Students

UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies International Programs provide you with the skills and competitive advantage to help you achieve your study or career goals. Many of our students go on to find success in the U.S. or their home country after their studies at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies.

What Former Students Say:

English Language Programs

“My goals were to improve my style of writing and to acquire the latest styles of drafting legal documents. Actually reading and writing legal papers, as used in real life by lawyers in the U.S., was an excellent practical experience. I can confidently state that the program exceeded my expectations.” —Eli Grozdanov, Bulgaria

“My ELI instructor really helped me prepare myself for an academic career in the US. The ELI gave me the foundation skills that I needed to enter an undergraduate program, and I received my BFA in Media Arts from UCSD.” —Iryna Zinchenko

“I started in Business English, went to the Business Management Certificate Program and continued in New Business Development. My most valuable experience was my internship. I loved it!” —Viviane Mendes, Brazil

“My English has improved a lot because the teachers encourage the use and practice of English in the classroom and outside the classroom. I am happy with my experience here because the teachers are very friendly and supportive, and I have made many international friends!” —Sogol Shakibi, Iranian-French

Business Programs for International Students

“The rich curriculum of the Business Management Program, the diverse atmosphere with students and professors from all over the world, combined with the possibility to extend my stay in the USA for a one-year work permit (OPT), made it a very appealing opportunity to start chasing my dream. UC San Diego was a vital stepping stone for my career development and overall life in the USA. I would recommend the Business Management programs to anyone seeking a multi-cultural academic environment with highly intelligent peers.” —Victor Navarro, Brazil

“I took the UCSD Diego Division of Extended Studies Business Administration program right after my bachelor degree graduation in Economics. The program helped me to get good bases in different fields related to business such as accounting, human resources, communication and negotiation. Teachers have a good experience in their fields and classes are interactive. Being with students from different parts is also a good way to get a good idea about what business looks like in other countries.” —Oliver Adam, France

“My main goals were to update my marketing knowledge, to gain international work experience and to recover the money invested in coming to study at UCSD. I was able to achieve all of these goals. After graduation, I applied for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and after some job-hunting, I joined the sales force of Konica-Minolta. There I could apply the knowledge I learned in my sales class. It has been a successful work experience and I feel ready to pursue new professional challenges in Brazil.” —Felipe Azevedo, Brazil

“The true highlight of my experience was being able to take classes with people from all over the world. What an amazing experience! In my first two quarters, 99% of the students in my classes were comprised of international students. I studied alongside people from Switzerland, Holland, Italy, Korea, Japan, Turkey, Taiwan, Brazil, France, and Spain. Completing group projects, working in teams, studying together and socializing with them was a true multicultural eye-opener. It has given me a greater appreciation for those different from me and a comfort for working with people with very diverse experiences & viewpoints. It has expanded my worldview beyond Asia & the USA, helped me be more culturally sensitive, and made me a better person.” —Ben Pang, Singapore

“Studying at UCSD was my best decision ever! I extended my knowledge about marketing, PR and advertising, and I met many incredible international students with all different backgrounds and cultures. My internship at the San Diego Union Tribune was great. I learned about community relations, working in a large company and I got the opportunity to work at the Buick Invitational!” —Yvette Engering, Netherlands

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)

“Although I had studied in a similar field in my home country, I never had that many practical learning experiences until I came to San Diego.  At UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies, I am able to create my own lesson plans, teaching different language skills.  I also have plenty of chances to do demonstrations and receive constructive feedback from my peers and teachers, which has helped me develop my own teaching style and better understand how to be a great English teacher.  I firmly believe the TEFL Professional Certificate and  the Advanced Studies in TEFL program helped me lay the foundation of a career in teaching English.  I will be able to apply every single lesson in my future classroom.” — Ying-Ting Wang, Taiwan 

"The teachers were my favorite part of my experience at UC San Diego. I was motivated by their commitment and passion for teaching.  By taking the Specialization in Teaching English to the Young Learner (TEYL) program, I have acquired more teaching techniques, skills, and practice in teaching young students in the early stages of learning English."  — Bernadita Benavides, Chile

“I came to San Diego to improve my English listening and speaking skills. In the English Language Institute at UCSD I improved very quickly. UCSD has the tools to teach students from all over the world.” —Naftali Oroz Galaviz, Mexico

“It has been a fruitful experience in the TEFL Professional Certificate at UCSD, one of the most prestigious universities in the nation. I have been inspired to pursue my academic goals studying alongside so many diligent students. I also was able to join recreation classes and university events that allowed me to interact with students and people from the local community.”—Kaori Yokoyama, Japan

University and Professional Studies (UPS) Program

“In the University and Professional Studies program, I was able to fulfill class requirements for my Master’s of Science program at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. In addition, I had great opportunities for research and experience in UCSD’s laboratories.” —Nils Nilsen, Norway

“In addition to excellent English courses, UC San Diego offers the University and Professional Studies program with a supportive environment. This allowed me to take university courses relating to my field of interest, while continuing to improve my language skills. Now I feel better prepared to continue my graduate studies in oceanography in the U.S.” —Minoru Tamura, Japan

“UC San Diego has incredible professors who are not only good teachers, but also experienced professionals. This way, we learn from people who really know what they are saying, both in theory and in practice.” —Fabricio Miranda, Brazil