Communication & Culture

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:

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

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.

• 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.