San Diego is a vibrant coastal city in Southern California, known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and diverse culture. It offers a unique blend of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Must-See Sights and Travel Essentials
San Diego is a fun and friendly city, perfect for learning English while enjoying everything it offers. You can relax on beautiful beaches, visit popular attractions and explore its lively neighbourhoods. Known for its warm weather, laid-back vibe and cultural diversity, San Diego consistently ranks as one of the most desirable places to live in the United States. This unique mix makes the city especially welcoming to international students.
Climate
San Diego has a temperate which is characterized by hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Average temperatures range from 14°C in Winter to 25°C in Summer. The city enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year. Rainfall is minimal, primarily occurring between November and March.
Money
The currency used in San Diego is the U.S. Dollar (USD).
Closest ATM machines to the school:
Prospect Market (convenience store to the left of the school)
Union Bank (2 blocks from the school by the #30 bus stop)
Chase Bank (2 blocks from the school by the #30 bus stop)
Telephone Country Code
The country code for the United States, including San Diego, is +1.
Electricity
110 V; 60Hz – 2 flat-pin plugs or third round pin are used.
Tap water
Tap water is safe to drink unless there is a sign to the contrary.
Transport
San Diego offers a variety of transportation options for getting around the city. If you are staying near downtown or major attractions, walking and biking are great options, as San Diego is very pedestrian-friendly.
You can buy an online bus pass by downloading the app prior to your arrival online using this link. PRONTO – Reloadable Fare Card | San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (www.sdmts.com) or at a local transit centre. You can keep this pass for the remainder of the day, or you can pay $2.50 one-way fare. Please note that you must have the exact fare; the driver cannot give you change. Bus maps are available on-line.
Rent-a-Car
Southern California is a car-oriented and car-dependent society. Therefore, you may want to consider renting a car during your visit. You can rent a car for a day, a weekend, a week or a month. There are several requirements if you wish to rent a car. You must have a valid driver’s license (from your home country; you do not have to have an international one) and you must have a major credit card or leave a cash deposit.
Taxis
Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available. You can download their apps on your phone.
Public Transport Info
San Diego’s public transportation system includes buses, trolleys, and trains operated by the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS). The trolley is a quick way to get around downtown.
Public holidays falling on a weekday
2025: 1 Jan, 20 Jan, 17 Feb, 31 Mar, 26 May, 19 Jun, 04 Jul, 01 Sept, 13 Oct, 11 Nov, 27 Nov, 28 Nov, 25 Dec.
A visa may be required depending on your nationality and length of stay. For Visa information, please visit our Visa Requirements page
If you are not at school and are in an emergency you can call 911 for an ambulance, fire department or police department from any telephone or call the school’s emergency number 1-858-449-3758.
Call the doctor to make an appointment. It is rare, in the United States, to be able to see a doctor without an appointment. If you feel that you must see a doctor immediately, you can go to an emergency room. However, depending on the seriousness of the illness or injury, you may have to wait in line for many hours at the emergency room.
If you want to consult a doctor when you are in the U.S., first of all please call the toll-free phone number on your insurance card in order to obtain a recommendation for a doctor nearby. Please show the doctor your insurance confirmation card.
If the doctor has any questions about your insurance protection, ask them to call the insurance company directly. Some doctors and hospitals insist on the patient paying the invoice at the time of service. If this is the case for you, please send the original invoice together with the completed claim form to the addresses on the claim form.
If you need immediate emergency services, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency facility.
Legal Driving Age
The minimum driving age is 16 years, but most rental companies require that you be at least 25 years old, have an international driving license, a second form of identity and a major credit card.
Alcohol Age
The legal drinking age in San Diego is 21. You may need to provide a valid ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, to purchase alcohol or enter bars.
Smoking Laws
In San Diego, smoking is prohibited in most public places, including restaurants, bars, public parks, and beaches. It is illegal to smoke within 20 feet of doorways or windows of government buildings. It is even illegal to smoke on certain beaches and parks in Southern California – so watch out for signs.
Insurance
All EC students must be covered by health insurance for the entire length of their stay in the U.S.
Cost of Living
Bottle of water / soda (0.33 litre)
$1.50-$3.00
Coffee/Cappuccino (Starbucks)
$4.00-$6.00
Fast-Food combo meal
$8.00-$11.00
Meal, inexpensive restaurant
$18.00-$25.00
Fitness club (monthly, 1 adult)
$30.00-$100.00
Public transport (local transport)
$2.25-$3.00
Public transport (monthly pass)
$70.00-$80.00
Balboa Park is not just home to the the famous San Diego zoo – this sprawling urban park also features gardens, museums, and cultural attractions. You can visit the San Diego Museum of Art, the Natural History Museum, or simply enjoy a relaxing day strolling through its beautifully manicured gardens. Balboa Park also hosts various outdoor performances and events
La Jolla Cove is famous for its picturesque coastline and vibrant marine life. You can enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, or relaxing on the beach while watching sea lions bask in the sun or diving into the clear waters.
This historic area is packed with museums, quaint shops, and restaurants, all showcasing the city’s rich cultural heritage. Wander through adobe buildings, watch live performances, and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the early days of the American West. Old Town is also a great spot for picking up unique souvenirs.
The USS Midway Museum offers a unique glimpse into naval history aboard an aircraft carrier. You can explore restored aircraft, interactive exhibits, and hear stories from veterans, providing a fascinating insight into life at sea.
These boat tours take you past landmarks such as the USS Midway Museum, Coronado Bridge, and Point Loma. Along the way, you might spot sea lions, dolphins, and even whales during migration season.
This coastal park offers miles of trails that wind through rare Torrey pine trees, sandstone cliffs, and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Torrey Pines provides a beautiful escape from the city and a chance to connect with nature.
Find out how our international students turned their first steps in language learning into important achievements that changed their lives.
At EC San Diego, we offer a range of English language courses designed to help you improve your English skills and achieve your goals.
General English is our most popular course. General English can be taken as 20, 24, 26 or 30 lessons per week. Each lesson is 45 minutes.
In addition to our General English courses, we offer a Cambridge Exam preparation course that will fully prepare you for your Cambridge Examination. This intensive course, comprising 30 lessons per week, has set start dates throughout the year.
If you are interested in Business English or workplace communication, our English for Work course (24 lessons per week) consists of 20 lessons of General English, plus 10 lessons of career-focused English for Work.
You can combine any group course at EC San Diego with any number of One-to-One private lessons. Each private English lesson is 60 minutes.
At EC San Diego, we offer two main types of accommodation: homestay with a local family or shared student apartments.
If you choose a homestay, you’ll live with a San Diego family in their home. This is a great way to experience daily life in the city and practise your English in real situations, such as during meals or conversations at home. It’s also a good choice if you want a more personal and supportive environment.
If you prefer more independence, our student shared apartments may be right for you. You’ll live with other EC students from around the world, giving you the chance to make friends and speak English every day. Apartments are fully furnished and located near shops, public transport and the beach.
Both options are safe, comfortable, and provide you with the opportunity to enjoy your time in San Diego while improving your English. Our team is here to help you select the accommodation that best suits your needs and lifestyle.
San Diego has great weather and lots of fun things to do outdoors. Surfing is very popular here, and you can even join a course that combines English lessons with surf lessons. It’s a fun way to learn and enjoy the ocean. You can also visit the famous San Diego Zoo, go sea kayaking, or explore Balboa Park with its gardens and museums. On weekends, it’s easy to take trips to other places in California like Los Angeles or even cross the border to Tijuana, Mexico. San Diego also has amazing food, with a mix of Mexican and Californian flavours. EC San Diego has a social programme to help you enjoy the city, meet new people and practise your English outside the classroom.
Visa requirements for studying English in San Diego vary depending on your nationality, the length of your stay, and the type of course you plan to take. It’s important to understand the specific rules that apply to your situation. Our team can help guide you through the process and provide the information you need. Contact us for advice and support tailored to your individual case.
San Diego is one of the top places in the United States to learn English. With its warm climate, beautiful coastline and friendly local community, it offers the ideal balance between study and lifestyle. When you learn English in San Diego, you’ll enjoy an active, outdoor environment where you can surf, hike, and explore the city after class. It’s a relaxed and welcoming place, perfect for international students who want to experience real American culture while improving their English fluency. You’ll practise English every day, not just in the classroom but also while making friends, going out, and living the California lifestyle. Whether you’re here for a short course or a longer stay, San Diego provides the space to grow your confidence and use English in real-world situations.
