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Your EC San Diego experience continues at CEL San Diego

Study English at CEL San Diego

EC San Diego is now operated by CEL San Diego! Your English courses can still be booked through EC, and classes will take place at CEL’s award-winning campus, just 15 minutes from La Jolla. Enjoy expert teachers, modern classrooms, and the same great General English and exam preparation programs you love.

Learn English in San Diego, one of America’s friendliest, most laid-back coastal cities and home to Southern California’s best beaches. With perfect weather and a health-conscious outdoor culture, San Diego is a student paradise. Surf the waves between classes. Visit the famous San Diego Zoo. Or go sea kayaking. Our activities programme will help you immerse yourself in all the city has to offer while you learn English in multinational classrooms. 

Gallery

What you can expect at your San Diego English School

*Images are for representation purpose only. Actual furnishings may differ from those shown. Amenities and services are subject to change.

Find your perfect English course in San Diego

Explore your English language programmes 

  • Most Popular

General English

The general English language courses are based on a curriculum designed to improve English language skills and achieve academic success. Gain confidence and fluency in San Diego

Business Certificate

Project based learning for students who want a business certificate to further their career in the English-speaking business world. Choose from four Business Certificate options.

Academic Year

Our Academic Year course lets you fully immerse yourself in English while living in San Diego. Gain fluency, experience local culture, and build lifelong skills!

Cambridge Exam

Prepare for your Cambridge Exam in San Diego. CEL offers First (FCE) and Advanced (CAE) exam preparation courses throughout the year in small classes.

TOEFL Preparation

Prepare for one of the world’s biggest language proficiency qualifications in San Diego. Our TOEFL exam course prepares you to take the test with confidence.

Your English language programme includes 

Online placement test 

Take your placement test so we can put you in the correct class for your English level, access our library of self-study activities, or attend free online classes before you even arrive. 

Quality English lessons 

Study in multinational classes from Monday to Friday with qualified English teachers in courses guaranteed to improve your English skills. 

Student app

Your all-in-one study app connects you with everything you need for your San Diego English course

Social and cultural programme

Join us for a programme of social activities and excursions to help you make the most of your time learning English in San Diego.

Interactive TVs 

welcome event

Student lounge 

Student Computers

Wi-fi

Student accommodation in San Diego

Find the perfect place to live while learning English in San Diego. Choose from welcoming homestays or modern student apartments, all conveniently located within easy reach of the school.

Homestay

Stay with a local host in a single or twin room. Options include breakfast only or breakfast and dinner. Travel time to school: 30–75 minutes by bus.

Premium Homestay

Enjoy a private single room in a carefully selected homestay. Convenient nonstop bus connection with around 35 minutes to school.

Standard Shared Apartment

Live with other students in a shared apartment. Includes shared bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen. About 20 minutes to school by bus.

Premium Shared Apartment

Modern shared apartments with great facilities, including a pool, jacuzzi, and BBQ area. Accommodation features a shared bathroom, a full kitchen with dishwasher, and is only 20 minutes by bus to school.

Superior Shared Apartment – Pacific Beach

Stylish apartments with excellent amenities such as a pool, fitness centre, beach volleyball, and tennis courts. Includes private bathrooms and is just a 25-minute walk to school.

  • All
  • Sightseeing & Culture
Orange Carpet Experience

Orientation

With our dedicated teaching staff,  accommodation services and student services teams, we offer the perfect mix of expertise to give you all the help and support you need.

Sightseeing & Culture

Little Italy

Escape to the heart of San Diego’s vibrant Little Italy! This charming neighbourhood is a culinary paradise, with a delightful blend of traditional Italian fare and modern culinary creations.

Sightseeing & Culture

Gaslamp Quarter 

Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter! This historic district, with its charming Victorian architecture and bustling streets, transforms into a bustling nightlife hub after dark.

Sightseeing & Culture

USS Midway Museum

Prepare to be awe-inspired as you step aboard the USS Midway, a legendary aircraft carrier turned museum, right here in San Diego. Get ready to experience the thrill of naval history firsthand!

Sightseeing & Culture

Nature & Parks

Escape to San Diego, where lush landscapes and vibrant wildlife await. Embark on an unforgettable journey through the wonders of nature at the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld Park, and Safari Park.

Sports & Outdoor

Water Sports in San Diego

Calling all water lovers! San Diego is a haven for adventure and excitement, with stunning beaches, vibrant waters, and a wide range of water sports to explore. 

Sightseeing & Culture
Sports & Outdoor

Harbour Boat Cruises 

Get ready to experience the magic of San Diego Bay like never before. Join an unforgettable harbour boat cruise where you might just catch a glimpse of majestic whales while exploring the bay!

Sightseeing & Culture
Sports & Outdoor

La Jolla

La Jolla is a beautiful place in San Diego. It has a lot of fancy stores, restaurants, and art galleries. You can see seals playing in the water, walk on pretty beaches, and enjoy the views from the cliffs. 

Nationality mix

24%

Swiss

12%

Japanese

12%

Saudi

10%

French

6%

Brazilian

6%

Korean

4%

German

26%

Other (37)

Age mix

16-17
12%
18-20
24%
21-25
23%
26-30
17%
31-40
15%
41-50
6%
51+
3%

Centre information

Centre capacity: 336

Classrooms: 14

Minimum age: 16

Average class size: 6-7 (max. 12)

Wheelchair accessible  


Phone number:  +1 (858) 412-6888

Accreditation

Opening hours

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Office hours

08:30 – 16:30

08:30 – 16:30

08:30 – 16:30

08:30 – 16:30

08:30 – 16:30

Closed

Closed

08:30 – 16:00

Map

CEL San Diego

945 Hornblend Street, Suite G, 2nd floor, San Diego, CA 92109 

Insights and Updates

ST Awards won by EC English

Be inspired by the stories of our students

Find out how our international students turned their first steps in language learning into important achievements that changed their lives.

Study English in San Diego

Learn English in San Diego and explore one of the most exciting cities in California. Improve your English fluency while enjoying life by the ocean. Learn English as a second language in a city known for its beaches, relaxed lifestyle and access to American culture. San Diego is also close to Los Angeles (only 2 hours away), giving you the chance to explore more of Southern California while you study. Whether you’re learning English for work, education, travel or personal growth, San Diego is an ideal place to study and live.

Learn English in San Diego

Join our English language school in San Diego and get the support you need to reach your goals. Located in Pacific Beach, our school offers English for specific purposes and general English courses. Our English + Surfing option is a package that all our students love! Our student care team is here to help you feel welcome and focused. With a strong nationality mix, you’ll speak English every day and meet classmates from around the world. Whether you’re starting from beginner level or aiming for advanced fluency, San Diego is the place to learn and grow.

Living and learning in San Diego

When you learn English in San Diego, your experience goes beyond the classroom. Enjoy student life in a safe, friendly city with plenty to do after lessons. You can stay with a local host family or in shared student accommodation close to the school. Practice English daily with native speakers as you explore the local area. From surfing and hiking to visiting museums and cultural sites, living in San Diego helps you connect with American culture while improving your language skills. Make the most of your time in California while studying English in one of the best places to learn.

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