40 Years of Success

The American Language Institute at San Diego State University is celebrating its 40th birthday this year, recognizing four decades of excellence in providing English language training to students from around the world.

“Over the years, we’ve had tens of thousands of students, with enrollees from nearly every nation on earth,” said senior director and veteran teacher Van Hillier, who has been with the institute for 27 of the 40 years.

Starting out with a few office spaces on the edge of the SDSU campus in 1974, the program has grown to become one of the largest university-based English as a second language programs in the country, with more than 4,000 students entering its doors every year.

“We have always prided ourselves on being a pathway to professional and academic development and success for our students,” Hillier said.

The institute, a division of SDSU’s College of Extended Studies, has grown over the years to offer language programs in seven main areas: Intensive English for Communication, Business English, English for Academic Purposes, Pre-MBA and Pre-Master’s, Semester at SDSU, Business for Global Practices, and Teacher Training.

Serving students

Today, students from many different countries and cultures come together to learn in an environment that prides itself on academic quality and service to students.

“Our faculty is top notch, and many of them have been with us for more than 20 years,” Hillier said.

“I think we stress not only the teaching of English, but also how to be successful in the use of English whether it is being learned to go on to a university here, or to go back home and be successful in business."

Students reap the benefits of many developments over the years both in and out of the classroom.

In the classroom, there are many different programs to choose from and many different language skill levels offered in those programs so that each student gets a tailored program that fits their level of English skill.

Outside the classroom, there is a constant offering of activities from community service to trips to Los Angeles, the mountains, and other destinations. There are also a variety of elective offerings such as surfing and golf, to a whole range of intramural sports.

“The American Language Institute has been in existence long enough that often times our faculty members are teaching the children of those whom they taught many years ago. I guess that’s a result of longevity, and confidence in our programs.”