Golden Gate bridge - San Francisco

English course in Berkeley, San Francisco

Take an English course in San Francisco, home to many iconic landmarks, such as the Golden Gate Bridge and the imposing Alcatraz Island

8 classrooms
Student lounge and games room
Self-study centre
Library
Multimedia centre
Interactive whiteboards
Wi-Fi
Wheelchair accessible
Accredited by ACCET and BPPE
University admissions service

Our school in Berkeley, San Francisco

Immerse yourself in a thriving academic and cultural scene while studying English at our well-established language school! Berkeley offers our students the opportunity to become part of a vibrant student community, with the prestigious college located just a stones throw from our language facility. The language school has close links with the college, and students who complete the higher Intermediate level can use their certificate to help gain admission to Berkeley City.

Our school boasts air-conditioned classrooms (please note not all classrooms have this), modern teaching equipment, and excellent student common and self-study areas for socialising and extra language practise. Downtown San Francisco is just a 20-minute drive away, making it very easy to visit the delights of this world-famous city daily should you wish to!

Photos

English course in San Francisco
Studying in the park
The student residence
Single room in the residence

Berkeley, San Francisco

San Francisco is home to many iconic landmarks, such as the Golden Gate Bridge and the imposing Alcatraz Island. This beautiful city boasts so much more than the typical tourist sites though. Why not shop for vintage treasures at Haight-Ashbury, learn to windsurf off Crissy Field East Bridge, spend an afternoon photographing street art in the Mission District, or seek out the colourful mosaic staircases that are dotted around. Of course, no trip to San Fran would be complete without a journey on a streetcar or visit to see the sealions at Pier 39, so make sure you tick these off the list too!

Berkeley is just a short drive or BART journey from San Francisco and its fascinating social and political history has shaped it into one of the most diverse and welcoming cities in the country. Experience an eclectic arts scene, thrilling entertainment options and a uniquely dynamic college town vibe.

Foodies will be spoilt for choice as well, with San Francisco offering more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other destination in the Americas. If casual dining is more your thing, head to Fisherman’s Wharf and Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco, and North Berkeley when you’ve crossed back over the water, for mouthwatering eats with a smaller price tag!

Courses in Berkeley, San Francisco

Available courses

    Regardless of the type of course chosen, rest assured you will benefit from a total immersion language programme taught by fully qualified, native speaking teachers. Whether you choose to take the Intensive course of 20 or 28 lessons per week, you can be confident you will make as much progress as possible in the time available to you. Lessons can take place in the morning or afternoon, depending on how many students there are and how the levels are distributed. The timetable will be confirmed on the first day of the programme. Lessons will always be grouped together to enable you to make the most of your free time. Group classes are available to students with at least a high elementary (A2) level of English.

    The Intensive course will focus on all aspects of language learning, with lessons incorporating speaking, listening, reading, writing and grammar. For students who want to maximise their time in San Francisco, there is also the option to add 8 special focus sessions (as part of the Super Intensive programme), which cover a range of topics including language skills practise, culture, and literature. For students with at least an intermediate level of English it is possible to focus on Business English or TOEFL Exam Preparation.

    If you have specific goals, or want to study on a one-to-one basis, consider Private Lessons. You will be able to determine the topics and pace of the lessons, enabling you to learn English in the way that best suits you.

    For the chance to become an honorary San Franciscan (or Berkeleyan/Berkeleyite!), join a long-term Academic Year programme, which offers English lessons at a lower weekly price.

    Please contact us if you require further information concerning any of our English courses.

    Accommodation

    Available accommodation

      A stay with a local, English-speaking host family is an experience like no other. You will have regular opportunity to practise your English skills in a relaxed and welcoming environment. If you are travelling alone book a single room - students travelling with a friend or family member can share a twin room if preferred. Your accommodation will be offered on a half-board basis, meaning breakfast and dinner will be provided each day. Enjoy living like a local and experience life in the Bay Area on a day-to-day basis. You will have your own bedroom and share the bathroom with the family members. Bed linen and towels will be provided. Host families live around 45-60 minutes from the school by public transport. All students under the age of 18 years have to book host family accommodation to ensure a higher level of support and supervision.

      If you’d rather a shorter commute, book a stay in the student residence, which is conveniently located just two minutes on foot from the school! You will have your own bedroom and access to shared bathrooms and kitchen facilities. If you don’t feel like cooking the location in Downtown Berkeley means you’ll never be far from a local eatery (or you can take advantage of the Wi-Fi and order-in!). This non-smoking accommodation option also offers access to a gym and swimming pool.

      Activities

      Our school offers a varied and regular activity programme, which kicks off with a welcome activity every Monday for all new students. In addition to this, you’ll be able to get to know your fellow students while taking part in fun activities like bowling, sports, and trips to the movies. There will also be tours of UC Berkeley, outings to watch live music performances, and the option to take in a soccer or baseball game, among others.

      How to get there

      The area is served by two airports, which are Oakland International Airport and San Francisco International Airport. Students can make their own way to their accommodation, or we can arrange a private transfer service at extra cost.

      Location: Berkeley, California
      Nearest convenience store: 35 m
      Nearest café: 160 m
      Nearest metro stop: 54 m (Downtown Berkeley station)
      Distance from train station: 3 km
      Nearest bus stop: 34 m (Shattuck Sq & Center St)
      Distance from airport: 21.5 km (Oakland International Airport) or 38.8 km (San Francisco International Airport)


      Location of our school in Berkeley, San Francisco

      Prices for Berkeley, San Francisco

      Choose your course below to view our prices in pounds sterling (GBP), US dollars (USD) or euros (EUR).

      (b) = start dates suitable for complete beginners and all other levels
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