International Programs
Conversation & Fluency
Who Will Benefit
Students who would like a cultural exchange with Americans and other international students will benefit from the Conversation and Fluency program. Because of its focus on communication and fluency-building, Conversation & Fluency is also ideal for working professionals who are looking for a short-term program that specifically targets listening and speaking skills. For those interested in a fully live-online Conversation and Fluency program, visit our Online ESL Courses page for more information.
Program Details
Classes:
Conversation & Culture (40 hours)
Integrated Skills Part I (20 hours)
Integrated Skills Part II (20 hours)
Curriculum:
The focus of this program is on building English communication skills and enhancing cultural awareness with special emphasis on speaking and listening. Students practice speaking and listening throughout the program, including during interactions with American UC San Diego students (Cultural Ambassadors). Teachers prepare students to listen to, ask questions of, and interact with American culture guest speakers. Students also participate in cultural field trips. Daily homework is moderate.
Duration: 4 weeks
Levels: 1-8
Delivery method: In-person
Visa: F-1 student visa (20 hours per week) or Tourist/ESTA (15* hours per week)
Program Schedule:
- Monday - Friday
- 15* or 20 hours per week
Sample schedule:
Schedules may vary by English language level.
* The 15-hour-per-week 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 Conversation & Fluency 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 Conversation & Fluency program.
Dates & Prices
- January 6 - 31
- February 3 - 28
- March 3 - 27
- July 7 - August 1
- August 4 - 29
- September 2 - 26
2025 Prices
- Application Fee: $225 (nonrefundable)
- Part-time Tuition: $2,190 (15 hours per week / 60 hours total)*, OR
- Full-time Tuition: $2,490 (20 hours per week / 80 hours total)
- International Student Service Fee: $250
- UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies medical insurance: $240
- Books/Materials: Approximately $150-175 (Payment CANNOT be made in advance. Books and materials must 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.
Additional Information
Advisory About Language Proficiency Level
If our online pre-arrival placement tests indicate that your English proficiency level does not permit placement in the original 4-week program class, we will place you in 4 weeks of study in a corresponding 4-week or 8-week program or provide a combination of classes and individual tutoring to ensure a program of 15 or 20 hours per week for 4 weeks. Alternatively, we may decide to place all 4-week program students in level-appropriate classes in a corresponding 4-week or 8-week program in order to provide a program of 15 or 20 hours per week for 4 weeks. When this happens, the students’ 4-week program will have the features described for the new 4- or 8-week program, not the features described for the original program. The tuition and fees for the students’ 4-week program enrollment will remain the same.
Advisory About Variable Enrollments
Enrollment numbers in our 4-week English language programs vary from month-to-month. Therefore, if we have low enrollments in the original 4-week program, we will notify you within 30-days of your program start date, so that you may cancel your enrollment or enroll into another 4-week program.
Programs You May Also Like
For a complete list of all programs, please visit our Courses and Programs page.
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- English Language Programs
- University Credit Programs
- Business Certificates & Programs
- TEFL Certificate & Programs
2025 Dates and Prices
Contact Us
+858-534-6784
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