American Language Center (ALC)

        

         

         

         

Your English Connection to the World

At UCLA Extension American Language Center (ALC), we understand that English language skills are essential for your academic and career advancement, as well as personal and social networking.  ALC provides several types of English language training to speakers of other languages.”

Academic Intensive English Program

reading, writing, listening, TOEFL

 

American Culture and Communication Course

part-time, American culture

 

Intensive English Communication Program

pronunciation, listening, speaking

 

Study Abroad

Study at UCLA

Why study at UCLA Extension ALC?

 

o    Affiliation with University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), one of the world’s most prestigious universities

o    High-quality English-language programs

o    Highly trained and friendly instructors; helpful and supportive staff

o    UCLA campus activities – fitness center, swimming pools, and tennis courts

o    Studying with students from around the world

o    Beautiful, safe location in Westwood Village

o    Los Angeles theatres, museums, and shopping

o    Exciting Southern California environment with nearby beaches, mountains, and deserts

 

Enroll in AIEP if you want to:

·         Prepare for study in an American college or university

·         Study a full time English Program

·         Study English for personal or professional reasons

·         Enhance your skills in reading, vocabulary, writing, listening, speaking, and grammar

·         Prepare for IELTS and TOEFL tests

·         Study alongside other international students in one of the best known neighborhoods in Los Angeles; Westwood Village

 

·         Minimum Age: You must be 18 years of age on or before the start of AIEP

·         Student (F-1) Visa: If you are coming from another country to study in the Academic Intensive English Program (AIEP), you will need a student (F-1) visa. Tourist (B-1/B-2) visas are notacceptable. For information on how to obtain the F-1 student visa, click >here.

 

·         10 weeks in winter, spring, and fall; 6 or 12 weeks in summer

·         23 class sessions weekly, each class 50 minutes

·         5 hours a day, 9am-3pm, Monday-Thursday; 3 hours 9am-12pm Friday

 

On the first day of the program, you will take an exam to determine your level of instruction. You study in classes with other students at similar levels.

AIEP starts with an English skills test to place you in one of 9 instructional levels: 100 (Basic) through 108 (Advanced).

Level	English – Language Skills	Equivalent TOEFL iBt Scores
108	Advanced IV	95-119
107	Advanced III	90-105
106	Advanced II	76-90
105	Advanced I	61-76
104	High Intermediate	37-61
103	Intermediate	19-37
102	High Beginning	14-24
101	Beginning	13-20
100	Basic	12-16

Please note: ALC uses its own English skills test to determine placement. TOEFL iBT® scores listed at left are for comparison/ information purposes only.

 

AIEP Dates & Fees

Academic Intensive English Program (AIEP)

Designed for participants 18 years of age or older, AIEP specializes in English for academic purposes with emphasis on all skills, especially reading, writing, and TOEFL preparation. The program requires a student (F-1) visa and includes twenty-three, 50-minute class sessions per week, with five sessions per day Monday through Thursday and three sessions on Friday.

A nonrefundable $150 application fee is required; the application fee is valid for one year. The Student Services Fee is required for all students and all programs.

Program	Program Dates	Program Length	Program Fee	* Student Services Fee	Total
Spring 2018	April 2-  June 8, 2018	10 Weeks	$4,950	$970	$5,920
Summer A 2018	June 25- September 14, 2018	12 Weeks	$5,095	$1,090	$6,185
Summer B 2018	June 25 -August 3, 2018	6 Weeks	$2,870	$730	$3,600
Summer C 2018	August 6- September 14, 2018	6 Weeks	$2,870	$730	$3,600
Fall 2018	October 1–December 7, 2018	10 Weeks	$4,950	$970	$5,920

·         Academic Advising: quarterly orientations regarding American universities, UCLA Extension certificate programs, and assistance with application procedures and forms

·         Cost of books, housing, transportation, and other expenses are not included in AEIP fees.

·         Injury and Sickness Insurance: allows students to visit a hospital or clinic if medical attention is needed due to an injury or sickness (Please note: Insurance prices are subject to periodic increases, and permanent residents of the United States will not be eligible for this insurance.)

·         Language/Computer Lab: up to 8 hours of extra, after-school access to state-of-art language practice, email, and Internet

·         Housing Details: information is provided about finding a place to live (Please note: UCLA on-campus housing is available for intensive programs in the summer only. Prices for 2018 summer on-campus housing have not yet been determined. Look for detailed summer housing information and pricing in early 2018.)

·         Language Exchange Program: opportunities to meet members of the local community and UCLA for conversation practice

·         UCLA Recreation Facilities: access to many of UCLA’s outstanding sports and recreational facilities

·         Express Mail: application and program materials sent via DHL express mail

·         Certificate of Completion: an attractive certificate presented to participants upon completion of the program

 

Applications

Choose the application for your first program offering. You will have the opportunity to enroll in continuing program offerings once your initial offering begins.

Academic Intensive English Program (AIEP)

AIEP is best for students who want to transfer to a certificate program or university.  Emphasis is on all skills, especially reading, writing, and TOEFL preparation.

Winter 2018 ( January 8, 2018 – March 16, 2018)

Spring 2018 (April 2, 2018 – June 8, 2018)

Summer 2018 (June 25, 2018 – September 14, 2018) 

Fall 2018 (October 1, 2018 –  December 7, 2018)

Intensive English Communication Program (IECP)

IECP specializes in English for day-to-day communication with emphasis on listening and speaking.  Ideal for people who want to improve English to use in a business or social setting.

Winter 2018- 12, A, B and C (January 8, 2018 – March 29, 2018)

Spring 2018 – 12, A, B and C (April 2, 2018 – June 21, 2018)

Summer-11 2018 (July 2, 2018 – September 14, 2018)

Summer A- (July 2, 2018 – July 26, 2018)

Summer B – (July 30, 2018 – August 23, 2018)

Summer C –  (August 27, 2018 – September 14, 2018)

Fall 12 – (October 1, 2018 – December 20, 2018)

Fall A- (October 1, 2018 – October 25, 2018)

Fall B- ( October 29, 2018 – November 21, 2018)

Fall C- (November 26, 2018 – December 20, 2018)

 

Certificate Programs for International Students

Greetings from UCLA and UCLA Extension!

We are pleased to welcome you to UCLA Extension Certificate Programs.

UCLA Extension certificate programs are among our most attractive study options for international students and professionals.

Advantages of our certificate programs include:

·         UCLA: The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has name-recognition throughout the world; UCLA Extension is part of UCLA.

·         Practical Perspective: Most of our instructors are working professionals who give you a practical perspective on day-to-day realities of each field of study.

·         Program Duration (9-12 months): Longer programs offer a deeper understanding of each field.

·         Practical Experience: Internships are included in many programs, and students who complete programs of 9-months or longer can apply for up to 1 year of Optional Practical Training (OPT) paid work experience in the U.S.

·         Reasonable Fees: UCLA Extension programs are a great value; course fees for American and international participants are the same.

·         Studying with Americans: International participants study side-by-side with American participants and receive the same high level of instruction.

·         Cross-cultural Understanding and Language Proficiency: Living in Los Angeles, studying at UCLA Extension, and experiencing American life will increase your proficiency in English and your cross-cultural awareness.

We look forward to welcoming you to UCLA Extension and to another important step in your career.

Program Details

 

UCLA Extension Certificate Programs provide international students and working professionals with the knowledge and skills they need in their careers and personal lives.

·         Over 50 programs—in specialized fields such as filmmaking, marketing, graphic design, project management, journalism, and more—have been approved for F-1 visa students.

·         Academic Reputation: Upon completion of a UCLA Extension program, participants receive a certificate from one of the top universities in the United States. Our programs meet standards established by the University of California Academic Senate and are subject to the approval of UCLA Faculty and industry advisory groups.

·         Real-world Knowledge and Experience: The majority of Extension instructors are experienced professionals who are currently working in their fields of specialization. The courses they teach are usually directly related to what they do each day in their jobs.

·         Practical Application: Since many UCLA Extension participants are also working professionals, most courses placing a strong emphasis on practical application. Networking with instructors and classmates with similar professional interests can help with internships and business opportunities.

·         Cross-Cultural Environment: Studying side-by-side with Americans ensures a high level of instruction and offers opportunities to increase cultural understanding and English-language proficiency.

Length of study and hours:

·         Programs typically consist of 9 to 12 courses over a period of nine months to one year.

·         Individual courses meet for about 12 weeks, usually in the evening, from 6:30 to 9:00pm or 7:00 to 10:00pm. For each 3-hour meeting, expect to spend 6-9 hours studying outside of class.

·         Most courses carry 4 units of credit and meet 3 hours per week. International students must enroll in at least 12 units per 12-week quarter to be considered full-time students and qualify for an F-1 visa.

Transcripts and Certificate

Upon satisfactory completion of your program, you will receive a gold seal certificate and be eligible to attend the annual late spring graduation ceremony. Official UCLA Extension transcripts will be available at the end of each academic quarter. The transcript will report all of your UCLA and UCLA Extension courses as well as the grades and academic credit that you earned for each course.

 

Academic Requirements: Certificate Programs

Required Units

Credit-bearing courses carry a unit value. You must enroll in at least 12 academic units in your program by the first day of each quarter to maintain your student visa status. At least 8 units must be in the classroom and no more than one online class.

We recommend you enroll early.  Many courses fill quickly and if you are unable to get into the required minimum of 12 units, you may jeopardize your F1 visa status. You can take advantage of the “early bird” discount if you enroll in the course at least 30 days before the start date.

Advanced Standing and Course Waivers

In your first quarter, you can petition to have required or elective courses waived if you have completed the coursework elsewhere. You must submit certified academic transcripts to your academic advisor. If a waiver is granted, you will be credited with units of advanced standing allowing you to finish your program sooner.

Required Grades — Grade Point Average (GPA)

For students beginning certificate programs in Summer 2018 or later, you must pass all required courses and maintain a minimum GPA as required by your certificate program.  The minimum GPA varies for each program.  Contact your certificate program advisor for the GPA you need to maintain in your program.

Earned F grades do not count toward your GPA so you must re-take any course in which you get a grade of F.  Your allotted time for study remains the same. So, you may have to skip a vacation quarter to complete your program on time and bring your GPA up to the required minimum.

Supplemental English Courses

For students beginning certificate program in Summer 2018 or later, you will be required to take supplemental English courses along with the certificate program courses if you did not get a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 100 or minimum IELTS overall band score of 7. You will be placed into the English courses according to the score your received:

·         TOEFL 83-90 or IELTS 6.5 with 6 or below in writing – ESL x433B and ESL x433C

·         TOEFL 91-99 or IELTS 6.5 with 6.5 or above in writing – ESL x433C

·         TOEFL 100 or above or IELTS 7 or above – No further English courses required

·         Students who are admitted to their certificate program by completing Level 107 or higher in the

 

      AIEP program are required to take and pass both ESL x433B and ESL x433C.

If you have to take ESL x433B and ESL x433C, you will enroll in these English course for two quarters. If you have to take ESL x433C, you have to take the English course for one quarter. Each of the English courses counts as four units toward your 12 units of courses each quarter required for you as an F-1 student. So you may enroll in one English course per quarter plus two certificate program courses. For further inquiry about supplemental English courses, you can contact American Language Center (ALC).

 

Exceptions allowed to the 12- units-per-quarter requirement:

·         In your first quarter, if you experience academic difficulty with the English language or American teaching methods or improper course placement.

·         In any quarter, if you are ill or have a medical condition with written documentation from a doctor.

·         If you enroll in 16 units or more, you can take up to two 4-unit online classes.

·         In your final quarter, if you can complete your program with a reduced load, you won’t have to enroll in 12 units.

 

Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT allows you to work in the United States and earn money in an occupation directly related to your area of study for one year following graduation.

Before you apply:

·         Complete at least three consecutive quarters (nine months) of full-time study as an F1 visa student in your certificate program (full-time ESL programs do not count).

·         Complete your certificate program before OPT work starts, including all English courses required by the ESLPE results. If you do not complete your program on time, you cannot begin working and you will lose time from OPT.

How to apply:

·         You do not need a job offer to apply.

·         Apply at the beginning of your last quarter, as early as 90 days before program completion and within 60 days after your last class ends.

·         Meet with your International Student Office (ISO) counselor who will help you complete the Employment Authorization/OPT application (Form I-765) and mail it to the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service. See below for a list of items to bring to your appointment.

·         Maintain your health insurance coverage during OPT employment and while searching for work.

·         If your application is approved, you will receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD card/Form I-688) from the government within three to four months. You cannot accept or begin employment until you have received your EAD card.

Note: Working without certificate program completion and without an EAD card constitutes illegal employment and could jeopardize your student status.

Items you must bring to your OPT appointment:

·         The Program Completion Verification Form signed by your academic department advisor.

·         Your passport, I-94 card, and I-20.

·         Personal check or money order for $410.00, payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security with your name, date of birth, and I-94 number written on the front of the check or money order.

·         Two passport-style photos (size 2”x 2”) taken within the past 30 days.

 

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

CPT involves employment-based internships directly related to your certificate program.

Organized as a class, the internship allows you to gain work experience in your field while you earn academic credit and advance toward program completion.

Before you apply:

·         Complete nine months of full-time study as an F1 visa student in your certificate program (full-time ESL programs do not count).

·         Have continuous full-time enrollment with progress toward completion.

·         Be in a certificate program that offers internships.

·         If you are in a paid internship, you will be able to apply for a Social Security card

 

How to apply:

·         Obtain an employment offer.

·         Contact your program department to request permission to enroll in the class section.

·         Enroll.

·         Make an appointment with your International Student Office (ISO) counselor to obtain authorization to work. Your counselor will grant permission if you meet eligibility requirements and will report the authorization, which will be noted on your I-20 form.

Additional CPT Information

·         Course listing—Make sure the catalog/web contains a listing for a course called “internship” or check with the program department. Not all programs offer academic credit for internships.

·         Referrals—Request referrals from your program department to potential employers and contact the employers directly about CPT internships.

·         Permission—If you find a paid internship, you will need the consent of your International Student Office (ISO) counselor for CPT.

·         Full-time and Part-time internships–You can do either part-time (20 hours per week or less) or full-time (between 21-40 hours per week) CPT/internships.  Please note that if you do a paid internship/CPT for 12 months within the same academic level you are not eligible for OPT.

·         Final quarter—If you want to do a CPT/internship during your final quarter and want to apply for OPT at the same time, register for CPT before you apply for OPT. Once you register for OPT, you cannot register for CPT.

·         Short programs—If your program is shorter than 9 months and you want to participate in CPT, you must delay certificate completion by taking additional electives.

 

Training & Internships

 

International students on F-1 visas are prohibited from working in the U.S. without permission. However, limited opportunities exist for on-the-job training during and after certificate programs.

Unpaid Internships

·         Most internships that occur during a certificate program are unpaid.

·         Not all programs offer them; you will need to check with your program advisor.

·         You do not have to complete 9 months in your program before taking an unpaid internship.

·         If unpaid internships are available in your program, you must have the internship approved by your program advisor.

·         You do not need International Student Office (ISO) approval for an unpaid internship.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT—paid internships)

·         These paid internships occur during a certificate program.

·         Not all programs offer them; check with your program advisor.

·         These internships must be approved first by your program advisor.

·         If your program advisor approves CPT, you also must report to the ISO for approval.

Post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT—paid employment)

·         You must first complete a program of 9 months or longer.

·         You must work with the ISO to apply for OPT and pay a fee.

·         If your application for OPT is approved, you are eligible for one year of paid employment in the professional area that you have studied in your certificate program.

·         Please note that if you have done OPT before, you are not eligible for another year of OPT

Tips for Finding Internships and Post-Completion Jobs

·         Establish an excellent record with your advisor and instructors for good references and recommen­dations.

·         Consult with the academic advisor for your program and find out where other students have found internships.

·         Network with classmates. Some will be work­ing professionals who may provide references, recommendations, and referrals.

·         Check if your program offers intern­ships or has a list of organizations that accept interns. Find out if you are eligible to apply.

·         Seek out internships in other, unlisted organizations and check if you can obtain approval.

·         For post-completion and off-campus jobs, network with program participants, instructors, and your program advisor.

 

Social Security for Certificate Program Students

To work in the United States, you need a Social Security Number (SSN). The SSN is used by the U.S. Government and State of California to track deductions from your paycheck for taxes and contributions to your Social Security Administration retirement fund.
UCLA Extension uses the SSN to report student eligibility for certain tax benefits.

Obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN)

Before you apply:

·         Complete nine months in the United States and be eligible to work in a CPT/paid internship or OPT job. On-campus “student jobs” do not require a nine-month wait.

·         Obtain a job offer. Social Security Administration suggests you wait ten days after seeking and obtaining work authorization from your International Student Office (ISO) Counselor so that they can verify your right to work with U.S. Homeland Security.

How to apply:

·         Obtain a letter from your employer verifying your employment.

·         Obtain a letter from your ISO counselor verifying that you are a full-time student enrolled at UCLA Extension and eligible to work.

·         Take the letters, your passport, your I-94 card, and your signed I-20 to a Social Security Administration Office. The office closest to the UCLA campus is at 11500 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 300 Los Angeles, CA 90064.

·         You will receive your Social Security card within two to four weeks. During that time you may begin work.