San Francisco Intensive Program
Improve your English while exploring “The City” independently and along with new classmates!
Study English
Weekly Activities
Student Residence
Independence
2 or more weeks, available all year
San Francisco
18+ years
Internship possible
Overview
This program offers daily ESL classes & activities for you to independently learn English and explore California.
The goal of the San Francisco Intensive program is to give you the perfect outlet to dramatically improve your English skills while independently exploring California through activities, events and trips. You will live in one of our award-winning student residences and attend daily English classes at an English school. There are no limitations to your experience and best of all: Our team is always available to answer any questions and to help with anything.
Education
Your English education takes place inside and outside of the classroom.
Intensive English classes
Hours: 9 AM - 2:30 PM, Monday - Thursday (18 hrs)
Free Elective classes: 2:45PM - 3:45 PM, Monday - Thursday (4 hrs)
Levels: Beginner - Advanced
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, Books, Student Lounge
Studying English at our ESL school is an incredibly exciting experience. Your school is located in a beautiful part of San Francisco only steps away from shopping, restaurants, theaters and landmark attractions such as the Transamerica Pyramid Building, San Francisco Ferry Building, Pier 39 and the San Francisco Bay. Before you start class you will undergo a brief level test. Based on your results you will then be placed in a class that fits to your level and goals. Your classes focus on the many different aspects of learning English, from reading, to listening, to writing all the way to conversation and beyond. School is also a great place to make friends with people from many different countries and all walks of life. There is literally no better way to improve your English while making connections that will benefit you for a lifetime. English Education is provided by the “English Language Institute” in San Francisco (ACCET accredited).
Accommodation
All Accommodations are personally visited and approved before your arrival.
Student Residence
Location: Central San Francisco (close to Union Square)
Amenities: WiFi, breakfast, activities & more (full list in description)
Transportation: Public transportation to and from all destinations (about 15 minutes from dorm to school)
The Student Residence is located in central San Francisco, close to several stores and restaurants and is well connected to public transportation. This will make it easy for you to take the bus (or an Uber) to school every day. The residence has plenty of social space so you can meet new international people or hang out with your friends. You will also benefit from several great amenities, such as a fully equipped kitchen and dining area, pool and foosball tables, a movie theater/TV lounge, a reading room with i-pads, vending machines, laundry facilities, an ATM and a yoga room. Each room is fully furnished and comes with weekly housekeeping, cable TV, Wi-fi, a small refrigerator & microwave and a desk with a reading light. Beyond that, your student residence offers daily breakfast, 24-hour reception/security and weekly activities. Accommodation is arranged by USA Student Residences.
Activities
Join one of the many offered activities or explore California independently.
Weekly Activity Packet
Types of Activities: Party-style activities (karaoke, bowling, pizza making night), cultural, sightseeing, walking tours, bike rides etc.
Joining local activities and events is one of the best ways to apply your new English skills while making great memories and meeting new people. You will be able to join several activities organized both by your school and residence every week. In case you want to explore California more independently, we are happy to help you plan your own activities as well, because we want you to soak up as much of California and the Bay Area as possible. The amount of activities you join will be completely up to you and can be as few or many as you desire. Whether you like partying or playing sports, taking photos or hiking, attending concerts or enjoying local museums, your opportunities to have a great time outside of school are limitless.
Other Information
How to join
1. Submit your information
2. Receive & sign Application Form
3. Receive Invoice & transfer payment
4. Obtain Visa and flight tickets
5. Prepare and come to the USA
Support
We are by your side from the moment you decide to join our programs until we drop you back off at the airport at the end of your program and beyond. This program is very independent in its nature - we allow you complete autonomy in every way. If you do happen to need a helping hand with anything, we are available and happy to help around the clock. When necessary a team member will even be able to meet up with you. Since we know the Bay Area like the back of our hand, we’ll gladly assist you with anything concerning local questions or plans.
Requirements
The program requires you to be at least 18 years old and have a high level of independence. For visa requirements, see below.
Internships
This program can be combined with an internship at a Silicon Valley company. All this requires is working English skills and a great work ethic. We will help you create and submit your resume to as many companies as possible and assist you in the process of acing your interview and throughout your entire internship. Please inquire with us for more information.
Airfare & Visa
This program requires no student visa if you sign up for the regular 18 hours per week morning classes. If you also want to attend the daily free elective classes, you will need an F1 student visa (22 hours per week). We will help you in obtaining your visa and your airfare.
Health Insurance
Health Insurance is provided through our partner, “International Student Insurance”. If you have any questions about the insurance, please contact us. Important: Upon request the health insurance can be adapted to your or your child’s individual needs (for an extra fee).
The San Francisco Bay Area
A Unique Place
What makes the Bay Area absolutely unique its diversity in inventions, lifestyles, events and most importantly cultures. It is the type of place where you can't walk down the street without hearing another language, making it easy to meet people from other countries and not only broaden your horizons but make friends from around the world. This diversity has allowed the Bay Area to be just as open-minded and forward-thinking in their world views as they are in their achievements in business and technology. This is why you will get to see all the newest inventions, trends and movements right here first. They Bay Area is a place where no idea is too crazy and no person too foreign - coming here will feel like coming home.
Things To Do And See
The Bay Area is a truly unique place. Despite its high population, it has a suburban feel to it, no matter where you are, which is mostly due to the many plazas, shops, parks and natural habitats found all over. The warm & comfortable temperatures all year and an easy-to-use public transportation system make exploring the Bay Area a real joy. It’s widely known for its cultural diversity, world-famous sights and of course the Silicon Valley, where companies like Apple, Google, Facebook, Airbnb, Tesla and countless are headquartered. There are a lot of great things to do and see here, including:
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Exploring its many and diverse restaurants (There are more than 3,500 restaurants open in San Francisco alone)
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Pursuing physical activities on your own or in one of the many public clubs (such as hiking, swimming, riding a bike, yoga and countless more) in beautiful parks, sports facilities and even downtowns
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Exploring its countless beautiful sights (e.g. the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Treasure Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, Lake Merritt, Half Moon Bay, Stanford, UC Berkeley, Napa and the many world-renowned companies like Google, Apple and many more)
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Enjoying the Bay Area like a local with its many “Hidden Gems” - charming, quaint restaurants, parks, coffee shops, drum circles and other local highlights, that all represent different stories & cultures and are by far the best way to explore the Bay Area’s real lifestyle
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Taking trips to farther away destinations, like Santa Cruz, the 17 Mile Drive, Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe, Sacramento, Napa and Los Angeles. We’re happy to help you rent a car or simply drive you there ourselves depending on the program.
Trailer
Not what you're looking for?
Questions? Concerns? Requests? Just want to get to know us? Let's meet on Skype (or FaceTime) when you are free. Just send us a short message with your Skype (or FaceTime) account information via our contact page. We're looking forward to meeting you!
$500 USD
From
per week
Wks
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
+1
Shared
$1,120
$1,680
$2,240
$2,525
$3,030
$3,535
$4,000
$500/wk
Private
$1,520
$2,280
$3,040
$3,400
$4,080
$4,760
$5,400
$675/wk
All prices include:
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School materials
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Shared room (2 people) in Student Residence (with private bathroom)
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Weekly activities organized by school & residence (and suggestions)
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Daily Breakfast
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Course certificate upon completion
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24/7 Support by our team for any plans, questions or problems (finding a doctor, obtaining a Driver’s License, changing your course etc.)
Optional Upgrades:
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Airport transfer (one-way): $99
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Airport transfer (both ways): $159
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Online Preparatory Workshop: $95
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Health Insurance
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14 - 29 years: $25/week
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30 - 39 years: $28/week
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40 - 49 years: $33/week
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50 - 59 years: $40/week
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Other fees to plan for:
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Visa Fees where applicable (~$360)
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Pocket money for shopping, activities & dinners
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International transfer fee ($45 once)
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Transportation to & from school (~$15 per day with public transportation)
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$350 Accommodation deposit ($325 are refundable after stay provided nothing is broken or missing)
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School registration fee ($100 once)
The fee includes taxes.
Shared: Shared Room | Private: Private Room
Get A Free Quote
3 Good Reasons...
...to join this program
1. We provide local support around the clock for any plans, questions, requests or problems.
2. Thanks to our vast knowledge of the Bay Area, we’ll help you explore the best attractions and events.
3. Upon request we will assist you in transferring to a local college or university after your course.
The entire program is organized, hosted and overseen by the Universal Studies team.
Prices and Inclusions last updated 6/25/19.
Universal Studies is a member of the International Education Consultants Association (IECA).