English courses in Los Angeles, Santa Monica

Have you ever dreamt of walking along the famous “Walk of Fame” in Hollywood, strolling along the Pier in Santa Monica or the broadway in Venice Beach, or shopping in LA’s most amazing shopping centre, The Grove?

Come and study English in Los Angeles and discover all the facets of this legendary city. Known, of course, for its film and entertainment industry, this sprawling megalopolis, made up of multiple city districts, has something for everyone and is just waiting to be explored. There’s something for everyone, at any time of the day or night! Think of something, it’s likely to exist here!

Highlights of the destination

  • A fascinating, mythical city where there’s never a dull moment
  • 340 days of sunshine a year
  • School located in the heart of Santa Monica, the pearl of LA, just a few blocks from Santa Monica Beach and the Pier
  • Close to Hollywood and Venice Beach
  • Modern, fully air-conditioned school with a breathtaking view of the city
  • Small level groups (maximum 12 students)

The CEL school is located on Arizona Avenue, 6 blocks from the famous Santa Monica pier and the beach (15 minute walk), and 2 steps from Santa Monica’s main shopping street, the famous 3rd Street Promenade with its fashion boutiques and numerous restaurants.

The school is renowned for its academic excellence, accredited by highly glowing inspection reports.

Accreditations: CEA (Commission of English Language Accreditation), English USA

The school offers :

  • 8 bright, modern classrooms equipped with the latest technology (smart TV)
  • Air-conditioned school
  • Relaxation room with TV
  • Free Wi-Fi access

English courses: general information

  • Length of lesson: 45 minutes
  • Number of students per class: maximum 12 (average 8)
  • Timetable: lessons take place in the morning or afternoon.
  • Placement test: on the first day of the course
  • Certificate of attendance at the end of the course
  • Weekly progress evaluation
  • All teachers are university graduates (BA or Master) with specific training in teaching their mother tongue to foreigners

Standard courses

——
20 lessons of general English per week

4 lessons per day during which you will improve the 4 fundamental skills of written and oral expression, listening comprehension and reading. You will also develop your ability to use practical English in everyday life.
Classes run from Monday to Friday from 08:45 to 12:00 or from 14:15 to 17:30 (in high season only)

Levels offered: beginner (A0) to advanced (C2)

Intensive course

——
28 lessons of general English per week

Ideal programme for rapid progress. Courses include thestandard General English moduleof 20 lessons per week and 8 lessons of a module to be chosen on site.

Courses run from Monday to Friday from 08:45 to 14:00 or from 12:30 to 17:30 (in high season only)

Levels offered: beginner (A0) to advanced (C2)

Semi-intensive course

——
24 lessons of general English per week

Ideal programme for rapid progress. Courses include thestandard General English moduleof 20 lessons per week 4 lessons of a module to be chosen on site.

Courses run Monday to Friday from 08:45 to 12:00 2 days per week from 12:30 to 14:00 or Monday to Friday from 14:15 to 17:30 (in high season only) 2 days per week from 12:30 to 14:00

Levels offered: beginner (A0) to advanced (C2)

TOEFL preparation course

——
24 or 28 lessons per week
20 general English lessons 4 or 8 TOEFL preparation lessons

Minimum level required
: advanced (C1)
Details and prices: please contact us

Every week, the school organises cultural activities in the afternoons and evenings, in which you are free to participate or not. These activities may be free or offered at cost, and their frequency varies according to the time of year.

Examples of possible activities:

  • Orientation and city tour on day 1 for newcomers
  • Sports activities (beach volleyball, basketball, baseball, etc.)
  • Hollywood tour, Venice Beach, Griffiths Observatory, Universal Studios, etc.
  • Whale watching
  • Barbecues on the beach….
  • Excursions to San Diego, Las Vegas, Disneyland, San Francisco, Universal Studios…

Surfing option: 2 surf sessions x 2 afternoons per week to be combined with the course of your choice

Surfing levels: beginner to intermediate

Single room, shared bathroom, breakfast

Options at extra cost: half board

Average travel time to the school: between 40 and 50 minutes by public transport (maximum 75 minutes)

Practical information :

  • Bed linen and towels provided
  • Laundry can be done in most host families

Shared room available on request, only for 2 people travelling together

Shared room (with a student of another nationality), shared bathroom, without meals

Features :

  • Small shared or single rooms
  • No meals included
  • Travel time to school: 30-45 minutes by public transport
    Location : different areas of Los Angeles (e.g. Westwood)

Options at extra cost

  • Single room

Practical information

  • Fully equipped kitchen
  • Free WIFI access
  • Bed linen and towels provided
  • Laundry available (chargeable)
  • Check-in Saturday from 4 pm, check-out Saturday before 11 am
  • 500 deposit, refunded if no damage is found
  • The common areas are cleaned every other week. You are responsible for cleaning your own room.

Comfort and premium flats available on request. Please contact us for further information.

Student House is a luxury hostel-style residence. It’s the ideal place to meet students from all over the world.

Rooms consist of sleeping pods, shared bathroom, no meals

Features

  • “Sleeping pods
  • No meals included
  • Shared bathroom and kitchen
  • Travel time to school: 30 minutes by public transport
  • Location: Venice (20 minutes walk from Venice Beach)

Practical information

  • Free WIFI access
  • Bed linen and towels provided
    Large fully equipped kitchen
  • Rooftop terrace with BBQ
  • Outdoor patio
  • Fitness room
  • Jacuzzi
  • Yoga room
  • Lockers available
  • Laundry available (chargeable)
  • 500 deposit, refunded if no damage is found
  • The common areas are cleaned every day from Monday to Friday

Travel

Day of arrival: Saturday
Day of departure: Saturday

Homestay: Check-in: before 10 pm

Accommodation in a student house or shared flat: Check-in on Saturday from 4 pm, check-out on Saturday before 11 am

Arrival airport:

  • Los Angeles International, LAX

Transfer available on request (chargeable, see price table)

Note: do not book your ticket until we have confirmed your stay.

Visa information

Do you need a visa to follow this programme? For more information, please consult our Visa Information page. Note for European Union nationals: standard courses lasting less than 90 days do not require a student visa. However, an ESTA is still required.

Please do not hesitate to contact us by email or telephone if you would like more information on this subject.

Dates 2024

Session start dates: courses start every Monday throughout the year, except if Monday is a public holiday, in which case the session starts on Tuesday.

Public holidays and holidays: no classes will be given on these dates: 1/01, 15/01, 19/02, 27/05, 4/07, 2/09, 28/11, 29/11, 25/12

Lessons on 29 November will be made up. The school will not be closed during Christmas week, except on 25 December.

Prices 2024

All taxes and registration fees included

WPCS 42.0.3
Lessons & accommodation (homestay, single room, breakfast
Duration20 lessons24 lessons30 lessons
2 weeks 1.405 1.460 1.580
3 weeks 2.010 2.095 2.270
4 weeks 2.615 2.730 2.965
6 weeks 3.800 3.975 4.320
8 weeks 4.925 5.155 5.620
12 weeks 7.290 7.640 8.330
16 weeks- 9.965 10.890
18 weeks- 11.190 12.225
20 weeks- 11.835 12.985
24 weeks- 14.160 15.545
32 weeks- 18.510 20.355
36 weeks- 20.800 22.875
Additional week- 570 630
Supplements - Per weekLow seasonHigh season
Homestay
Single room, breakfast- 20
Single room, half board 50 65
Supplements - Per week1 to 3 weeks4 to 8 weeks8 weeks or more
Apartment accommodation
Standard shared apartment, twin room, no meals 155 95 65
Standard shared apartment, single room, no meal 300 200 175
Premium shared apartment, shared room, no meal 145 145 145
Premium shared apartment, single room, no meals 415 415 415
Others
Special Diet 35-
Express shipping for visa 70-
Surf option (2 lessons x 2 afternoons / week) 270-
Transfer - from Los Angeles Airport (LAX)
Per journey 120

The above prices include:

  • The chosen course programme
  • Accommodation as described
  • Teaching materials
  • Unlimited Internet access
  • All taxes and school administration costs

Not included:

  • Return journey to destination
  • Transfers
  • Optional exam fees, if required
  • Deposit for the student house or shared flat ($500 to be paid on site – credit card recommended)
  • Visa fees
  • Optional insurance

Note: medical and assistance insurance is compulsory to enter the United States. For more information on the insurance offered by Langues Vivantes, click here.

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