ELS 2+2 PATHWAY PROGRAM

COMBINE ELS STUDY WITH 2 YEARS AT ONE OF ELS’ PARTNER COMMUNITY COLLEGES FOLLOWED BY 2 YEARS AT A TOP-RANKED UNIVERSITY

Are you interested in admission to a top-ranked American University even if you have not yet mastered English? The ELS 2 + 2 Pathway can help you realize your dream of earning a degree from a world-recognized university.

Benefits of the ELS 2 + 2 Pathway:

Lower tuition fees than 4-year institutions. (save up to $35,000 per year, in comparison to studying the first two years at a University of California campus)
Smaller class sizes with more individualized attention and professor interaction.
Credits earned with the advice of your advisor will transfer into the University of California and California State University systems.
Six University of California (UC) campuses and other highly-ranked, out-of-state universities such as the Illinois Institute of Technology offer guaranteed admission to community college graduates who meet defined admission criteria.
No TOEFL, or IELTS required! Satisfy the English proficiency requirements of our community college partners by studying at one of our 13 ELS Language Centers across the USA, with two in California.

Discover our partner community colleges:

Foothill College

De Anza College

Santa Rosa Junior College

El Camino College

Diablo Valley College

Santa Monica College

Orange Coast College

ELS 2+2 PATHWAY:
5 STEPS TO EARNING YOUR BACHELOR’S DEGREE FROM A TOP RANKED UNIVERSITY

STEP 1 - SEND YOUR APPLICATION TO ELS UNIVERSITY ADMISSION SERVICES

Consult your Counselor and plan your pathway. Begin the application process with the help of ELS University Admission Services.

STEP 2 - RECEIVE A LETTER OF CONDITIONAL ADMISSION

While still in your home country, you will receive a letter of conditional admission permitting your enrollment at one of our select partner community colleges.

STEP 3 - COMPLETE LEVEL 109 OF THE ELS INTENSIVE PROGRAM AT ELS SAN FRANCISCO NORTH BAY, OR ELS LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Completion of ELS level 109 fulfills your Community College’s English proficiency requirement. At ELS you will develop the English language skills you need for success, while at the same time experiencing life on a traditional American university campus. ELS’ experienced center staff will also offer you counseling on the American Higher Education system so that you will better understand how to take advantage of all your opportunities, including the possibility of qualifying for scholarships, and the rules on paid work opportunities during and after your degree studies.

STEP 4 – YEARS 1 & 2. ENTER THE ELS CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE PATHWAY PARTNER OF YOUR CHOICE & GUARANTEE TRANSFER CREDIT

All universities guarantee transfer credit to admitted students with an adequate GPA. If you plan to transfer to one of the University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU) system campuses, your community college transfer advisor can advise you specifically which courses to take to be sure that all credits will transfer to your chosen university. Your transfer advisor can also assist you in understanding the guaranteed admission requirements.

STEP 5 – YEARS 3 & 4. ENROLL AT THE UNIVERSITY OF YOUR CHOICE AND GRADUATE WITH A DEGREE FROM A TOP RANKED UNIVERSITY

The six UC campuses participating in the Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program are: Davis, Irvine, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, Merced, and Riverside. Out-of-state universities offering TAGs include Arizona State University and the Illinois Institute of Technology.

WHAT ARE OPT (OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING) AND CPT (CURRICULAR PRACTICAL TRAINING)?

International students are permitted to work short-term in the USA after completion of their first academic year or after graduation through Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows international (F-1) students to work up to 12 months in jobs related to their major field of study, either after graduation from their degree program or after completing at least their first full academic year. OPT is not tied to any specific employer. Students who have completed degrees in STEM fields are eligible for up to 3-years (36 months) of OPT.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows international (F-1) students to gain valuable experience directly related to their major through paid or unpaid internships, a practicum, etc. CPT must be completed before graduating, must be part of the program of study or provide course-credit, and is tied to a specific employer.