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
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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
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28 lessons of general English per week
Ideal programme for rapid progress. Courses include thestandard General English module of 20 lessons per week + 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
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24 lessons of general English per week
Ideal programme for rapid progress. Courses include thestandard General English module of 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
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24 or 28 lessons per week
20 general English lessons 4 or 8 TOEFL preparation lessons
Minimum level required: advanced (C1)
Duration: maximum 12 weeks
Details and prices: 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
- Upgrade: comfort, premium or studio (contact us for more information)
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.
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 2025
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, 20/01, 17/02, 26/05, 19/06, 4/07, 1/09, 27/11, 28/11, 25/12
Lessons on 28 November will be made up. The school will not be closed during Christmas week, except on 25 December.
Prices 2025
All taxes and registration fees included
| Courses & Accommodation in Shared Economy Apartment (twin room, no meals) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 20 lessons | 24 lessons | 28 lessons |
| 2 weeks | € 1.645 | € 1.720 | € 1.800 |
| 3 weeks | € 2.260 | € 2.375 | € 2.490 |
| 4 weeks | € 2.935 | € 3.090 | € 3.240 |
| 6 weeks | € 4.280 | € 4.510 | € 4.745 |
| 8 weeks | € 5.510 | € 5.820 | € 6.130 |
| 12 weeks | € 8.150 | € 8.610 | € 9.070 |
| 16 weeks | - | € 11.090 | € 11.710 |
| 18 weeks | - | € 12.450 | € 13.140 |
| 20 weeks | - | € 13.035 | € 13.805 |
| 24 weeks | - | € 15.595 | € 16.520 |
| 32 weeks | - | € 20.095 | € 21.330 |
| 36 weeks | - | € 22.580 | € 23.965 |
| Additional week | - | € 600 | € 640 |
| Courses & Homestay (single room, breakfast) | |||
| Duration | 20 lessons | 24 lessons | 28 lessons |
| 2 weeks | € 1.800 | € 1.875 | € 1.955 |
| 3 weeks | € 2.445 | € 2.560 | € 2.675 |
| 4 weeks | € 3.145 | € 3.300 | € 3.455 |
| 6 weeks | € 4.550 | € 4.780 | € 5.010 |
| 8 weeks | € 5.840 | € 6.145 | € 6.455 |
| 12 weeks | € 8.590 | € 9.055 | € 9.515 |
| 16 weeks | - | € 11.650 | € 12.265 |
| 18 weeks | - | € 13.065 | € 13.755 |
| 20 weeks | - | € 13.710 | € 14.480 |
| 24 weeks | - | € 16.385 | € 17.305 |
| 32 weeks | - | € 21.115 | € 22.350 |
| 36 weeks | - | € 23.715 | € 25.100 |
| Additional week | - | € 630 | € 670 |
| Supplements - Per week | Low season | High season (31/05-27/09) | |
| Homestay | |||
| Single room, breakfast | - | € 30 | |
| Single room, half board | € 30 | € 60 | |
| Special diet (vegan / lactose intolerance) | € 50 | - | |
| Special diet (halal) | € 70 | - | |
| Shared Economy Apartment | |||
| Shared room, no meals | - | € 30 | |
| Single room, no meals | € 300 | € 345 | |
| Upgrade - standard, comfort or studio apartment | Nous consulter | - | |
| Student House | |||
| Sleeping pod, no meals | € 145 | ||
| Other | |||
| Surf option (2 lessons x 2 afternoons/week) | € 335 | ||
| I-20 Express mail fee | € 70 | ||
| Transfer (per trip) | |||
| From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) | € 145 | ||
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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