International Programs
American Language and Culture Program (ALCP)
The American Language and Culture Program (ALCP) provides an opportunity to learn or enhance your English skills from knowledgeable and friendly English as a Second Language (ESL) experts. The friendly ALCP staff will help students adjust to life in America and advise students on how to succeed in the U.S. and at CSUMB.
ALCP has various sessions and program length. The program is for students who wish to improve their English skills for professional development or academic preparation.
Students can enroll in ALCP without taking an English proficiency test. Students who do not meet the English proficiency requirements can enroll in ALCP and then apply to our degree program through Conditional admission.
The following information is for in-person ALCP courses. Información sobre ALCP en español.
Curriculum
ALCP students will take an English placement test during orientation (mandatory). Students will be enrolled in the appropriate level courses based on test scores.
At all English levels, coursework will include:
- Reading: preparation for U.S. university courses by focusing on vocabulary development, strategies to understand context and cultural background information
- Oral communication: listening, pronunciation, presentation and verbal interactions in U.S. university settings. Students will practice interactive conversations and discussion skills to communicate effectively with professors and fellow students
- Academic writing and editing: develop professional writing and organizational structure techniques to plan, organize, and write academic essays and citation requirements
- American culture: covers aspects of American culture and university life. Students will learn the roots of American ideology, customs and beliefs. This class emphasizes cultural diversity to understand American culture.
Program format
- 4-week sessions
- 8-week sessions
- 16-week sessions (one semester)
- Conditional admission
- Customized programs: available for groups and partner universities. Contact ALCP coordinator for more information.
Program dates
| Session | Program duration | Dates | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2023 Session I | 8-weeks | Jan 23 - Mar 10 | November 1 |
| Spring 2023 Session II | 8-weeks | Mar 13 - May 18 | November 1 |
| Summer 2023 Session I | 4-weeks | Jun 5 - Jun 30 | April 1 |
| Summer 2023 Session II | 4-weeks | Jul 3 - Jul 28 | April 1 |
| Fall 2023 Session I | 8-weeks | Aug 23 - Oct 13 | June 1 |
| Fall 2023 Session II | 8-weeks | Oct 16 - Dec 15 | June 1 |