Intensive English
and TOEFL Preparation

The California State University, East Bay Intensive English Program features:

• Seven levels of instruction
• TOEFL preparation classes
• Academic advising and college/university placement
• Quarterly institutional TOEFL
• University Credit Course Advising and Placement

Program Outcomes

• Fluency in English speaking and writing, for academic and casual conversation
• Enhanced resume with course credit
• Broadened knowledge of academic subjects from a U.S. perspective
• Study with academically talented American and other international students
• Enjoyment of many intellectual, social and cultural experiences

Students from many different countries are enrolled in each 10-week quarter. The varied curriculum has been designed to meet the individual educational and career goals of each student. Classes are small, usually numbering between 15–18 students, allowing for a dynamic exchange between students and instructor.

Faculty and students utilize all campus resources, including the computer labs, library, and language lab. Every student is assigned to a personal faculty advisor for the time they are in the program. This advisor assists in choosing appropriate courses and moving the student into a university credit program. The Open University Advisor also helps with those students who are ready to take credit classes at the same time as they are studying in the intensive English program.

Curriculum

The curriculum consists of four components:

Structure (8 hours per week)

to learn the basics of reading, writing and grammar in preparation for university study.

Skills (5 hours per week)

to focus on special needs in reading, listening, speaking and writing.

Content (5 hours per week)

to practice learning typical first year university content such as history, cultural studies or arts appreciation.

TOEFL Workshop (3 hours per week)

to develop TOEFL/GMAT test-taking skills or communication skills in classes such as singing, video, and school visits.

Sample Schedule

Open University

What is "Open University"?
Open University at California State University, East Bay, provides a way for students to take university courses on a space available basis and to receive university credit when they are not enrolled as regular students in the university. The American Language Program arranges for qualified Intensive English students to participate in the Open University Program (OU). Credits earned in OU classes can later be applied to a degree.

Who can participate?
First-quarter students who have not yet taken any Intensive English classes need a score of 520 (197 computer) on the TOEFL or an equivalent score on the ALP placement test. Continuing students who have done well in their Intensive English classes and have shown enough ability to take OU classes can participate in Open University with a TOEFL score of 500. However, high TOEFL scores do not guarantee the ability to take an Open University class. The ALP's OU advisor and the student together decide what's best for the student.

Qualifying students usually begin with one OU class, for which they drop one Intensive English class. If they earn grades of C or better in all of their classes, they may increase the number of OU classes in subsequent quarters. Those with a TOEFL score of 540 or more can discuss the possibility of beginning with more than one OU course with the OU advisor.

What is the process?
A student who wishes to participate in OU meets with the ALP's OU advisor for an interview concerning his or her interests and goals. Together, they then map out a plan for the student's academic future. After consulting the schedule of classes for the quarter, they fill out a registration form, and the student receives verbal and written instructions about the registration process. After registering for OU, the student drops one Intensive English class for each OU course. The OU advisor helps each student decide which one would be appropriate.