Conversation & Culture - UCI International Programs

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.

Course Delivery Format

On-campus Study	Remote Study
Meet your teachers and classmates in person Access the beautiful UCI campus and enjoy its numerous resources Live in and interact with a community where English is spoken outside your classroom Interact personally with classmates, teachers, and UCI students before, during, and after class Surround yourself with the culture of Southern California	Study from a location that you choose Save time and money on travel and housing Accommodate your studies to your life situation: working, living outside Southern California, parenting Review recorded class meetings after each lesson Connect with classmates, teachers, and UCI student services virtually

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?

Whether you choose to study on campus or remotely, 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.

Are there different attendance and participation requirements for on-campus and remote students?

On-campus and remote students have the same attendance and participation requirements.

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.

No visa is required for remote study.

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: $4,500

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

Current Discounts

Remote Study
A 33% tuition discount will be applied for this ESL program’s remote study through the spring 2022 quarter

In-Person Study
A 25% tuition discount will be applied for this ESL program’s on campus study for the fall 2021 quarter

Approximate Total Cost (for full-time ESL study before any discounts, excludes airfare): $10,500 USD
You can view all the tuition and fees rates on our Tuition and Fees page

English Plus

While enrolled in Conversation & Culture, you can receive a discount for our online courses designed to enhance personal and professional development.

25% discount on first online course for ESL students while they are enrolled in the ESL program
10% discount for all subsequent courses
Courses may be applied to a full online certificate from UCI
See the list of available courses on the UCI Division of Continuing Education page here.