English courses in San Diego
Come and take English courses in San Diego and discover the Californian way of life!
San Diego is considered to be one of the most pleasant cities to live in the United States, with a very moderate cost of living. Its mild climate, sunny skies, pretty beaches and numerous islands and peninsulas attract people from all over the world. The pleasant year-round climate means that sports enthusiasts can enjoy their favourite activities all year round.
Highlights of the destination :
- A destination emblematic of California’s gentle way of life
- Over 300 days of sunshine a year
- 2nd largest city in California
- Dynamic cultural life
- School located right in the city centre, close to the Gaslamp District, Little Italy and the very popular Horton Plaza shopping mall
- Small groups (maximum 12 students)
Our CEL partner school in San Diego is located on A Street, right in the city centre, a stone’s throw from the Gaslamp District, Little Italy and the large Horton Plaza shopping mall. 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 :
- 12 bright classrooms, equipped with the latest technology (smart TV)
- Air-conditioned school
- Free Wi-Fi access
- Relaxation room
- Outdoor patio
English courses: general information
- Length of lesson: 45 minutes
- Number of students per class: maximum 12 (average 7)
- 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)
Semi-intensive course
——
24 lessons of general English per week
The ideal programme for making rapid progress. The course includes thestandard General English moduleof 20 lessons per week and 4 lessons of a module to be chosen on site.
Lessons take place Monday to Friday from 08:45 to 12:00 2 days a week from 12:30 to 14:00 or Monday to Friday from 14:15 to 17:30 (in high season only) 2 days a week from 12:30 to 14:00
Levels offered: beginner (A0) to advanced (C2)
Intensive course
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28 lessons of general English per week
The ideal programme for making rapid progress. The course includes thestandard General English moduleof 20 lessons per week and 2 modules of your choice, each comprising 4 lessons.
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)
TOEFL preparation courses
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23, 24 or 28 lessons per week :
– 20 lessons of General English 3 lessons of TOEFL preparation
– 20 lessons of General English 4 lessons of TOEFL preparation
– 24 lessons of General English 4 lessons of TOEFL preparation
Minimum level required: advanced (C1)
Duration : from 1 to 8 weeks
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.
Example of possible activities:
- Orientation and city tour on day 1 for new arrivals
- Sports activities (beach volleyball, basketball, baseball, surf football, kayaking, etc.)
- Visit to San Diego Zoo, the Aquarium and museums
- Hiking in Balboa Park
- Bike rides along the beach
- Barbecues on the beach….
- Excursions to Seaworld, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Disneyland, Legoland…
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, breakfast
Average travel time to school: between 30 and 45 minutes by public transport (maximum 60 minutes)
Options at extra cost:
- Premium family (travel time to school: maximum 35 minutes by public transport and direct line – limited availability)
Practical information :
- Bed linen and towels provided
- Laundry: in San Diego, accommodation does not always have a washing machine
Shared room (with a student of another nationality), shared bathroom, no meals
Travel time to school: 30 to 45 minutes by public transport
Features :
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Living room
- Free Wi-Fi connection
- Smart TV
Optional extras
- Standard apartment, single room
- Premium apartment, shared or single room with private bathroom (15 to 35 minutes from the school by public transport)
Practical information
- Rooms are cleaned once every 15 days. The rest of the time, you are responsible for cleaning your own room.
- Bed linen and towels provided
- Laundry facilities available (chargeable)
- Check-in on Saturday from 4 p.m., check-out on Saturday before 11 a.m
- 500 deposit, refunded if no damage found
Shared room (with a student of another nationality), 1 bathroom per room, no meals
Travel time to school: 40 minutes by public transport
Features :
- Location: Pacific Beach/Mission Bay, 5 minute walk to the Bay (calm waters) and 20 minute walk to Pacific Beach
- Each flat consists of :
- 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms
- 1 fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher
- Free WI-FI connection
- 1 living room with TV
- 1 balcony
- Air conditioning (common areas only)
Optional extras
- Single room
Practical info
- Bed linen and towels provided
- Laundry service (chargeable)
- Your room is cleaned once a week. The rest of the time, you are responsible for cleaning your room.
- Swimming pool
- Barbecue area
- Fitness centre, tennis and beach volleyball courts
- Car park (chargeable)
- Check-in Saturday from 4 pm, check-out Saturday before 11 am
- 500 deposit, refunded if no damage found
Travel
Day of arrival: Saturday
Day of departure: Saturday
If staying in a residence or shared flat: Check-in: after 4pm; Check-out: before 11am
Airport of arrival:
- San Diego International, SAN OR Los Angeles International Airport (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
Starting 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 (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 standard apartment (twin room, no meals) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 20 lessons | 24 lessons | 28 lessons |
| 2 weeks | € 1.550 | € 1.625 | € 1.720 |
| 3 weeks | € 2.115 | € 2.230 | € 2.375 |
| 4 weeks | € 2.740 | € 2.895 | € 3.090 |
| 6 weeks | € 3.365 | € 3.560 | € 3.800 |
| 8 weeks | € 5.130 | € 5.435 | € 5.820 |
| 12 weeks | € 7.570 | € 8.035 | € 8.610 |
| 16 weeks | - | € 10.325 | € 11.090 |
| 18 weeks | - | € 11.585 | € 12.450 |
| 20 weeks | - | € 12.075 | € 13.035 |
| 24 weeks | - | € 14.440 | € 15.595 |
| 32 weeks | - | € 18.555 | € 20.095 |
| 36 weeks | - | € 20.845 | € 22.580 |
| Additional week | - | € 555 | € 590 |
| Courses & homestay (single room, breakfast) | |||
| Duration | 20 lessons | 24 lessons | 28 lessons |
| 2 weeks | € 1.740 | € 1.820 | € 1.895 |
| 3 weeks | € 2.355 | € 2.470 | € 2.590 |
| 4 weeks | € 3.030 | € 3.185 | € 3.340 |
| 6 weeks | € 4.375 | € 4.610 | € 4.840 |
| 8 weeks | € 5.610 | € 5.915 | € 6.225 |
| 12 weeks | € 8.245 | € 8.705 | € 9.170 |
| 16 weeks | - | € 11.190 | € 11.805 |
| 18 weeks | - | € 12.545 | € 13.235 |
| 20 weeks | - | € 13.130 | € 13.900 |
| 24 weeks | - | € 15.690 | € 16.615 |
| 32 weeks | - | € 20.195 | € 21.425 |
| 36 weeks | - | € 22.675 | € 24.060 |
| Additional week | - | € 600 | € 640 |
| Supplements - Per week | Low season | High season (31/05 - 27/09) | |
| Homestay | |||
| Single room, breakfast, shared bathroom | - | € 30 | |
| Single room, half board, shared bathroom | € 30 | € 60 | |
| Premium, single room, half board, shared bathroom | € 125 | € 155 | |
| Special diet (vegan / lactose-free) | € 50 | € 50 | |
| Special diet (halal) | € 70 | € 70 | |
| Standard shared apartment | |||
| Twin room, no meals | - | € 40 | |
| Single room, no meals | € 230 | € 325 | |
| Premium shared apartment | |||
| Twin room, no meals | € 60 | € 105 | |
| Single room, no meals | € 395 | € 490 | |
| Shared apartment Superior Pacific Beach | |||
| Twin room, no meals | € 105 | € 155 | |
| Single room, no meals | € 490 | € 585 | |
| Other | |||
| Surf option (2 lessons x 2 afternoons/week) | € 190 | - | |
| Transfers | |||
| Airports | San diego (SAN) | Los Angeles (LAX) | |
| One way | € 145 | € 480 | |
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 desired
- 500 deposit (for residence or shared flat)
- 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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