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The American Language and Culture Institute (ALCI) of California State University
San Marcos has provided quality international education programs for more than 25
years and is globally recognized by language schools, universities, ministries of
education, governmental bodies, sponsorship agencies, and top educational organizations.
Surrounded by California’s most beautiful beaches, mountains, and deserts, the ALCI is the perfect place to achieve your academic, personal, and professional goals.
Come say hello!
The ALCI is located on the California State University San Marcos Campus in the Extended Learning Building, Suite 588.
Mailing Address:
American Language and Culture Institute (ALCI)
California State University San Marcos
333 South Twin Oaks Valley Road
San Marcos, CA 92096-0001 USA
More Information
- UNIVERSITY ACCESS PROGRAM
University Access Program
Whether you need to improve your academic history or your English skills, this program allows you to earn credits toward your bachelor's or select master's degree. You will receive guaranteed admission upon successful completion of the program.
Learn More About University Access Program
- INTENSIVE ENGLISH PATHWAY
Intensive English Pathway
This premier Intensive English Pathway (IEP) program prepares students of all levels of English ability and other qualified students a pathway option to take English language course along with university courses. If you successfully complete this program, you can be recommended for university admission without a TOEFL or IELTS score.
- STUDY @ CSUSM
Study @ CSU San Marcos
Study @ CSU San Marcos is a non-degree program for visiting/fee-paying international students who want to enroll in university classes for credit for one or two semesters at California State University San Marcos. Take classes while being in the heart of Southern California, surrounded by beautiful beaches, mountains and deserts.
- TEACHER TRAINING
Teacher Training
Teaching English as a Second/Foreign Language (TESL/TEFL) Certificate
Designed for individuals who are interested in teaching English abroad (EFL) or in the United States (ESL). This 120-hour certificate program focuses on best practices in methods, materials and techniques used to teach English as a second/foreign language.
Learn More About Individual Teacher Training
TEFL Certificate for International Teachers of English
Designed to meet the needs of groups of teachers from abroad. This customizable program focuses on principles and techniques that can be adapted to the teaching situation of the home country.
- SHORT-TERM PROGRAMS
Short-Term Programs
CSUSM offers customized, short-term programs designed to meet the needs of organized groups who want to have a Southern California language travel experience and/or study English for specific purposes such as business/medical English and leadership and community engagement.
- UNDERGRADUATE CONDITIONAL ADMISSION
Undergraduate Conditional Admission
Conditional admission is available to qualified students applying for undergraduate (bachelor’s degree) admission to CSUSM. Conditional admission is a way for you to learn in advance if you qualify for admission to CSUSM.
As a conditionally admitted student, you can be admitted to CSUSM upon successful completion of one of the programs listed below:
- University Access Program
- Intensive English Pathway
- GRADUATE CONDITIONAL ADMISSION
Graduate Conditional Admission
Conditional admission is available to qualified students applying for graduate (master’s degree) admission to CSUSM. Conditional admission is a way for you to learn in advance if you qualify for admission to CSUSM.
As a conditionally admitted student, you can be admitted to certain graduate/master’s programs at CSUSM upon successful completion of the Intensive English Pathway program without needing a passing TOEFL or IELTS score for certain graduate programs. Many students with conditional admission have completed ALCI's Intensive English Pathway program and continued to achieve their goal of earning a master’s degree from CSUSM.
- LEARN MORE ABOUT ALCI
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Accreditation and Affiliations
Study in California
Study and take classes in beautiful North County San Diego. You'll be close to beaches, hiking, mountains, Hollywood, Disneyland and more!
Globally Recognized
The American Language and Culture Institute at CSUSM is recognized by language schools, universities, ministries of education, governmental bodies, sponsorship agencies and more throughout the world
Variety of Program Options
CSUSM offers a wide range of program options to study in California, including English-language programs, pathway programs to attend CSUSM, short-term programs, teacher training and more
Benefit from Personal Attention
When you attend an ALCI program at CSUSM, you will be working with a team of dedicated professionals who ensure you are set up for success and enjoy your time in Southern California
My experience with the Intensive English Pathway program has been the most wonderful. I have learned more than English. I learned values and allowed me to get to know the different cultures of my teachers and classmates. At first it was difficult for me to communicate. However, now I feel that I can handle a conversation or a speech without problem thanks to all the support and help that my teachers and the program gave me. I enjoyed my time with ALCI everyone was so kind and helpful to me, is something I’ll never forget.
– Camila Alejandra Delgado Blanco, Class of 2021, Intensive English Pathway
Lima, Peru
The class of CSUSM Prof. Ahmadinia (CS 435) gave me an advantage upon my return to France and helped me gain a position as an Embedded Systems Engineer position at AUSY (a Consulting & Engineering firm in Advanced Technologies). As a student at CSUSM, I was able to share my experience in many volunteering events (Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program and short programs at CSUSM). I continue to use this international experience with different customers in my work and always encourage future classes of students to choose CSUSM.
Read more– Guilhem Remburre, Class of 2018, Study @ CSUSM, Computer Science
Nantes, France, Software Engineer, AUSY
I have been working with CSUSM since graduation and I have seen so much growth on campus! It is a wonderful feeling of close community even with much bigger size and scale! Si Se Puede (It Can Be Done)- there are so many obstacles in life. It's okay to take a break and recharge yourself when it happens but keep your chin up and move forward to the direction you want to be in. One day, you'll say, It Can Be Done because I did it!
Read more– Junko Miyoshi Sweeney, Class of 2005, Human Development
Shikokuchūō, Ehime, Japan, CEO, International Study Abroad Connection
