American Language Institute (ALI)
ALI is now accepting inquiries for Spring 2025 terms. Please email us at studyabroad@csub.edu.
If you wish to obtain a new student visa (F1), make sure that the U.S. Consulate in your area is taking student visa interview appointments in time for you to be in Bakersfield to start your training.
Visa Appointment Wait Times
Check visa appointment wait times in the U.S. Consulate in your area. ALI does not issue I-20 if the U.S. Consulate does not conduct visa interviews within a reasonable amount of time for students to start the training on time.
Program for Multilingual Students
The American Language Institute, ALI, is an English language program for multilingual students. ALI is located on the CSU Bakersfield campus. The program is designed to prepare students for successful academic study in the United States.
In addition to learning the English language, students will be immersed in American culture and campus life. The goal of our program is to no t just teach English, but to help students recognize and practice appropriate cultural and social norms, and identify and establish cultural connections in the community.
Our approach includes a combination of classroom instruction, field trips, social gatherings, games and sporting events, and other opportunities to help students achieve cognitive proficiency in listening, speaking, writing, and reading.
Currently, ALI is offering two courses levels: intermediate and pre-advanced. ALI does not offer elementary/basic/preliminary English level courses. Therefore, students need to provide their current level of English proficiency by showing the exam result taken within 2 years or taking the Duolingo English Test (DET) as part of their application documents.
The Fall 2023 students of American Language Institute have been enjoying everything
California State University, Bakersfield has to offer! From men's and women's soccer
games with Rowdy, to various CSUB Programming events, ALI students have felt very
immersed in American culture. American Language Institute aims to not only improve students' English language skills,
but their understandings of the American culture. Students, regardless of being enrolled
in the Intermediate level courses or Pre-Advanced level courses, are all given the
opportunity to experience these relevant events that occur during class time and reflect
on their experiences in English.ALI Fall 2023 Semester
Toyo University Spring 2023 Short Program with ALI
From February 16, 2023, to March 7, 2023, 23 selected students from Toyo University in Japan traveled to CSU Bakersfield for a short academic program with American Language Institute. Three professors and additional graduate students joined these students to experience American culture as well as host an academic conference pertaining to their research.
The Toyo short program included immense immersion in American culture, such as observing American undergraduate level courses, having conversations with American professors, meeting local business owners, and practicing English conversational phrases and idioms. The students experienced the American bus transportation system to visit the famous In N Out burger restaurant, known for only existing on the west coast of the United States, and the students also travelled via bus to Los Angeles and specifically Anaheim where Disneyland is located.
Despite only being at CSUB for two and a half weeks, the Toyo University students quickly made many American friends and practiced many English skills. They enjoyed a rock climbing session at CSUB's Student Recreation Center and homestay experience with local families in the Bakersfield community!
ALI Toyo Short Program
ALI Students Enjoy Thanksgiving Luncheon with CSUB President
On November 17, 2022, CSUB President Lynette Zelezny hosted the Fall 2022 ALI students and international exchange students for a Thanksgiving Luncheon on campus. After learning about the history and several factors of Thanksgiving, ALI students were able to experience firsthand what this significant and traditional American holiday is all about. For some students, this was their first time trying certain foods, such as mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
President Zelezny spoke about her own experiences studying abroad and the importance of maintaining international connections and communication. In the spirit of the holiday, President Zelezny gifted everyone a holiday advent calendar full of chocolates and school-embroidered beanie, wishing them an early Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! The students had a great meal and lively discussion with one another in the bright, sunny weather next to the orange trees on campus. A typical California day compared to colder temperatures this time of year back home!
