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
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
Spring 2027
| Program Length | Program Dates | Program Fees | Priority Application Deadline* | Housing** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 weeks | Feb. 15 to March 12 | $2,995 | Dec. 15, 2026 | Off-campus housing |
| 3 weeks | Feb. 15 to March 5 | $2,305 | Dec. 15, 2026 | Off-campus housing |
| 2 weeks | Feb. 15 to Feb. 26 | $1,535 | Dec. 15, 2026 | Off-campus housing |
*Applications may be accepted after the priority deadline depending on space availability.
**See Housing for details.
Refund Deadlines
| Term | 100% Refund Deadline | 75% Refund Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 | Friday, Jan. 15 | Sunday, Feb. 14 |
Refund Directions - Refunds Are Not Automatic
- Email globaled@sfsu.edu
- Subject: STEM Exploration (your program session and week) cancel request
- Fill out
- Your name
- SFSU ID
- Reasons for cancellation
- Payment method (e.g., Flywire international payment)
Contact globaled@sfsu.edu if you have any questions.
Sample Afternoon Schedule (Subject to Change)
|
|
MONDAY |
TUESDAY |
WEDNESDAY |
THURSDAY |
FRIDAY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1: Structural Engineering and Design |
Campus Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise | San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) | Intelligent Structural Hazard Mitigation Lab |
Free Afternoon | Golden Gate Bridge and Fort Point |
| Week 2: Technology Innovation and AI |
Free Afternoon | Exploratorium | Silicon Valley Visit | Exploratorium | de Young Museum of Fine Arts |
| Week 3: Interdisciplinary STEM |
Faculty Speaker | Walt Disney Family Museum | Free Afternoon | Cam Denney, Cartographer, Geospatial Scientist | Cable Car Museum and Lombard Street |
| Week 4: Applied STEM and Sustainability |
Faculty Speaker | Oracle Park: Home of the SF Giants — STEM Tour | California Academy of Sciences | Ferry to Sausalito | Closing Ceremony, Free Afternoon |
Note:
- STEM Exploration morning classroom instruction, including conversation time with SFSU students, totals 15 hours per week from Monday to Friday.
- There will be no classes or afternoon excursions on holidays, such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Labor Day.
What's Included
The program includes:
- All class materials
- 15 hours a week of STEM related classroom instruction excluding holidays
- Visits to a variety of San Francisco neighborhoods, landmarks, museums and activities such as San Francisco Bay Cruise
- Guest lectures from University faculty or industry experts
- An unlimited monthly San Francisco public transportation pass