English Courses in Santa Barbara
Overview
The charming city of Santa Barbara, known as the American Riviera, is located between the steep hills of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, just two hours north of Los Angeles. Its beautiful beaches, majestic mountains, and colorful culture make Santa Barbara a premier resort destination. World-class accommodations and dining await its many visitors.
Why study English in Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara a popular destination for international students for several reasons:
Weather
The warm California climate lasts the entire year. That means students will be able to enjoy year-round barbecues, picnics, beach walks, kayaking, surfing, and other outdoor activities.
Lifestyle
With the sunny weather and perfect temperatures, people are always outside, soaking up the sun on East Beach, hiking to Gaviota Peak, paddle boarding along the coast, or going to the many festivals. International students will find many fun things to do and meet local people with whom to do them.
Cuisine
Santa Barbara has more restaurants than any other city in the country.
Location
In downtown Santa Barbara, there is the vibrant State Street, and near the city, the charming small-town beach of Carpinteria. Students can visit the beautiful Riviera, which resembles the Mediterranean coast of France, or climb to the top of The Mesa for the best scenic views.
Education
Santa Barbara is constantly investing in and producing out some of the country’s brightest young professionals.
Spanish history and Culture
Santa Barbara’s rich cultural history and Spanish heritage are everywhere.
Language Schools and Camps in this Destination
In Santa Barbara, Marshall Language Services also works with the following English language schools:
- Kaplan English Santa Barbara
Images of Santa Barbara, California
Things to Do and See During a Vacation Study
Whether it’s hiking, fine-dining, water sports, going to the beach, culture, or a great night-life, Santa Barbara has something for everyone:
State Street
State Street cuts through downtown and leads onto the world famous Stearns Wharf. There are shops, art galleries, theaters and museums, including the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, which houses permanent collections of American, European and Asian art.
Beaches
There are three major beaches in Santa Barbara: Leadbetter, West and East. Leadbetter Beach includes the harbor, West Beach is home to the fireworks on the Fourth of July and East Beach offers the least crowds.
Santa Barbara Old Mission
In the northwest part of town, just four blocks from State Street, the Santa Barbara Mission offers visitors a glimpse at the city’s early origins.
El Presidio de Santa Barbara
The nearly 6-acre state historic park consists of restored buildings that make up the last Spanish military settlement built in northern California.
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
This building epitomizes the Spanish-Moorish architecture that is found across the city. Completed in 1929, the complex impresses visitors with its intricate tile mosaics, colorful gardens and jaw-dropping view of the city and ocean below.
Wine Country
From the city, Santa Barbara wine country is just minutes away. The gorgeous Santa Ynez Valley, with its breath-taking vistas, is home to such notable attractions as Solvang and the Chumash Reservation.
How to Arrive at your Language Course
By Train
Santa Barbara is served by two Amtrak lines: the multi-state Coast Starlight line and the southern California Pacific Surfliner line. They go through Seattle, Los Angeles, Portland, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo, San Diego, Ventura and Anaheim.
By Plane
Santa Barbara Airport is 7 miles (11 km) west of downtown Santa Barbara. There is a public bus Stop on Moffett Road, across from the airport terminal. Bus Schedules are available in the Terminal south lobby or here. Airport shuttles are also available. More information is available here.