Academic and Test Preparation

ATP Overview

Intensive English study for students who plan to attend American college or university or who wish to improve their English language skills for professional or personal reasons.

Features/Overview:

Year round courses available in full semester (17 weeks) and half-term sessions (9 weeks)
20 hours of instruction per week (part time study available for non F-1 visa students depending on type of visa)
Business Track available for advanced students
Academic and immigration advising assistance
Student activities and cultural learning opportunities

Choose the best term of study for you!

ATP Schedule

Course	Last day to check in	Start date	End date	Length in wks	Basic Tuition
Fall 2013	August 13	August 14	December 11	17	$5590
Fall 2013 Session 1	August 13	August 14	October 11	9	$3490
Fall 2013 Session 2	October 8	October 9	December 11	9	$3490
Fall 2013 Session 2 and Spring 2014 Session 1	October 8	October 9	March 14	17	$5590
Spring 2014	January 10	January 13	May 16	17	$5790
Spring 2014 Session 1	January 10	January 13	March 14	9	$3590
Spring 2014 Session 2	March 7	March 10	May 16	9	$3590
Spring 2014 Session 2 and Summer 2014	March 7	March 10	August 1	17	$5790
Summer 2014 and Fall 2014 Session 1	May 30	June 2	October 10	17	$5790
Summer 2014	May 30	June 2	August 1	9	$3590

ATP Details

Admission Requirements:

18 years of age or older and/or a high school graduate

Course Details:

8 levels of instruction
Most students take a combination of listening and speaking, writing and grammar, reading and vocabulary, and elective courses.
Courses meet 2 hours each day from Monday – Friday (most students are in class at least 4 hours/day)
Concurrent Enrollment Courses at San Jose State University available to advanced level students.

Beginning to High-Intermediate Students

Core Classes = 16 hours

Oral Communication: Listening and Speaking Skills
Written Communication: Writing and Grammar Skills
CERV (Current Events Reading and Vocabulary): Reading and Vocabulary Skills in discussing news events

Elective Course = 4 hours

Students select from a menu of elective course options.

Advanced Students

Choice of Core and Elective Courses = 20 hours

Core Course Options:

Oral Communication
Written Communication
Current Events Reading and Vocabulary (CERV)
The Story of America (American History)
Critical Reasoning (Critical Thinking Skills)
Business English

Elective Course Options

Presentation Skills
TOEFL Skills
Pronunciation (Accent Reduction)

Grade Report

International Gateways courses are non-credit bearing. Students receive a progress report with course grades, writing test score, and TOEFL score at the end of each term. Our grading system is A, B, C, D, F.

Certificate of Completion

International Gateways students with passing grades (A, B, C, or D) receive a “Certificate of Completion” at the end of the term

SJSU Concurrent Enrollment

If you are a full-time advanced student in the ATP program who meets the TOEFL requirements, you are eligible to take SJSU classes.

With the Concurrent Enrollment Program, you can take 1 to 12 units of transferable university credit in a variety of subjects. You can see the kinds of classes available in the SJSU catalog.* For more information, please check out our SAS program or contact our Academic Advisor.

Participation in iGateways’ Orientation Week is mandatory. During that week you will receive important information on procedures and deadlines.

*You should understand that it may be very difficult to register for business, art, computer science, and some engineering courses because these courses are in great demand by regular SJSU students. There is an additional fee of $100 per unit for SJSU classes.

ATP FAQ

Before classes begin

Show/Hide all Answer

What happens when I check-in at the iGateways office? How long is the check-in process?

You will receive information online about checking in to the International Gateways Office located on the San Jose State University campus. During check-in you will complete necessary paperwork, learn details about orientation week, and meet with a iGateways teacher. The teacher will explain more information about our courses and answer questions that you have. It will take at least one hour to complete the check-in process.

What happens during orientation? I am required to attend all orientation activities?

Yes, it is required to attend all orientation week activities. Placement week consists of the following activities:

Placement Test: You will complete a writing exam and a TOEFL test (PBT test). If you have taken a TOEFL test before and have a copy of your score, please bring it with you for check-in. After the placement test, the iGateways placement team will review your scores to determine your course level. You may be higher in one skill level than another.
ACCESS Workshop: This workshop will provide strategies for success in the iGateways program and in an American college. You will learn about the expectations of American teachers and methods teachers use to help you learn.
Campus Tour: San Jose State University students will take you on a tour of the campus. You will visit your classroom building, the library, the student union, the fitness center, and other points of interest.
Academic Orientation: You will receive your course schedule and required textbook list at academic orientation. You will also learn about important dates and events for your upcoming term of study.

During your study

Show/Hide all Answer

Where are my classes?

All iGateways language courses are located in the International and Extended Studies classroom building at 384 S 2nd Street.

What is the average class size?

The average course size is around 14 students.

Is there a computer lab? Will I have wireless access?

You will have access to the iGateways computer lab where you can use different software programs and print copies. You will also have wireless access for your laptop computer in the classroom building and anywhere on the SJSU campus.

Is there a place to eat and relax in the classroom building?

The classroom building contains an indoor lounge with kitchen (refrigerator and microwaves) and an outdoor patio.

How can I improve my speaking skills outside the classroom?

iGateways offers opportunities to practice speaking outside the classroom:

Conversation Club: If you want more speaking practice, conversation club offers opportunities to discuss informal topics outside a formal speaking and listening course.
Conversation Partners: If you would like a Conversation partner for practicing your English, iGateways can help you find a partner.

What types of student activities can I join?

Numerous cultural and fun activities are offered throughout the term. Activities include field trips, holiday celebrations, movie nights, and student parties. Click here for more information. Click here for student activity photos.

At the end of your study

Show/Hide all Answer

Are there tests at the end of the term?

You will complete course exams and/or projects. In addition, you will complete a 30 minute timed writing test and have the option of taking a TOEFL test (pBT) to help you determine the progress of your English skills.

Do I receive a grade report at the end of the term?

Do I receive a certificate at the end of the term?

At the end of each semester (or at the end of your last half-term of study), you will receive a certificate of achievement if you have completed your courses in a satisfactory manner.

Search