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International Programs

Communication & Culture

Welcome to the Communication and Culture program at one of the best universities in the U.S.! Improve your English fluency, understand everyday spoken English, and increase your knowledge of American culture with us.

Who Will Benefit

If you are interested in refining your English communication skills, mastering everyday spoken English, and deepening your understanding of American culture, the Communication and Culture program is your ideal option. Join us and many other international students on this amazing journey to elevate your language skills and cultural knowledge.

Program Details

Classes: 

Integrated Skills: 9 hours per week 

  • Culture and Fluency (levels 3-8): 6 hours per week 
  • Grammar Skills (levels 1-2): 6 hours per week 
  • Elective Course A (for students enrolled in a 20 hour/week program): 5 hours per week 
  • Elective Course B (for students enrolled in a 25 hour/week program): 5 hours per week 

Curriculum: 

  • 25-hour/week students take the required Integrated Skills course, the required course for their level, and two elective courses. 
  • 20-hour/week students take the required Integrated Skills course, the required course for their level, and one elective course. 
  • 15-hour/week students take the required Integrated Skills course and the required course for their level. 

Elective course offerings vary by level and change from session to session. Past elective offerings have included: 

  • Listening and Discussion 
  • Pronunciation and Fluency 
  • Volunteering and Leadership 
  • Conversational Skills 
  • Idioms and Slang 
  • IELTS preparation 
  • Oral Presentations 
  • American Culture and Music 
  • Discussion through TV and Film 

Duration: 9 weeks (the first week is in-person orientation & registration)

Levels:1-8 
 
Delivery method: In-person

Visa: F-1 visa student (20 or 25 hours per week) or Tourist/ESTA (15* hours per week) 
 
Program Schedule:

  • Monday - Friday
  • 15*, 20, or 25 hours per week

Sample Schedule:

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

8:30-11:20
 Integrated Skills
 (Required) 

8:30-11:20
 Culture and Fluency or 

Grammar Skills 
 (Required) 

8:30-11:20
 Integrated Skills
 (Required)

8:30-11:20
 Culture and Fluency or 

Grammar Skills 
 (Required) 

8:30-11:20
 Integrated Skills
 (Required)

1:00-3:20
 Elective A 

1:00-3:20
 Elective B

1:00-3:20
 Elective A 

1:00-3:20
 Elective B

Afternoon free

Schedules may vary by English language level.
 *This part-time program does not qualify for the form I-20.

Admission Requirements

Age: 18+ 

Language Proficiency: High Beginner to Advanced (levels 1-8)

Placement Test: For the best learning experience, every student must take an online placement test to determine their English level before starting the Communication & Culture program. This test helps us understand your current English level, ensuring you start the program at just the right spot for your study abroad journey. Additionally, all enrolled students are required to complete an online pre-arrival orientation before the beginning of the program. This orientation, which includes the online placement test, is a crucial step in preparing for the Communication & Culture program.

Dates & Prices

2025 Dates 
  • January 2 - February 28 
  • March 3 - May 2 
  • May 19 - July 18  
  • July 28 - September 26 
  • October 6 - December 5

 2025 Prices 

  • Application Fee: $225 (nonrefundable) 
  • Part-time Tuition: $3,490 (15 hours per week / 120 hours total)*, OR 
  • Full-time Tuition: $3,990 (20 hours per week / 160 hours total), OR 
  • Full-time Tuition: $4,490 (25 hours per week / 200 hours total) 
  • International Student Service Fee: $500 
  • UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies medical insurance: $600 
  • Books/Materials: Approximately $250-$400 (Payment for all books and instructional materials CANNOT be made in advance and are to be purchased upon arrival at UC San Diego.)

For all 2025 program dates and prices, visit the Dates and Prices page or download the 2025 Dates & Prices document. This document also lists the financial verification required for your program application if you need the Form I-20 for a student visa.

*The 15-hour-per-week program does not qualify for the Form I-20.

Testimonial

I could choose classes from a wide variety of studies, not just ordinary subjects. There was a movie class, a Californian culture class, and so on.  I studied English in many different ways.  My goal was to improve my speaking but, as a result, my TOEIC score has increased by 400 points.

- Kaede Uchino, Japan

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2025 Dates and Prices

View programs, dates, prices, and financial verification requirements.

Contact Us

Call
+858-534-6784

Email
ipinfo@ucsd.edu

Regular Mail Address
University of California San Diego
Division of Extended Studies
International Student Services, 0176D
9500 Gilman Drive
La Jolla, CA 92093-0176
USA

Physical Location & Express Delivery
University of California San Diego
Division of Extended Studies
International Programs
8980 Villa La Jolla Drive - suite 380
La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
USA

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