Welcome to the American Language Institute and 32 years of excellence in English language instruction and international programming! With the celebration of our 30th anniversary in 2004, the American Language Institute would like to thank the thousands of students, teachers, and international affiliates around the world who have enjoyed this journey with us and who have helped us to promote international understanding, communication, and development worldwide.

We invite you to embark on an adventure to improve your English and explore beautiful San Diego, California. Our teachers and staff are ready to make your experience a remarkable one. Since 1974 the American Language Institute, a division of SDSU's College of Extended Studies, has helped international students and professionals improve their ability to communicate in English. Each year we welcome up to 3,000 students from over 70 countries. Our size allows us to offer a variety of programs to suit each student's needs and goals.

The ALI, one of the most internationally regarded campus-based ESL programs in the U.S., is a "living ESL laboratory" where innovative practices are tested, adapted, and utilized on a daily basis.

The American Language Institute, a division of San Diego State University's College of Extended Studies, is one of the premier and most internationally respected English language programs in the U.S. Listed below are just a few reasons why so many international students choose SDSU's American Language Institute.

Why ALI?
The ALI is a division of the College of Extended Studies, one of the eight colleges of SDSU, the flagship campus of the California State University system and the largest university in the San Diego region. SDSU ranks among the top 6.7 percent of U.S. higher education institutions.

The ALI is a renowned teacher training center, educating teachers from around the world in the latest ESL/EFL teaching techniques and methodologies.

ALI classes are taught by nationally recognized teachers with advanced degrees, trained in the latest teaching methods.

The ALI is the only San Diego region member of UCIEP, the consortium of university and college administered intensive English programs in the United States. Additionally, the ALI is a member of AAIEP and NAFSA.

The ALI's University Advising Services has a successful record of assisting students in gaining admission to degree programs throughout the U.S., including the SDSU Graduate School of Business. Dedicated academic advising is available to all ALI students at no additional charge.

Advanced-level ALI students may enroll in regular SDSU classes and earn college credit without going through the San Diego State University admissions process.

Through the Semester at SDSU program, the ALI offers certificate programs that are comprised of regular SDSU classes with American students and include official academic credit and transcripts.

All ALI classes are taught on the SDSU campus in the Gateway Center, including a recently completed $12.5 million expansion. All ALI students have access to the high-speed computer labs in Gateway Center and the SDSU main library.

The ALI offers on-campus housing year-round (dormitory and apartments).

Students have easy access to metropolitan San Diego public transportation, including the San Diego Trolley at SDSU, offering ALI students rapid connections to prime destinations throughout the San Diego region.