STEM Exploration Program
The STEM Exploration Program (SEP): Students will gain English language skills while exploring applied Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) in the San Francisco Bay Area. Student activities include site visits to experience and learn about topics including computer science, engineering, mathematics, life sciences and environmental sustainability.
The program is designed for undergraduate and graduate students and professionals. There are two- to four-week programs available. Customized programs and dates are available for groups, for example, the Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program.
Experience
Highlights
- Northern California Bay Area
- Silicon Valley tour
- Field trips and site visits
- Interact with industry and academic experts
- Conversation partnering in groups with local undergraduate and graduate students
Themes
- Biological Science
- Engineering
- Generative AI
- Data Science
- Food Science & Nutrition
- Entrepreneurship
- Environmental Protection
- Chemistry & Materials Science
Advance Your Knowledge
- Learn and discuss current topics in applied science and technology
- Create and deliver short academic presentations
- Practice listening and speaking English in and out of the classroom
No student visa (F-1) required. ESTA or B-2 Visa.
About the STEM Exploration Program
Cost and Length
Cost:
$1,535 - $2,995
Length:
2 - 4 Weeks
When to Start:
Spring, Summer, Winter
Program Fees Include:
- 15 hours a week of classroom instruction + excursions and cultural events
- Entrance fees for visits to museums
- Silicon Valley one-day trip including transportation
- San Francisco Bay cruise
- Excursion leaders on all site visits
- An unlimited monthly San Francisco public transportation (Muni) pass
- Weekly SF State faculty lectures integrated into lessons
- SF State Conversation Partners joining lessons daily
- Airport pick-ups available for groups for additional fee
Age Requirement
You must be 18 years old and a high school graduate to join the STEM Exploration program.
No Visa Required
No visa is required for the STEM Exploration program. STEM Exploration is a part-time, noncredit program for people who wish to improve their English in the United States. The program is for people whose main purpose in the U.S. is not academic study.
People with many types of visas and immigration status may participate in the STEM Exploration program. Please email globaled@sfsu.edu with any questions about visas and immigration.
The American Language Institute does not issue an I-20 for an F-1 visa for the STEM Exploration program. If you are interested in a program that issues an I-20 for an F-1 visa, please visit English for Academic Preparation.
Academic Break
If you have an F-1 visa, you may enroll in the STEM Exploration program if a session falls during a school holiday or academic break. Please check with your current school to be sure you are able to take an academic break.
Location
The STEM Exploration program classes will be held at the San Francisco State University campus. The SFSU campus is located in a quiet and safe neighborhood near the Pacific Ocean.
Housing
We recommend that you start looking for housing as soon as possible.
Summer
SFSU on-campus housing is available for Summer A session only. Please visit the CGE housing page for information, as it becomes available. Contact globaled@sfsu.edu for off-campus housing information.
Winter, Spring and Summer B
Contact globaled@sfsu.edu for off-campus housing resources.
Dates and Tuition
Winter 2026
| Program Length | Program Dates | Program Fees | Priority Application Deadline* | Housing** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 weeks | January 12 - February 6, 2026 | $2, 995 | November 15, 2025 | Off-campus housing |
| 3 weeks | January 12 - January 30, 2026 | $2,305 | November 15, 2025 | Off-campus housing |
| 2 weeks | January 12 - January 23, 2025 | $1,535 | November 15, 2025 | Off-campus housing |
*Applications may be accepted after the priority deadline depending on space availability.
**Rates are per person and subject to change. See Housing for details.
Spring 2026
| Program Length | Program Dates | Program Fees | Priority Application Deadline* | Housing** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 weeks | February 16 - March 13, 2026 | $2,995 | December 15, 2025 | Off-campus housing |
| 3 weeks | February 16 - March 6, 2026 | $2,305 | December 15, 2025 | Off-campus housing |
| 2 weeks | February 16 - 27, 2026 | $1,535 | December 15, 2025 | Off-campus housing |
*Applications may be accepted after the priority deadline depending on space availability.
**Rates are per person and subject to change. See Housing for details.
Summer A 2025
| Program Length | Program Dates | Program Fees | Priority Application Deadline* | Housing** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 weeks | July 7 - August 1, 2025 | $2,995 | May 5, 2025 | On- or off-campus housing | On-campus rate: $1,876 |
| 3 weeks | July 7 - July 25, 2025 | $2,305 | May 5, 2025 | On- or off-campus housing | On-campus rate: $1,407 |
| 2 weeks | July 7 - July 18, 2025 | $1,535 | May 5, 2025 | On- or off-campus housing | On-campus rate: $938 |
*Applications may be accepted after the priority deadline depending on space availability.
**Rates are per person and subject to change. See Housing for details.
Summer B 2025
| Program Length | Program Dates | Program Fees | Priority Application Deadline* | Housing** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 weeks | August 11 - September 5, 2025 | $2,995 | June 5, 2025 | Off-campus housing |
| 3 weeks | August 11 - August 29, 2025 | $2,305 | June 5, 2025 | Off-campus housing |
| 2 weeks | August 11 - August 22, 2025 | $1,535 | June 5, 2025 | Off-campus housing |
*Applications may be accepted after the priority deadline depending on space availability.
**Rates are per person and subject to change. See Housing for details.
News and Events
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SFSU will be closed for Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2025.