All ELI teachers are professionals with a Master's Degree in Teaching English as a Second Language or in a related field, and experience in teaching adults. The ELI's English classes are not for university credit. This special feature of the ELI makes the transition from language study to university study easier and more successful. Students who take a class through Open Enrollment also take the ELI's Academic Support class. A student who would like to be considered for a waiver must demonstrate that he or she is qualified.
Students can choose from a variety of living arrangements.
San Francisco has many residence hotels, some with meal service, within walking distance of Golden Gate University. In addition, there are apartments both near the university and accessible by the San Francisco Bay Area's excellent public transportation system. The ELI can refer interested students to a Homestay placement service if they are interested in living with an American family. Full-time international students apply using the application form included in the ELI brochure or downloaded from this website. The signature of the student is required, as are an application fee, and a bank letter certifying financial resources for two semesters of study.