What are some colleges with exchange programs?

Fulltime ESL programs in Northern California (Bay Area, within 90 minutes of SF

• Looking for a listing, description and cost of all the ESL (English as a Second Language) programs in Northern California (Bay Area, within 90 minutes of San Francisco) for a foreign post college intermediate English Speaker to perfect his English over 9-12 months full time (8am to 3pm or so) before entering graduate school. What would be the best value in the Northern California Area? My assumption is, that Sacramento, Oakland, Santa Cruz would be a better value than San Francisco for example. Information looked for is the following: -Name of Institution (City Colleges, Universities, private schools, etc.) -URL -Description of school -Description of ESL department and ESL program -Tuition for out of country student(total and / unit) -Financial Aid available for foreign students? -Housing cost? (On campus or safe / clean studio in neighborhood) -Third party rating of the institution (Barron's or sthg. like that) -When does the schoolyear / program start? After researching it, please give your recommendation, as to which school offers the best value for a foreign exchange student to learn the most english for the least amount of money in a safe environment.

• Answer:

  Hello educationbryan, Thank you for your question and your clarification. As a long time resident of the Bay Area and now Sacramento, I feel I have insight into the areas that you have shown interest. I think it goes without saying that no area is crime free any longer in our society, but there are areas that are safer and perhaps more enjoyable for someone to study as a foreign student. Parts of the Bay Area have the highest Cost of Living of almost anywhere in this country. And while I am fond of San Francisco, it is higher crime, has a less satisfying climate and apartment rentals can produce sticker shock. Consequently, I shall provide you with some links for quality ESL schooling there, but will try to steer you to other areas. I think Santa Cruz is stretching the 90 minute requirement from San Francisco. Traffic through Silicon Valley has become dramatic in the last decade and Santa Cruz could well exceed that driving time at many hours of the day. I routinely make the 96 mile journey from Sacramento to San Francisco in 1:15 in all but rush hour traffic times. Berkeley/Oakland is also a higher crime, higher rent area than many others. While I will offer a selection in these areas, my initial reaction is, if it were me, I would much prefer to be in Marin County, Napa, Sonoma, Contra Costa or the Sacramento area, in that order. The quality of life and climate is significantly better. Since this seems to be a concern, you may be interested in the following statistics: http://www.mccormacks.com/pdf/alameda/crime.pdf Crime Statistics by City City Population Rate Homicides Alameda 74,600 41 2 Albany 16,750 50 0 Berkeley 104,600 91 1 Dublin 33,500 22 1 Emeryville 7,300 185 3 Fremont 208,600 29 0 Hayward 144,300 38 10 Livermore 76,700 28 0 Newark 43,650 45 0 Oakland 408,800 68 84 Piedmont 11,150 26 0 Pleasanton 66,200 26 0 San Leandro 81,300 55 1 Union City 70,200 37 3 County Total 1,486,600 51 108 Crime in Other Northern California Cities City Population Rate Homicides Concord 123,900 45 0 Danville 43,000 14 0 Fairfield 100,200 46 3 Mountain View 71,600 34 1 Palo Alto 60,500 31 2 Richmond 101,100 72 18 Sacramento 426,000 73 40 San Francisco 793,600 37 62 San Jose 918,000 27 22 San Ramon 46,250 24 0 Stockton 253,800 78 30 Sunnyvale 132,800 20 0 Vacaville 92,300 26 0 Vallejo 118,600 61 4 Walnut Creek 65,900 39 0 Source: California Crime Index from State Dept. of Justice, 2001 data, with population estimates from Calif. Dept. of Finance, Jan. 1, 2002. Rate is all reported willful homicide, forcible rape, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, larceny-theft and arson per 1,000 residents. Homicides include murders and non-negligent manslaughter. Coldwell Banker, the Real Estate Company, offers an interesting link on their pages. Here you can select a city for a report of climate, crime and other pertinent data: http://www.californiamoves.com/homefair/default.asp?VAR_link=CityReport For example, selecting Sacramento will show the following: "Sacramento, California Sacramento serves as both the seat of Sacramento County and the state capital. Sacramento has excellent cultural arts and schools and is only 90 minutes from San Francisco, Lake Tahoe and Reno. City Population 407,018 County/Province Population 1,223,499 Metro Population 1,628,197 Median Household Income $37,049 Unemployment Rate 6.5% Crime Index* 200 *(percent of the national average. For more information on the homefair.com crime index, see the Relocation Crime Lab on our web site) Winter Temperature Range 38/60 Spring Temperature Range 43/80 Summer Temperature Range 55/93 Fall Temperature Range 43/87 Annual Precipitation 17.52" Annual Snowfall 0.0" Cost of Living Index (U.S. average = 100) 123.63 3-Bedroom House Price (U.S. $) $232,900 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent (U.S. $) $685 Property Tax Rate 1.03% Sales Tax (state and local) 7.5% Student/Teacher Ratio 26.0/1 Expenditures Per Pupil $5,212/1 Hospitals 10 Physicians (county) 2,559 Colleges: California State University Los Rios Community College District National University University of California, Davis University of California Medical Center..." You can run this for most California Cities. That being said, let's take a look at some of the possibilities. Do refer to the links below for more complete information: San Francisco ___________________________________________________ As I mentioned, if this were my decision, I would avoid San Francisco and Oakland for a number of reasons. Consequently, I shall provide you with links so that you may inquire of some of these schools if you are not in agreement with my assessment of the Bay Area. Also see the "Additional Links" section below. ___________________________________________________ City College ESL Department Mission Campus - Hilda Ayala, Coordinator http://www.ccsf.edu/Departments/ESL/mis.html phone number: 550-4414 fax number: 550-4399 Mission Campus Home Page Mission Campus is one of the ten principal locations of City College of San Francisco. Students may enroll directly at the CCSF Mission Campus, and students enrolled at any other CCSF campus may take classes at the Mission Campus. The CCSF Mission Campus offers: a full English as a Second Language (ESL) Program, including credit and non-credit classes in reading, writing, listening, and pronunciation. ___________________________________________________ American Academy of English http://www.aaesl.com/ Studying English can be the most important step in your education or career. At the American Academy of English, we have been helping students make the right choice since 1982. To help you make your choice, we offer the latest in modern programs and facilities. We also offer professional, university-trained staff. Our graduating students successfully transfer to major universities and colleges throughout the United States. And we have programs for all levels from beginning to advanced, as well as TOEFL preparation. We are the most complete English language school in the San Francisco Area. The Academy Features: Open Enrollment - Enroll at Anytime! TOEFL and TOEIC Preparation Institutional TOEFL Test Every Quarter Modern Facilities Computer Lab with Internet/E-mail Access Professional Instructors with ESL Experience and Degrees Field Trips to Local Areas and Points of Interest All Levels of ESL Instruction Accommodations with Host Families or Residence Clubs Counseling and Guidance for College Admission Evening Classes Comfortable Audio/Video Equipped Classes Courses with a Clear Curriculum Framework Stimulating Environment San Francisco, voted Number 1 place to visit in the United States, offers everything that any cosmopolitan center can offer. The best in restaurants from every nation, historic landmarks, outstanding universities, state parks, gorgeous beaches and redwood forests. The Academy is located in the center of San Francisco, which is on the tip of a peninsula. The climate remains relatively cool and comfortable with day temperatures between 55 and 60 degrees. Evenings cool off to between 45 and 50 degrees. The Academy is located in San Francisco's Civic Center, a block away from City Hall, half a block from the Federal Building and minutes away from the new San Francisco Public Library. Professional Staff Members of our faculty and staff are college and university trained professionals. The entire faculty are native speakers of English. Each teacher has a college degree. Master teachers have completed graduate degrees in ESL or linguistics. Most faculty have lived, taught, and traveled extensively abroad. Modern Programs and Facilities The Academy maintains the latest in audio, video, and computerized programs to make your learning of English easier. Our tape library includes audiotapes to improve your listening skills, TOEFL test taking skills, and pronunciation skills. Our video library has tapes designed to help you pass the TOEFL and improve pronunciation. Our computer programs will do everything from diagnose your accent, to instruct you on English grammar. We also have high-speed Internet access to get you on the Web fast so you can surf the Web and e-mail your friends back home ___________________________________________________ North Bay ___________________________________________________ University of Northern California - Petaluma http://www.uncm.edu/index.htm English as a Second Language (ESL) http://www.uncm.edu/Academics/ESL/ESLmain.htm "One distinguishing aspect of English as a Second Language at UNC is the tailoring of the program to meet different needs and purposes. ESL may be studied as intensive short courses or more comprehensive 12-week, 24-week or 36-week courses. Students, professionals and corporate employers interested in short courses, vacation study courses, specialized corporate training programs or accent modification training may contact the Chair of the School of Languages at (707) 765-6400. Students of all ages, of all levels of English knowledge and with many different purposes are welcome to study ESL at the University of Northern California. Some students will want to continue studying other courses at UNC or at another university. Some need to improve their English skills for career purposes, and for others, the purpose may simply be to enjoy knowing and using English more effectively... ...Beginning, intermediate and advanced intensive ESL courses (ESL001, ESL002 and ESL003, respectively) each include 20 hours per week of intensive English study. Placement of students into specific ESL courses is determined by ESL placement test scores. Classes are small to allow for appropriate intensity of instruction and individual attention for each student. No course credit is given for the intensive ESL courses. Students who pass any intensive ESL course at UNC (described below) will receive an appropriate UNC Certificate of competence, and a record of each student's successful completion of each ESL course will be made on his or her UNC transcript. ESL students are required to pass tests of proficiency in oral and written expression as well as reading and listening comprehension in order to progress from one intensive ESL course to another. Prior to enrollment in degree programs within the University, nonnative speakers of English must receive a score of at least 500 on the TOEFL, or a passing grade for ESL003 (Advanced Intensive English as a Second Language) and also meet all other admissions requirements..." ...Nonnative speakers of English not intending to enroll in degree programs at UNC are welcome to enroll in ESL courses. Such students are not required to submit SAT or GRE test scores, but must submit an application to the University." ESL COURSES DESCRIPTION http://www.uncm.edu/Academics/ESL/ESL%20courses.htm "ESL 001 Beginning Intensive English as a Second Language Practical intensive training in English for nonnative speakers of English entering at a level at or below the intermediate-low level of competency in the speaking, reading, writing, and listening comprehension of English. Each of two five-week sessions of intensive instruction is followed by one week of special ESL activities and private instruction. Students successfully completing this course will receive a UNC certificate of beginning-level competence in English. ESL 002 Intermediate Intensive English as a Second Language Practical intensive training in English for nonnative speakers of English entering at a level at or above the intermediate high level of competency in the speaking, reading, writing, and listening comprehension of English. Each of two five-week sessions of intensive instruction is followed by one week of special ESL activities and private instruction. Students successfully completing this course will receive a UNC certificate of intermediate-level competence in English. Prerequisite: ESL 001 or ESL placement test and approval of the instructor ESL 003 Advanced Intensive English as a Second Language Practical intensive training in English for nonnative speakers of English entering at a level at or above the advanced plus level of competency in the speaking, reading, writing, and listening comprehension of English. Each of two five-week sessions of intensive instruction is followed by one week of special ESL activities and private instruction. Students successfully completing this course will receive a UNC certificate of advanced-level competence in English. Prerequisite: ESL 002 or ESL placement test and approval of the instructor ESL 010-W Advanced ESL Grammar and Composition Advanced practice in the reading and writing of English for nonnative speakers of English. An emphasis is placed on the expansion and application of English skills for academic and professional purposes. ESL 020 Advanced ESL Conversation Advanced practice in English listening and speaking skills for nonnative speakers of English. An emphasis is placed on enhancing students' confidence in interpersonal communication in English, with a focus on the expansion of students' knowledge of vocabulary and idioms of American English, on increased conversational fluency, and on nonverbal and cultural skills that will enhance students' use of English. ESL 030 Accent Modification Workshop Individualized analysis, training and practice of spoken English with a focus on increasing the functional English speech intelligibility of advanced nonnative speakers of English." About UNC http://www.uncm.edu/AboutUs/About%20Us.htm "The University of Northern California (UNC) is a young private university welcoming students from around the world. UNC students enjoy small classes with individual attention from professors dedicated to quality teaching. UNC's faculty members are committed to helping students to develop a solid academic foundation with a practical focus. Interdisciplinary studies are encouraged, and all of UNC's academic programs emphasize the importance of effective communication for success in the 21st century. UNC aspires to become a premiere engineering and technological university with substantial programs in the liberal arts and sciences. Its special focus is on programs in biological technology including the B.S. degree in Optical & Photonic Engineering, M.S. in Systems Engineering (emphasis: embedded software), and the B.E., M.S., & Ph.D. degrees in Biomedical Engineering. UNC also offers bachelor's degrees in Languages and B.A. and M.A. in Applied Linguistics (M.A. in TESOL), as well as master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA). UNC will grow to include complete Colleges of Engineering, Business Administration, and Liberal Arts and Sciences..." Office of Admissions Phone: 1-707-765-6400 Fax: 1-707-769-8600 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.uncm.edu/Admissions/Admissions.htm Financial Support http://www.uncm.edu/Admissions/FinacialSupport.htm Petaluma, California http://www.californiamoves.com/homefair/default.asp?VAR_link=CityReport Petaluma, 39 miles north of San Francisco in California's Sonoma County, is the site of historic Vallejo's Olde Adobe Ranch and well preserved 1880's commercial business district. Petaluma's beautiful climate, excellent schools and quality of life makes it an ideal bedroom community for the San Francisco Bay area... ...City Population 54,548 County/Province Population 458,614 Metro Population 54,548 Median Household Income $61,679 Unemployment Rate 4.0% Crime Index* 40... ...Winter Temperature Range 37/62 Spring Temperature Range 42/73 Summer Temperature Range 50/83 Fall Temperature Range 42/82 Annual Precipitation 24.60" Annual Snowfall 0.0"... ...Cost of Living Index (U.S. average = 100) 183.30 3-Bedroom House Price (U.S. $) $478,000 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent (U.S. $) $800 Property Tax Rate 1.07% Sales Tax (state and local) 7.25%..." It is a lovely place to study, in my opinion. ___________________________________________________ Sonoma State University http://www.sonoma.edu/exed/ssali/default.html The Program Sonoma State American Language Institute (SSALI), located in scenic Northern California on the campus of Sonoma State University, is an ideal place for those desiring stimulating classes taught in a safe, comfortable environment. Since 1979, SSALI has been providing intensive instruction to students, professionals and others who need to learn English quickly to meet academic, job-related and social needs. The Environment At Sonoma State University students enjoy a refreshing blend of city conveniences and country comforts. The campus covers 220 park-like acres surrounded by farmland and foothills. It is located in the modern, friendly community of Rohnert Park (pop. 40,000). Nearby is Santa Rosa, the cultural and financial center of the region. The excitement of San Francisco is only an hour to the south. The spectacular coast, world-famous Wine Country, impressive redwood forests, parks and golf courses are only minutes from campus. The area enjoys a mild Mediterranean type climate. Daytime temperatures range from 27°C in summer to 12°C in winter. Curriculum The academic program consists of a professionally designed curriculum for students who are high beginners to advanced. All students receive instruction in grammar, composition, oral communication, reading, vocabulary, and study skills. Faculty are talented, dedicated professionals, trained and experienced in ESL methodology. Interactive, communicative and task-based learning strategies are utilized. Class size is 12-15, ensuring maximum individual attention. Students can pursue independent study in reading, listening and computer labs. Special elective classes include: TOEFL preparation, Introduction to Computers, University library/research, American Culture, English for Business, English through video, Idioms & Slang. Student Progress A thorough program of testing ensures appropriate placement in English language classes. Progress can be rapid depending upon individual aptitude, study habits and motivation. A student entering as a beginner can expect to study four semesters before reaching the level of proficiency necessary for successful university study. Visa Information This school is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students. When the application process is complete, you will be sent the appropriate documentation to apply for a student visa (F-1) at a U.S. consulate or embassy. Visitors in the country on B-2 visas are permitted a limited amount of coursework. Students wanting to study for full-time should obtain an F-1 visa or ask for a B-2 "Prospective Student" visa if time is short. Special Features Attendance and graduation certificates College and university admissions assistance TOEFL requirement for admission to SSU waived for successful SSALI graduates Conversation partner program with an American student or community volunteer TOEFL offered at the start of each session Opportunities to take university courses for degree credit Personal counseling to help students with academic problems or cultural adjustments University I.D. card for use of campus facilities: library, media resources, computer labs, athletic equipment, swimming pool, tennis courts, etc. Activities Each semester students enjoy a number of extra-curricular activities. There are trips to San Francisco or Alcatraz, to the state capital in Sacramento, or to amusement parks such as Marine World or Great America. There may be excursions to art and science museums, to local beaches or distant ski resorts. Students can attend plays, concerts and special sports events. There are parties and picnics, visits with American families, and special holiday celebrations. Students are encouraged to participate in a variety of activities, to communicate in English outside the classroom, and to experience American culture firsthand. About SSU Sonoma State, a fully accredited university, is a member of the California State University system. Enrollment is about 7,500 students, representing all 50 states and over 30 foreign countries. Sonoma State University offers traditional majors in the arts and humanities, the natural sciences, and the social sciences, as well as several outstanding professional programs. In all, you have a choice of 38 Bachelor's degrees, 13 Master's degrees, and excellent undergraduate pre-medical and pre-engineering programs (see lists below). Health Insurance & Housing Health Insurance Medical care in the U.S. is very expensive! Foreign students are required to show proof of full coverage health insurance to cover major medical expenses. SSALI requires that you purchase the excellent school-sponsored policy before registering for classes. A detailed description of this Medical Insurance Plan is available upon request by sending email. The mandatory SSU Health Center Services fee ($95) provides SSALI students with convenient on-campus care for less major medical problems. It is available during fall and spring semesters only. Housing There are a variety of attractive housing options. University dormitories and apartments are sometimes available. Off-campus, unfurnished apartments and shared rentals are also available. If you prefer, SSALI can help to arrange a homestay with a family in the local community. For on-campus housing submit your request early, several months in advance if possible. You may fax your application to 707/664-2451. For more information see Housing Services Fall semester 2003 September 11 - December 12, 2003 (13 weeks) Mid-semester admission date: October 16, 2003 Application deadline: August 1, 2003 (for students outside of USA) Tuition: $2,790. due by September 10, 2003 Pre-registration discount ($50) if paid by August 21, 2003 Special session Special programs are also available by special arrangement. Contact our office for further information. Mid Semester Mid semester entrance is also permitted Sonoma will be very close to a neighboring city of Napa in demographics: Napa, California Napa is located in the heart of the Napa Valley 63 miles southwest of Sacramento and 47 miles northeast of San Francisco. Napa, recognized around the world as a great wine region, is nestled between Mount St. Helena on the east and the Mayacamas Mountains to the west. City Population 72,585 County/Province Population 124,279 Metro Population 518,821 Median Household Income $49,154 Unemployment Rate 5.2% Crime Index* 63 Winter Temperature Range 37/62 Spring Temperature Range 42/75 Summer Temperature Range 52/82 Fall Temperature Range 42/81 Annual Precipitation 25.12" Annual Snowfall 0.0" Cost of Living Index (U.S. average = 100) 136.12 3-Bedroom House Price (U.S. $) $261,709 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent (U.S. $) $804 Property Tax Rate 1.02% Sales Tax (state and local) 7.5% I think if this was my decision, I would lean heavily toward any of the schools in the North Bay as my preferred area to live and a good compromise for Cost of Living. ___________________________________________________ Santa Cruz / South Bay ___________________________________________________ Language Pacifica http://www.aaiep.org/memdetail.cfm?memid=268 456 California Avenue. Palo Alto CA 94306 USA Tel: (478) 301-5340 Fax: (478)301-5341 Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.languagepacifica.com/ Contact: Mr. Gerald Brett, Director DESCRIPTION A Northern California institution since 1979, Language Pacifica attracts students of the English language from all over the world. Intensive English courses prepare students for success in college, business, and daily life by developing their skills in grammar, vocabulary usage, reading, writing, listening comprehension, speaking and pronunciation. Business English, TOEFL Preparation, and Cambridge Preparation classes are also available. Enrollment is ongoing, with new students accepted every week. LOCATION 35 miles south of San Francisco, Palo Alto is a central part of the San Francisco Bay Area. The city's boundaries extend from the San Francisco Bay on the east to the Skyline Ridge of the coastal mountains on the west. The city has over 25 parks, six libraries, a community swimming pool, a cultural center, community theatre and museums. Because Palo Alto is home to Stanford University and the famous Hewlett-Packard garage, Palo Alto is regarded as the birthplace of Silicon Valley. http://www.languagepacifica.com/ Courses: http://www.languagepacifica.com/Courses/index.html Language Pacifica offers a wide array of courses for students with diverse backgrounds and needs. Our full-time core courses cover all elements of English, including speaking, listening, grammar, vocabulary, reading, and cross-cultural communication. In addition, we offer several courses geared towards students who plan to study English for specific purposes. Many of our students plan to attend an American college. Language Pacifica has teamed up with local colleges to facilitate a smooth transition and help guarantee college admission. Read more about our collegiate partnerships and our intensive TOEFL courses under the College & TOEFL section. SCHEDULE OF CLASSES C100 Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 20 units/week General Intensive Language Pacifica’s core course, consisting of Written Expression (grammar and writing) from 9:00-10:50 and Oral Communication (reading and speaking) from 11:10 -1:00. Class size limited to 12 students. C101 Monday – Friday 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. 20 units/week General Intensive The school’s afternoon core program, consisting of American Culture (conversation, reading, and vocabulary) from 2:00 – 3:50 and Grammar/Writing (focus on English structure and college preparatory writing) from 4:10 – 6:00. Class size limited to 12 students. C200 Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 3:50 p.m. 30 units/week General Intensive + American Culture Full-time study in Course 100, plus the addition of 10 units of conversation practice. Class size limited to 12 students. C201 Monday – Friday 11:10 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 30 units/week Oral Communication + American Culture + Grammar/Writing Full-time study in Course 101, plus the addition of 10 units of Oral Communication. Class size limited to 12 students. C300 Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 3:50 p.m. 30 units/week General Intensive + English for Business Full-time study in Course 100, plus 10 units of English for Business in the afternoon. Limited to Level 5 and 6 students only. C400 Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 30 units/week General Intensive + Private Lessons Full-time study in Course 100, plus two hours per day of private instruction. Housing: http://www.languagepacifica.com/Accommodations/ Host Family Most Language Pacifica students who require housing stay with a host family. A Language Pacifica host has been carefully chosen. Selection usually consists of a telephone interview, an in-home interview, and sometimes a follow-up meeting. We now work with more than 150 hosts, located in the area between San Carlos to the north and Sunnyvale to the south, and accessible by one hour or less of public transportation. Students may select housing with a host that will include breakfast and dinner, breakfast only, or no meals. Kitchen use is offered in some cases. Sometimes, the host and student don’t develop a good relationship and, for one reason or another, desire a change. We will change hosts as soon as possible, usually within a few days, whenever no other solution can be reached. The advantage to staying with a host is the increased amount of exposure to and practice with the English language and American lifestyle it offers. Also, many students make lifelong friendships with their hosts. Language Pacifica defines “host family” as a single woman, a single woman with children, or a couple with or without children. Please refer to the price list for the current fees. Hotel or Motel Some Language Pacifica students prefer to stay in a hotel. There are many hotels, motels and inns, starting from $70 plus tax per night, in this area for those interested in this option. A selected list is available on request. Furnished Apartment There are several complexes of short-term, furnished and unfurnished apartments, often used by corporate executives. The monthly rates are $1345-$3200, and the apartments are new, beautifully appointed and very clean. If you’re interested, please ask for a brochure. Other Options Housing in this area can be difficult to find. If a student doesn’t choose one of the options listed above, here are a few other ways to locate housing: a. Local newspapers such as the Almanac, The Palo Alto Weekly, www.PaloAltoOnline.com, and The Palo Alto Daily News have listings that can be viewed online as well as in the papers. b. Metro-Rent is a company in San Francisco that also has listings in the Peninsula area. The listings can be viewed without exact addresses at www.MetroRent.com and for $85 listings including addresses will be provided for 60 days. Fees: http://www.languagepacifica.com/Registration/Fees.html 2003 Price List Registration Fee: $95 Full-Time Courses Units 1 wk 2 wks 3 wks 4 wks 6 wks 8 wks 12 wks 16 wks General Intensive C100 Mon-Fri 9:00 - 1:00 C101 Mon-Fri 2:00 - 6:00 20 $195 $375 $545 $695 $1020 $1335 $1920 $2445 Intensive + Conversation C200 Mon-Fri 9:00 - 3:50 C201 Mon-Fri 11:10 - 6:00 30 $295 $570 $770 $995 $1460 $1910 $2745 $3500 Intensive + Business C300 Mon-Fri 9:00 - 3:50 30 $320 $600 $880 $1110 $1615 $2070 $2950 $3725 General Intensive + Private Lessons C400 Mon-Fri 9:00 - 4:00 30 $695 $1325 $1895 $2495 $3665 $4790 $6890 $8780 Palo Alto: Palo Alto is located 35 miles south of San Francisco and 15 miles northwest of San Jose in Santa Clara County. Palo Alto enjoys international name recognition and travellers from all over the world come for purposes of education or research at Stanford University. City Population 58,598 County/Province Population 1,682,585 Metro Population 1,682,585 Median Household Income $90,377 Unemployment Rate 4.4% Crime Index* 46 Winter Temperature Range 38/62 Spring Temperature Range 43/73 Summer Temperature Range 52/78 Fall Temperature Range 43/78 Annual Precipitation 14.96" Annual Snowfall 0.0" Cost of Living Index (U.S. average = 100) 253.68 3-Bedroom House Price (U.S. $) $812,000 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent (U.S. $) $2,059 Property Tax Rate 1.07% Sales Tax (state and local) 8.0% As you can see, this is a costly area to live in. It is lovely, close to San Francisco and the school has a lot to speak well of it. ___________________________________________________ Sacramento Area ___________________________________________________ Sierra College International Student Office 5000 Rocklin Road Rocklin, CA 95677 USA Telephone: 916-789-2903 Fax: 916-789-2922 Contact Us! http://www.esl.com/factshts/sierra.htm "Thank you for your interest in attending Sierra College as an international student. Choosing which college to attend is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make! Sierra College is located in the foothills of the beautiful Sierra Mountains of California, 100 miles east of San Francisco. Our main campus is located in Rocklin, just minutes from Sacramento, the State capitol of California. Within a 30-mile radius of the campus there are many recreational opportunities with nearby golf courses, rivers and lakes. In one hour by car, you can be in the beautiful Lake Tahoe region that offers skiing, hiking, horseback riding and boating. Or you can choose to go site seeing in San Francisco, the Napa Valley, or the Northern California coast. With an enrollment of approximately 18,000 students, Sierra College has a national reputation of excellence and offers over 70 Associate degree programs including Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Electronics, Nursing, Early Childhood Education and many more!... ...English as a Second Language Program Sierra College offers a multi-level ESL program, which is offered throughout the year with August and January start dates. Our program is designed for beginners as well as students who wish to improve their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Enrollment in our ESL program provides a fine opportunity for students to be admitted to Sierra College with TOEFL scores of less than 450... ...On-Campus Housing Sierra College is one of the few community colleges in California to have residence halls on campus. Our newly remodeled dormitories provide students affordable, safe, and fun housing. Our reasonable rate of $2995 per 17-week semester ($25 a day) provides a furnished room, 17 meals a week, all utilities except phone, 24-hour security, and live-in supervisors. Living on campus is an excellent way to meet friends, practice English skills, and become involved in campus life. Save Money for First 2 Years of College Sierra College CSU UC TOEFL 450 or Enroll in ESL 510 + 550 + Average Cost of Tuition & Fees Per Year $ 3,900 $ 8,000 $15,300 Sierra College Site: http://www.sierracollege.edu/ English As A Second Language (ESL) Program http://www.sierracollege.edu/ed_programs/esl/index.htm "English as a Second Language is for non-native resident and international speakers of English who would like to improve their English language skills. Contact us by e-mail or call (011) 916-781-6213. Innovative Program We have a new and exciting program that has been recently redesigned by a leader in the field of English as a Second Language. Our classes are based on an innovative curriculum and the instructors use a variety of current methods and techniques. The faculty are all highly-trained with Master's degrees in the field of TESOL, enthusiasm, dedication to improving the program even more and most importantly, friendly smiles. We are a serious academic ESL program with a fresh, fun approach. Excellent Location We are growing quickly and attracting international students from many countries around the world partly because of our prime location in the heart of the California Gold Country and close to many famous places such as San Francisco, Lake Tahoe and the Napa Valley. Small Diverse Classes We also have several hundred resident ESL students from areas of the former Soviet Union, Central and South America, the Middle East and many other areas. Class size is limited to 15 to 25 students so there is plenty of opportunity for student participation and contact with the instructors. New Facilities Our facilities are brand new and include large classrooms all equipped with TVs, VCRs and overhead projectors. We also have a new state-of-the-art ESL Computer Lab with over a dozen software programs for practicing English language skills. There is Internet access and ESL Internet links with hundreds of Internet activities. Additionally, we are also very proud of the ESL Outside Reading Library that has over a thousand books at a range of ability levels which students can borrow. Roseville Gateway has on-site registration services and a privately-run cafe that offers delicious snacks and meals. Many Levels of Instruction We have a 6-level ESL Program beginning at the Novice-High (high beginner) level and progressing up to the Advanced College level (the equivalent of English 1A or English 101 at most universities). There are 3 classes at every level except the most advanced: Writing/Grammar, Reading/Vocabulary and Listening/Speaking. All Sierra College ESL classes are credited college classes of 4 units each. The first 3 levels (510, 520 & 530) are non-transfer credit and the top 3 levels (20, 30 & 40) are transfer credit for Community Colleges, California State Universities, The University of California (they do not meet the composition requirements at the University of California though) and private universities and colleges. In addition to 4 hours of classroom instruction for Writing/Grammar and Listening/Speaking courses, there is a 1-hour laboratory requirement that is competed during open lab times in the new ESL Computer Lab..." Why Attend Sierra College? http://www.sierracollege.edu/ed_programs/student_support_services/international_students/Why%20Sierra.htm Sierra is located in another fine location. Rocklin is 30 minutes or less from downtown Sacramento and is just a small stretch on you 90 minute drive to San Francisco. It has on campus housing and seems to be a very good value. Fee & Expense Information Enrollment fees are established by the State Legislature and are subject to change. http://www.sierracollege.edu/stu_services/admissions/fees2.html Rocklin, California Rocklin is located in Placer County 20 miles northeast of Sacramento and 105 miles northeast of San Francisco. Rocklin lies between the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains and Sacramento at the Northern California crossroads of industry, residential development, recreation and agriculture. City Population 36,330 County/Province Population 248,399 Metro Population 1,628,197 Median Household Income $64,737 Unemployment Rate 4.6% Crime Index* 25 Winter Temperature Range 38/60 Spring Temperature Range 43/80 Summer Temperature Range 55/93 Fall Temperature Range 43/87 Annual Precipitation 17.52" Annual Snowfall 0.0" Cost of Living Index (U.S. average = 100) 136.64 3-Bedroom House Price (U.S. $) $289,000 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent (U.S. $) $720 Property Tax Rate 1.03% Sales Tax (state and local) 7.0% ___________________________________________________ UC Davis Extension http://englishlanguage.ucdavis.edu/ "For more than 25 years, thousands of college and university students, and working professionals have come to UC Davis Extension to learn or improve their ability to speak, write, understand and communicate effectively in American English. Our students come from a range of academic and professional backgrounds, with varied objectives in mind. Many plan to attend an American university after working on their English language skills. Others work for an international organization that demands excellent spoken English for career success. Some come to Davis for a four-week immersion in American culture and language. And some are non-native English-speaking professionals or academics who work in Northern California but who see the need to improve their conversational fluency in order to advance professionally. Our programs include: Intensive English Program A ten-week, full-time program focusing on grammar, vocabulary, speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. The Bridge Program The Bridge Program allows students who have strong English-language proficiency skills to take courses for credit or noncredit with UC Davis undergraduates in all fields of study. Communication and Culture Program Four-week program with 80 hours of instruction offered once in winter and twice each summer. Management Program for International Professionals Learn about American management practices and culture in this unique four-week program designed for international management professionals. Custom-Designed Programs for Individuals and Groups These programs range from those that emphasize English proficiency and American culture to those that are related to content expertise of the university. This is an ideal way to ensure that the specific educational needs of a group of participants are addressed. International Professional Programs English for Medical Professionals English for Legal Professionals Orientation in U.S.A. Law International Commercial Law Seminar in Cologne, Germany Financing International Transactions Summer Master's Degree in International Commercial Law Part-time English Language Programs for Students Living in the Davis Area These programs are designed to help non-native speakers of English improve their language skills. They are ideal for working professionals who want to get ahead in their organization as well as students who plan to study in an American university or college. "This school is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant students." About International English and Professional Programs http://englishlanguage.ucdavis.edu/programs.html "International English and Professional Programs has offered English language, technical, and professional training to international participants for more than 32 years. Because the programs enroll people from many different countries, participants have many opportunities to have intercultural experiences. Our classroom center is located on the beautiful UC Davis campus — close to the UC Davis main library, indoor and outdoor campus recreational facilities, and the student experimental farm. The instructors at UC Davis Extension are outstanding! They are dedicated English language and professional program teachers, and all have advanced degrees. Several of our faculty are internationally recognized for their expertise and have published ESL materials (books, videos, and CD ROMS). More importantly, the teachers are personally dedicated to helping each student achieve his or her goals. A 25-station Multimedia Resource Center, located at our classroom center, is a model for English language programs throughout the U.S. The teachers work with students on individualized practice in grammar, pronunciation, conversational skills, vocabulary development, and reading comprehension. The center is equipped with computers, VCRs and monitors, DVDs, Language Master technology, satellite TV with closed captions, and an extensive library of videos, audio cassettes, books, and software. In addition, students have access to practice test materials for TOEFL, TOEIC, GRE, and GMAT examinations. Two 20-station computer laboratories provide state-of-the-art computer technology and Internet connectivity. Composition, Public Speaking, TOEFL, American Media, and Computer Skills classes are held here. During non-class times, students can use self-paced training programs, do Internet searches, work on homework, and access email accounts to stay in touch with family and friends back home. For students who plan to continue their studies in the U.S., the Academic Advising Program assists students with the application process. This program is designed to help students find the best match between their goals and the programs offered by various colleges and universities..." Enrollment information http://englishlanguage.ucdavis.edu/enroll.html Housing alternatives http://englishlanguage.ucdavis.edu/housing.html Homestay: Living with an American family The Worldwide International Student Exchange Foundation (WISE) arranges for our international students to live with an American family. The family provides a private room with a bed, dresser and desk, plus two or three meals a day. This experience is a wonderful way to learn about U.S. customs and American food, participate in family celebrations, and practice everyday English. Families who welcome international students into their homes not only want to share their way of life with the students, but also want to learn about the students' home and culture. Many students consider the experiences with "their family" the most memorable part of their stay in Davis and keep in touch with their American host parents for many years. Apartments A limited number of fully-furnished apartments managed by our office are available. Students share a room with one other student (single occupancy can be arranged for an additional fee). Students shop for and prepare their own meals or eat out at local restaurants or on campus. Apartment amenities include laundry facilities, cleaning service, swimming pool, spa and weight room. Dormitories Dormitories (conveniently located near the UC Davis campus) are open to International English and Professional Programs students during the summer only. Students share a room with one other student. Rooms come equipped with two beds, dressers and desks. Meals are provided in the campus dining halls. Renting a Room in a Private House or Apartment Many Davis families and student groups rent rooms in their own homes for approximately $300-$375 per month. Renting a room is an excellent opportunity to live with others who are not part of the International English and Professional Programs. Students can make these arrangements on their own once they arrive in Davis. To get a preview of what might be available, check the "Community Housing List," offered by the Associated Students of UC Davis, at http://chl.ucdavis.edu or the Davis Enterprise newspaper advertisements at http://davisenterprise.com/classifieds (click on "rentals"). Housing Fees Application Fee (nonrefundable) $275 for more than four weeks $175 for two to four weeks $50 for each requested new placement Homestay $622.50 per month or $20.75 per day for two meals a day $682.50 per month or $22.75 per day for three meals a day (Prices subject to change.) Furnished Apartment $180 per week double occupancy $240 per week single occupancy (Prices subject to change. Limited availability. Students will be accommodated in the order in which the housing application fee is received; to ensure a place, send housing placement fee with program application fee.) Dormitory $56 per night double occupancy $68 per night single occupancy (available summer only) UC Davis is an excellent in a fine small community. It is 20 minutes closer to San Francisco than Sacramento. It is not listed for crime and other statistics, but is similar to Sacramento in most regards and lower in crime. ___________________________________________________ California State University - Sacramento http://www.cce.csus.edu/programs/esl/englishlanginstitute.htm English Language Institute Overview The English Language Institute at California State University, Sacramento (CSUS) provides international learners with opportunities to obtain an excellent education while becoming familiar with people and cultures from around the world. Located in the capital of California, CSUS is a safe, friendly campus that offers a variety of educational and recreational opportunities. English Language Curriculum The CSUS English Language Institute (ELI) prepares its students with the skills needed for study in an American university environment. Students develop communication skills for professional and social settings in seven levels of all ESL areas (grammar, listening, reading, speaking, vocabulary and writing). Program sessions begin every 8 weeks. ELI Objectives Help students develop the skills necessary to acquire fluency in English as a Second Language Introduce students to various aspects of American culture and society Prepare students to communicate effectively in English Provide general English skills for business, travel and educational purposes Transition students from an intensive English program to an academic program Benefits Small class size 20 hours of instruction each week Classes held on the CSUS campus Year-round instruction in seven levels (basic to advanced) Professional staff Excellent instructors (with master’s degrees in TESOL and international teaching experience) Residential campus in Northern California with access to campus activities Social and cultural activities Conversation partners Immigration counseling available Open University courses and assistance from an academic advisor Official certificate of completion Free Extra Curricular Services Access to computer labs, library and recreational facilities Speaking partner programs One major recreational trip per session (San Francisco or Lake Tahoe) Two local trips per session ESL Academic Tuition $1,575/per student/per 8 week session $1,940/per student/per 10 week session Price includes: 160 hours of instruction, computer labs, trips, student support and pick-up at Sacramento International Airport. Airport pickups can be arranged for Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Please contact the English Language Institute at [email protected] with detailed flight information. There is $75 non-refundable student application fee. Housing Affordable on and off-campus options are available. Students must arrange for their own housing. On-campus residence halls range from $125-$150/week (more information at http://www.csus.edu/housing) or call (916) 278-6655. Apartments near campus range from $600-$800/month for two bedrooms Host Family Program: For application and information, please call (916) 813-6698 or email [email protected] Additional ESL Study Expenses (approximate) Health Insurance - $90/session (required) Books and Materials - $100/session About California State University, Sacramento As the seventh largest university of the 23-campus California State University system CSUS offers its students the prestige of the largest public university system in the United States as well as access to fields of study and partnerships with universities in over 100 countries. CSUS serves over 23,000 students. Nearly 1,000 of those are international students from more than 700 countries. CSUS is located on a beautiful 300-acre site five miles from the State Capitol building. The historic American River edges the eastern side of the campus and miles of trails along the river link CSUS with attractions such as Folsom Lake and Old Sacramento. The University is surrounded by shops and restaurants and is easily accessible by bus and light rail systems. Sacramento: The Heart of California Sacramento is the state capital of California and the seat of California government. The city reflects a unique blend of old and new. In the heart of this rich historical area, just a few minutes walk from the Capitol building, lies "Old Sacramento," an accurate replica of the Sacramento waterfront during the 1850s. The Sacramento area is also referred to as the "Second Silicon Valley" as many high-tech industries have transferred to this region. Just several hours’ drive from both the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Sacramento has a "Mediterranean" climate, with mild year-round temperatures and plenty of trees. Summers are dry with little to moderate humidity and an abundance of sunshine. Cool, sometimes rainy days are common in December, January and February. Sacramento is situated between San Francisco in the west and Lake Tahoe in the east. Both San Francisco and Lake Tahoe are easily accessible to students for day trips, shopping, recreation and entertainment. 2003/2004 Academic Sessions Fall #1: August 18 - October 10, 2003 Fall #2: October 20 - December 12 Spring #1: January 20 - March 12, 2004 Spring #2: March 22 - May 28, 2004 (10 weeks) Summer #1: June 27 - July 30, 2004 Summer #2: July 5 - July 30, 2004 (4 weeks) Fall #1: August 23 - October 8, 2004 Fall #2: October 18 - December 10, 2004 ___________________________________________________ Additional Links: English Language Schools in California http://www.englishinusa.com/California.html Study Abroad Guides http://www.istudy.com/usa/ecalifornia.htm ESL Programs in California Welcome to the Study Abroad Guides directory of ESL Programs in California. Click on a school name to visit its web site... EF International Language School - San Francisco http://www.ef.com/master/ls03/shared/destinations/SFO/ College of Marin http://www.marin.cc.ca.us/ Search Strategy: esl +program +"northern california" ESL +california +rating crime in northern california I have reviewed dozens of schools in the areas of interest and have found the listings above to be the best choices based on your criteria. By far, my preference falls to North Bay schools for best value and lifestyle, though the Sacramento Area schools also offer good values, lower cost of living and a good quality of life. I trust my research has provided you with good information and a variety of choices to pursue the study of ESL in Northern California. If a link above should fail to work or anything require further explanation or research, please do post a Request for Clarification prior to rating the answer and closing the question and I will be pleased to assist further. Regards, -=clouseau=-