology and Academic Preparation
- Receive a certificate upon successful completion of your program
Requirements
- Available to students 17 years and older at all levels of English proficiency
- To attend this program full-time, you are required to obtain a student visa (F-1)
- Our 2- and 4-week ESL programs are suitable for students who want to combine part-time English study with a holiday abroad. If you are coming to the U.S. mainly for tourism, and you want to take English language classes for your own pleasure or recreation, then a tourist visa (B-2) or Visa Waiver (WT) is appropriate
Course Options
- Courses offered at all proficiency levels
- Choose specialized course options at program orientation. Specialized course options may vary by section
- Options for incidental study available
View 2019 Program Overview
Sample Class Schedule
| Specialized Course | 7.5 hours/week | ||||
| Speaking & Listening | 7.5 hours/week | ||||
| Pronunciation & Vocabulary (or) Business Writing |
5 hours/week | ||||
- 72 class hours per 4-week session
- 36 class hours per 2-week session
Want to bring a group? Customized options available!
Frequently Asked Questions
What time are ESL programs offered?
Classes meet Monday through Friday at various times between 09:00 and 17:00 (California time) with a minimum of 18 hours of instructor-taught class time per week for full-time students. Students will learn their specific class times when they enroll.
Is part-time study available?
ESL students who do not require an F-1 student visa may study part-time.
What are the visa requirements for this program?
A F-1 student visa is required for full-time, on-campus study.
You may study part-time with a tourist (B-1/B-2) visa or other visa status that allows for part-time study. However, you may not be enrolled in more than 17 hours of classes per week. If you are not sure if your visa status allows for part-time study, please contact an international student advisor at immigrationofficials@ce.uci.edu for more information.
Can I study remotely?
This program is only offered on campus. However, we offer Online ESL courses and UCI ESL courses on Coursera.
I have more questions not listed here. Who should I contact?
Please visit our “Contact Us” page. We are ready to support and welcome you!
Program Cost
Full-time Tuition: $2,500 (4 weeks) or $1,500 (2 weeks)
Part-time Tuition:
2-Week Pronunciation/Vocab: $450
2-Week Specialized Courses: $650
2-Week Speaking/Listening: $650
4-Week Pronunciation/Vocab: $700
4-Week Specialized Courses: $1100
4-Week Speaking/Listening: $1100
Discount for Winter 2022
Receive a 25% tuition discount on 2- and 4-week on-campus programs for the winter 2022 quarter
Approximate Total Cost (for full-time ESL study, excludes airfare): $5,700 USD
You can view all the tuition and fees rates on our Tuition and Fees page
