The English Language Academy's (ELA) General English Program is a four-week course for non-native English speakers who wish to improve their ability to communicate in a variety of settings.
Complete the application to begin the enrollment process.
Who Should Attend: International students who prefer a short-term English course, geared towards improving general communication skills.
Curriculum: The General English Program is scheduled in 4-week increments in Fall, Spring and Summer semesters, and includes 17.5 hours per week of classroom instruction.
Description: ELA's General English Program improves the confidence of non-native English speakers to communicate in English in a variety of situations.
Program Requirements: To earn a General English Program certificate, students must successfully complete all coursework with a final GPA of at least 2.0 (out of 4) or higher.
Instructors: Qualified and experienced ESL instructors offer a stimulating and participative learning environment.
Course Format: Instruction is delivered in the classroom format at the English Language Academy (ELA), on the campus of the University of San Diego.
Additional Information: Click here for complete details regarding the Cancellation and Refund Policy.
Francine Chemnick, Director Tel: (619) 260-7621 Email: [email protected]
USD's English Language Academy is a member of English USA (formerly the American Association of Intensive English Progams), and NAFSA (the Association of International Educators).
The course focuses on the following elements:
Professional development courses offered by the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education are taught by faculty that possess a depth and breadth of academic and real-world professional experience.
The Professional and Continuing Education program nurtures key partnerships on the local, national, and international level. The goal is to better serve working professionals who seek to enhance or build their careers and help achieve their highest value and potential. Contact us today to learn more.
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Courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that allows you to structure your education to suit your schedule while keeping you on pace toward achieving your educational goals.
Online fixed-date courses are delivered virtually but follow a predetermined schedule, requiring students to complete assignments, participate in discussions, and take assessments by specific deadlines—much like a traditional classroom. The key difference is that while traditional courses are conducted in person at set times and locations, online fixed-date courses allow students to engage remotely, offering more flexibility in where they learn while preserving structure and accountability through fixed timelines. (Note: Any scheduled Zoom sessions will be outlined on the class schedule.) These courses have fixed start and finish dates, but as an online student you will have 24/7 online access to your classroom assignments, syllabus and course resources. Instructor feedback is shared along with the graded assignments.
How is the learning structured? Each online fixed-date course is asynchronous, meaning that you can work on your assignments anytime, although you are required to complete the assignments by specific dates. The course is designed with learning modules where all of the content is grouped into weekly assignments. Each module covers one or more topics. Within each of the learning modules, you can expect the following components:
• Module introduction that outlines what you can expect to learn in the module.
• Required readings (textbook, articles, journals, etc.) and presentations (audio and/or video).
• Assignments with due dates (which may include: written assignments, journal entries, research, blogs, etc.) based on the readings and presentations.
• Discussion forum where you answer prompts from the instructor and interact with your classmates.
• Module conclusion to review the topics and what you should have learned.
Typically, there is a final project, paper, or exam due in the last module that culminates all of the topics covered in each of the learning modules. You’ll find that the design of the learning modules has a rhythm to help you manage your time in the course.
Our individualized, skill-based placement system stimulates dynamic learning for students of varying levels of language proficiency with instruction that is tailored to their unique needs.
Our faculty and staff engage students from around the globe in an enriching, high-quality educational experience where they also build friendships that help stimulate academic success.
Our mission is to help each student thrive while developing the English language skills that position them to achieve personal, professional and academic goals.
Intensive English Language Program Discount. Discount is only available to students who enroll directly with the English Language Academy.
Discount for 15% off is valid if you enroll by May 1, 2026:
**Only one discount can be applied per course. Discount does not apply to application fee. Books are included with tuition fee**
Make your dreams come true of studying English in the United States at the English Language Academy.