Sonoma State American Language Institute

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Sonoma State American Language Institute

Study in Beautiful Northern California Wine Country

Designed for students expecting to enter a Sonoma State University academic program (or partner US College/University) after completing our intensive English program through the Sonoma State American Language Institute. Check out the unique SSALI courses that will enhance your English abilities, preparing you to enter a Sonoma State University undergraduate or graduate degree program or obtain a TOEFL waiver for Santa Rosa Junior College.

Advantages of UPP:

Strong academic program and university skills preparation
Check out our programs:
Opportunity for Conditional Admission program (TOEFL waiver for SSU awarded after successful completion of UPP*)
Possible Concurrent Enrollment for qualified students (after attending first semester in UPP)
TOEFL waiver to study at Santa Rosa Junior College
Professional, well-educated faculty
Class sizes of 8-15 students
Service learning and volunteering opportunities
Organized social activities with Sonoma State University students
Join SSALI for our University Preparation Program and achieve your dream of improving your English skills for academic purposes. We look forward to welcoming you to beautiful Sonoma State University!

Example Core Courses

Example Elective Courses

TOEFL Preparation
Service Learning
Multi-cultural Workshop
English Through Media

Accepted English Test Scores

TOEFL iBT 50+
IELTS 5.0+
TOEIC (Listening/Reading) 500+
CET-4 (China) 450+
EIKEN (Japan) 2000+
Duolingo 75+
Pearson PTE 54+
ITEP Academic 3.2+

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Special Notes

Students must achieve a score of at least 90% for the program to get the TOEFL Waiver prior to matriculating to their academic program or entering the Semester at Sonoma program.

* The minimum English score to enter at Sonoma State University academic program is a 61 TOEFL or 6.0 IELTS for undergraduate and 80 TOEFL or 6.5 IELTS for graduate. SSU only accepts these English tests for direct entry into a program.

SSALI has a long history of hosting students from our international university partners. ACE provides university partner students the opportunity to learn on the Sonoma State University campus and to improve their English in core courses, while rounding out their study abroad experience with courses on American culture and in service-learning programs. It may be possible to develop a custom, short term English and culture program.

Professional, well-educated faculty
Focused English improvement classes
Current or customized cultural programs
Service learning and volunteering opportunities
Organized social activities with Sonoma State University students
Safe, friendly environment

Every year, students from around the world join SSALI to achieve their dream of improving their English skills for academic, job-related, or conversational purposes. We look forward to welcoming you to beautiful Sonoma State University.

Information for University Partners

If you are an education institution or organization that is interested in sending students for a semester-length or short-term program, please complete our Inquiry Form to start a conversation with us.

Possible short term program topics:

Wine English
Business English
Service Learning
Environmental Science and Awareness

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I've been here for 6 months, and am completely satisfied with my life here. I've had lots of opportunities to improve my English in SSALI, and I also met great teachers and gorgeous friends. All of them are so friendly just like my family. I bet you'll love SSALI!

The opportunity to study abroad in a safe area was extremely gratifying for me.

The teachers are very nice, kind and try to do their best for the students.

Whenever you are in trouble, the teachers will help you with pleasure.

I live in a homestay and my host family is like my friend. They try to talk and speak with me even though my English is not good.

You can choose some classes, such as TOEFL, American Film, American Culture, Pronunciation, and Computer.

I met such nice teachers, friends and host family at SSALI. I like all of them. I'm enjoying wonderful days.

Studying at SSALI is an excellent experience. I have met friends who helped me practice my English.

The opportunity to study abroad in a safe area was extremely gratifying for me.

SSALI International Student

Studying at SSALI is an excellent experience. I have met friends who helped me practice my English.

SSALI International Student

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Sonoma State American Language Institute (SSALI): About

At a Glance

Study in Beautiful Northern California Wine Country