English Studies Institute

School Introduction

The mission of the English Studies Institute is to provide high quality English instruction and build bridges of understanding worldwide by connecting international students, UC Berkeley students, and the Berkeley community.

Our Faculty is composed of highly trained ESL instructors with Masters Degrees and an average of 15 years teaching experience. Classes are located on the UC Berkeley campus and centered at the MLK Student Union Building. However, the English Studies Institute is an independent institute, which is not affiliated with the University of California, Berkeley.

In the city of Berkeley, students are minutes from experiencing recreational and cultural activities including dining at restaurants from around the world, visiting art and science museums, windsurfing or kayaking at the Berkeley Marina, or studying in the tranquility of the many libraries nearby. Berkeley is only 30 minutes from the exciting city of San Francisco, which is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. With its striking architecture, cultural diversity and historic neighborhoods, San Francisco is only a short BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) ride away from Berkeley.

ESL Program Introduction

The English Studies Institute offers a variety of courses to meet the needs of different international students, visiting scholars and immigrant students. The Communication Skills and Youth Adventure courses provide English immersion studies that help students gain confidence in speaking, improve their pronunciation, grammar, listening/speaking skills in a short 3-week period. The Visiting Scholar courses enable UC Berkeley graduate students, international students and immigrants to improve their oral/written communication skills and knowledge and use of American idioms. The 4-week Business English course is specifically designed for participants who expect to use English to communicate with clients or colleagues. While many students have business experience, it is not necessary for admission into the course. The Integrated skills course runs for 4-weeks and is designed for students who want to develop their skills in grammar, writing, reading, speaking and listening. In this course students develop critical thinking skills, and prepare for university and college studies in the United States. Sequential 4-week courses offer a progressive curriculum for students who wish to take several sessions consecutively.

The English Studies Institute offers activities, field trips, college advising and more...

Background Data

• Number of ESL Students: 30 - 160
• Average Class Size: 12 - 15
• Hours per Week: 18 - 20
• Minimum Age: 13
• Issue I-20: Yes
• Housing Options: Homestay  Dormitory  Apartment
• School Setting:  Urban 
• Accreditation: ACCET - Accreditation Council for Continuing Education & Training

Schedule & Fees

Winter 2009 Communication Skills Course:
January 19 – February 6, 2009 (3-weeks) - $1045
February 17 – March 6, 2009 (3-weeks) - $1045

Spring 2009 Integrated Skills Course: These are progressive sessions so students can progress from one session to the next.
March 30 - April 23, 2009 (4-weeks) - $1395
April 27 - May 21, 2009 (4-weeks) - $1395

Summer 2009 Communication Skills Course:
July 6 – 24, 2009 (3-weeks) - $1045
July 27 – August 14, 2009 (3-weeks) - $1045
August 17 – September 4, 2009 (3-weeks) - $1045

Summer 2009 Youth Adventure Course: Price includes housing and excursions
July 27 – August 14, 2009 (3-weeks) - $2450

Fall 2009 Community Service Internship Course: Can be taken only after a student has completed a 3-week or 4-week course.
September 7 - September 18, 2009 (2-weeks) - $500

Fall 2009 Integrated Skills Course:
Integrated Skills 1 October 5 – 29 (4-weeks) - $1395
Integrated Skills 2 November 2 – November 25 (4-weeks) - $1395

Winter 2009 Community Service Internship Course: Can be taken only after a student has completed a 3-week or 4-week course.
December 7 - December 18 (2-weeks) - $500

Winter 2010 Communication Skills Course:
January 4 - January 21 (3 weeks) - $1045
January 25 - February 12 (3 weeks) - $1045
February 16 - March 5 (3 weeks) - $1045
March 8 - March 19 (3 weeks) - $1045
Winter 2009 Community Service Internship Course: Can be taken only after a student has completed a 3-week or 4-week course.
March 8 - March 19 (2 weeks) - $500
March 8 - March 25 (3 weeks) - $1045

Spring 2010 Integrated Skills Course:
Integrated Skills 1 - March 29 - April 22, 2010 (4 weeks) - $1395
Integrated Skills 2 - April 26 - May 20, 2010 (4 weeks) - $1395

Summer 2010 Communication Skills Course:
July 5 – 23, 2010 (3-weeks) - $1045
July 26 – August 13, 2010 (3-weeks) - $1045
August 16 – September 3, 2010 (3-weeks) - $1045

Summer 2010 Youth Adventure Course: Price includes housing and excursions
July 26 – August 13, 2009 (3-weeks) - $2450

Tuition:

3 week: Communication Skills, 54 hours - $995.00 + $100.00 application fee
3 week: Youth Adventure, $2450 (includes homestay, airport transfers, and 45 hours of classes and 45 hours of activities (also includes Yosomite camping trip)
4 week: Integrated Skills - $1395 + $100 application fee
4 week: Business English - $1395 + $100 application fee

Special Courses & Features

• Accent Reduction Courses
• Conversation Partner Program
• Public Speaking Courses
• Internships or Work Experience
• TOEFL Preparation Courses
• TOEIC Preparation Courses
• One-to-One Instruction / Private Lessons
• Courses for Juniors / Teenagers (12 - 16 yrs old)

Housing/Accommodation Info

Housing Options: - UC Berkeley Dormitories - Orinda Homestay Program - YMCA Downtown Berkeley - International House - Tao House UCB student & international student dormitory See website for more details

Contact Info

English Studies Institute
416 MLK Student Union Building
UC Berkeley, MC 4500
Berkeley, CA 94720-4500

Tel (510) 643-6294
Fax (510) 527-2777
Website