Converse International School of Languages (CISL) San Diego Adult School
THE DESTINATION | THE SCHOOL | MAP | RACHEL’S TAKE | WHY THIS SCHOOL? | FACILITIES | THE COURSES | FROM OUR CLIENTS | HOUSING | SOCIAL LIFE | INSURANCE AND PRICING | REQUEST AN ESTIMATE | OTHER PROGRAMS | SIMILAR PROGRAMS
Converse International School of Languages San Diego campus is conveniently located in the city center, just a short walk from the picturesque San Diego Bay. With over 45 years of experience, Converse San Diego is a leader in English language teaching. With small class sizes, a large selection of English courses, and a wide range of activities, Converse San Diego is able to offer students an exciting learning experience in America’s finest city.
San Diego is located at the southern tip of California, approximately 190 km south of Los Angeles and has a population of nearly 1.3 million. It encompasses 18 incorporated cities and numerous other charming neighborhoods and communities, including downtown’s historic Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, Coronado, La Jolla, Del Mar, Carlsbad, Escondido, La Mesa, Hillcrest, Barrio Logan and Chula Vista.
CISL SAN DIEGO AT A GLANCE
- Year of foundation: 1972
- City: San Diego, California
- Position in the city: Downtown
- Minimum age in adult school: 18
- Number of students in school: maximum 204
- Main type of public transport: trams and buses
- Approximate number of nationalities in school each year: 35
Converse International School of Languages San Diego: 636 Broadway, Suite 210, SD, California 92101, United States
“With its fantastic climate, natural beauty, number of things to do, and relative compactness for an American city, San Diego is one of the most requested English study destinations in the United States. It is also, not surprisingly, the most desired city in the nation for Americans themselves to live in. The language schools I recommend the most there are in the downtown area, where most of the action during the day and night takes place (the schools located in the suburbs are near beautiful beaches, but not as easily accessible to downtown). Converse is a good choice for students, as it operates almost independently, unlike many American language schools that are part of a chain (Converse has only one other location, in San Francisco). The school is one of the oldest in San Diego for English language teaching, and offers great value for the fact that it has only a maximum of 8 students to a class, practically half the number that most other language schools have in theirs, for a price that is not much more than the other schools. Classes of only 8 students are generally considered “premium” in the language school industry, and typically cost much more than classes of maximum 15 students, sometimes twice as much. For students who do not want to stay with host families, the school also offers a good selection of residences in walking distance of the school. I have sent several students here, and they have always been very satisfied with their study experience and accommodation.”
Converse International School of Languages San Diego
Why Study at this School?
There are many English language schools in the San Diego, one of the United States’ top destinations for English language learning. Converse International School of Languages distinguishes itself in the following ways:
- With 45 years of experience, Converse International School of Languages (CISL) is a leader in English language training.
- CISL is one of the only language schools in the United States to guarantee a maximum of 8 students per class, providing every student with more speaking time and instructor attention than larger classes, at prices similar to schools with larger class sizes.
- CISL offers its own Interactive Teaching Method for learning to communicate effectively and with confidence in English and provides 10 different levels, so that there will be a suitable class for every student.
- CISL San Diego is located in Downtown San Diego, in the city’s fashionable Gaslamp District, in a modern building with excellent facilities and services.
- CISL is fully accredited by the Commission for English Language Accreditation (CEA), which is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and is the only specialized accrediting agency for English language programs in the United States.
- CISL San Diego is able to offer a variety of programs for every type of student and a variety of activities to ensure students make the most use of their English skills.
- CISL San Diego has an excellent nationality mix, with students from over 35 different countries every year.
- The courses are competitively priced for the American market and offer good value for money.
- CISL San Diego is able to offer excellent host families, many of which have hosted the school’s students for years. It can also offer student residences near the school.
- CISL San Diego is an official Cambridge exam testing center.
The facilities
THE FACILITIES AT A GLANCE
- 26 sunny classrooms
- Student lounge
- Free Wi-Fi
- State-of-the-art computer lab
MORE ABOUT THE FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Personal Attention
CISL San Diego gives careful attention to the needs of each and every student. Throughout the course, students’ progress will be evaluated according to the CISL Grading Standards.
Airport Transfers
CISL can arrange transfers to and from the airport. Students will be greeted by a professional driver and taken to their residence. If a student has reserved a host family accommodation and is arriving on the weekend during specified hours, the host family will pick up the student from the airport at no additional cost.
Information Service
A Client Services Coordinator is available at the school to answer student questions about shopping, local activities and events, weekend travel, nightlife, local customs, medical service, etc.
Student Welfare
Student welfare is of utmost importance to CISL San Diego, and all staff and teachers are available to support students in a professional and confidential manner with any problems that might arise while they are away from home.
The courses
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Lesson length: 50 minutes
- Start dates: Any Monday (See dates and fees for Examination preparation courses.)
- Number of students in class: maximum 8 (average 7)
GENERAL ENGLISH AND EXAMINATION COURSES
Standard English
The goal of the Standard English Course is to help students use English with accuracy and confidence. Students improve their general English language skills, learn how to interact with people from different cultures, and how to be better language learners.
- English levels: All levels (group classes not available for absolute beginners)
- Course Duration: minimum 2 weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 20
- Timetable: 9:00 – 12:40 Monday to Friday
Intensive English
Students in the Intensive course take the Standard Course in the mornings and a choice of Business English, Conversational English, or English for Academic Purposes in the afternoon.
- English levels: All levels (group classes not available for absolute beginners)
- Course Duration: minimum 2 weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 28
- Timetable: 9:00 – 12:40 Monday to Friday + 13:30 – 15:10 Monday to Thursday
Cambridge English Exam Preparation
At CISL San Diego, students can prepare for the Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE), the Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) and the Preliminary English Test (PET) exams. CISL San Diego is an authorized Cambridge English exam center, so students can take the official FCE, CAE and PET exams at the end of their courses. In addition to standard practice writing tests, CISL’s courses also include two or three practice speaking examinations to provide an authentic preparation experience.
- English levels: A2 (PET), B1 (FCE), C1 (CAE),
- Course Duration: 6 weeks (PET), 9 or 11 weeks (FCE), 7, 9 or 11 weeks (CAE)
- Number of lessons per week: 20 (PET), 20 or 28 (FCE, CAE)
- Timetable: 9:00 – 12:40 Monday to Friday and / or 13:30 – 15:10 Monday to Thursday (PET is only 9 – 12:40 Mon-Fri)
IELTS Preparation
- English levels: B1 and upwards
- Course Duration: 6 weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 20
- Timetable: 9:00 – 12:40 Monday to Friday
TOEFL Preparation
- English levels: B1 and upwards
- Course Duration: 4 or 6 weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 20
- Timetable: 9:00 – 12:40 Monday to Friday
TOEIC Preparation
- English levels: B1 and upwards
- Course Duration: 6 weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 20
- Timetable: 9:00 – 12:40 Monday to Friday
Private lessons
Private Lessons are designed based on the needs and goals of the private lesson student.
- English levels: All levels
- Course Duration: minimum 5 lessons
- Number of lessons per week: 1 – 30 lessons
- Timetable: flexible
PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH
Career English
In the CISL’s Career English Program, students attend CISL English courses to perfect their English skills, then experience 6 to 8 weeks with an American company that matches the student’s background and work experience. Students can obtain placements in various fields such as Architecture, Advertising, Arts, Banking, Financial Services, Engineering, Event Planning, IT, Law, Marketing, Nonprofit Organizations, Public Relations and Tourism.
- Option A: 4+ weeks English classes followed by 8 weeks morning classes + afternoon/ weekend placement with a local business
- Option B: 6+ weeks of any English class (20+ lessons per week) followed by 6 – 8 weeks practicing English in a company
Executive Business English Program
The Executive English Program is designed for business executives, professionals, and highly motivated learners with an intermediate level of English or higher who would like to use their English in a work environment. Students learn how to negotiate in English, deal with employees and employers, create and present effective presentations, and do business with other cultures in this highly effective course. The content of each session is tailored to the students in the class at the time, based on their own areas of interest.
- English levels: A2 and upwards
- Course Duration: minimum 2 weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 20 lessons
- Timetable: 9:00 – 12:40 Monday to Friday
- Number of students in class: maximum 4
Executive Business English Plus Program
The Executive Plus Program combines the standard Executive English program with additional afternoon electives of Conversational English, Business English or English for Academic Purposes. Students may choose to take additional private lessons.
- English levels: A2 and upwards
- Course Duration: minimum 2 weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 28 lessons
- Timetable: 9:00 – 12:40 Monday to Friday + 13:30 – 15:10 Monday to Thursday
- Number of students in class: maximum 4
Aviation English
The Aviation English course is designed to teach English skills necessary to meet the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) language proficiency requirements: reaching ICAO Operational Level 4 or higher on the rating scale is the underlying goal. To achieve this, the course’s primary focus is on improving the client’s ability to communicate effectively and with confidence in all six language skill areas specified in the ICAO Rating Scale: pronunciation, structure, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension and interactions.
- English levels: B2 and upwards
- Course Duration: 12 weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 20 lessons
- Timetable: 9:00 – 12:40 Monday to Friday
- Number of students in class: maximum 4
- Start dates: See dates and fees
Engineering English
This course is suitable for those currently working or interested in all engineering fields, including civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering. It is also ideal for those who work in branches of the industry, such as engineering technicians and technical managers.
- English levels: B1 and upwards
- Course Duration: 2, 4 or 6 weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 20 lessons
- Timetable: 9:00 – 12:40 Monday to Friday
- Number of students in class: maximum 4
- Start dates: See dates and fees
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
English for Academic Purposes
The goal of the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Course is to prepare students for college level coursework and academic writing. The course is divided into four threeweek units. Students who cannot enroll in the full course can participate in only one, two, or three of the four units (Unit 1: Essay Fundamentals, Unit 2: Basic Essays, Unit 3: Academic Discourse, Unit 4: Comprehensive Essay). Students who successfully complete all four units of the EAP Course are eligible to participate in the CISL Pathway Program.
- English levels: B2 and upwards
- Course Duration: 12 weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 8 lessons
- Timetable: 13:30 – 15:10 Monday to Thursday
Academic Pathway Program
In the CISL University Pathway Program, students attend classes at CISL and gain the skills necessary to succeed in an academic setting before transferring to an American college or university to receive their degree. The program consists of two parts. Students begin their English training at CISL by enrolling in a morning course of their choice (Standard, Cambridge English, or TOEFL). When students obtain a CISL Upper Intermediate level of English, they additionally enroll in the 12-week CISL EAP program to obtain the English skills necessary for success in an academic environment. In part 2, working closely with the Pathway Coordinator, students identify the Pathway Partner colleges and universities that meet their academic goals, complete the necessary admissions and registration processes, and then enter their new academic environment. This program is available to all students who have achieved the equivalent of a U.S. high school education.
There is no minimum level of English proficiency required to enter the Pathway Program; however, as part of the agreement with Pathway Partners, students must successfully complete CISL’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program before they may begin their classes at college or university. The EAP course is available to students who have achieved an Upper Intermediate level of English proficiency at CISL (CEFR level B2).
Academic Year Abroad
The Academic Year Program (AYP) gives students the opportunity to improve their general and academic English skills at CISL and then attend a semester at a college in California. Students in the CISL Academic Year Program must take at least 16 weeks at CISL before enrolling in one semester at a participating college.
Academic Year Abroad partner schools are:
- Grossmont College, San Diego
- City College San Francisco
- Berkeley City College
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
The Foreign Language Department of Converse International School of Languages has been offering language lessons in Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian, Portuguese, Japanese, Mandarin, Arabic, Farsi, Indonesian, Thai and Tagalog since 1972. Students can develop their communication skills in the new language through private or semi-private (2-3 students) classes. CISL also provides on-site instruction for corporate groups and organizations. These courses are carefully designed to cover the language skills appropriate to specific professions or work environments.
HOST FAMILY
One of the best ways to experience the American way of life and culture is to choose homestay accommodation. All homestays are carefully selected and visited regularly by the onsite Homestay Coordinator to ensure consistently high standards. Homestays are in fact the accommodation of choice for the majority of students. The school and Marshall Language Services recommend this form of accommodation the most for language learning. Family life is informal and the people are welcoming, friendly and talkative, so students will have plenty of opportunities to practice their English with native speakers. By booking homestay accommodation, students will also not have to worry about shopping for food and preparing meals every day. Mealtimes are often the occasions in which families converse most with the students.
Additional homestay provisions and information
- Homestay accommodation includes meals, breakfast only or breakfast and dinner, 7 days per week. (Breakfast is self-serve; dinner will be served by the family.)
- All homestays offer wireless internet.
- Homestay families provide all bed linens and towels.
- Most homestay accommodation is located at an average of 30-40 minutes by public transportation.
- Arrivals can be Saturday or Sunday. It is possible to book extra nights at an additional cost.
- Students under 18 years of age have a 22:00 curfew by San Diego law; students aged 18+ do not have curfews.
- Free arrival transfer from San Diego airport for set hours on weekends.
STUDENT RESIDENCES
Vantaggio Gaslamp
Vantaggio Gaslamp is located in San Diego’s exciting Gaslamp District, only a 2-minute walk from CISL San Diego. The residence is located in the heart of downtown, and close to the San Diego Bay, Little Italy, and the San Diego airport.
Vantaggio Gaslamp also offers:
- Single and shared rooms
- All rooms have a television, mini-fridge, microwave, and tableware
- Private bathrooms
- Bed linen and towels
- A shared, well-equipped communal kitchen
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry facilities
- Cleaning service once every two weeks
Vantaggio State Street
Vantaggio State Street in San Diego lies in the heart of Little Italy, a charming and fashionable place lined with sidewalk cafes and numerous restaurants. The residence is located 25 minutes’ walk from CISL San Diego.
Vantaggio State Street also offers:
- Single and shared rooms
- All rooms have a television, mini-fridge, microwave, and dishes
- Private bathrooms
- Bed linen and towels are provided
- A shared, well-equipped communal kitchen
- 3 study rooms
- Lobby with computers for student use
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry facilities
- Cleaning service once every two weeks
Broadway
Vantaggio Broadway in San Diego lies in the heart of Little Italy, a charming and trendy place lined with sidewalk cafes and numerous restaurants.
Broadway Residences offer:
- Studios
- Small or large 1 bedroom apartments
- 2 bedroom apartments
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Bed linen and towels
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry facilities
- 24-hour reception
Insurance
Insurance covering medical and travel assistance, personal liability and trip cancellation is not included in the price of the program. Marshall Language Services has a policy available through Guard.Me that covers these elements, as well as an additional policy through CareMed that covers cancellation under a wider range of circumstances, including the need to repeat school exams. A summary of these policies may be downloaded below.
Dates and Fees
Calculate your own approximate quote
The following tool will help you to get a good idea of the cost of a language course and accommodation, if requested, at this school. It may not include all the courses and accommodation options available or take into account promotional offers or costs associated with student visas, insurance, study materials or exam fees. For these reasons, the availability of any course, accommodation option (especially in the high season) and the final price of a package will always have to be verified with Marshall Language Services prior to enrolment.
Contact us for information about dates & prices
Other Programs by this School
CISL UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO SUMMER CAMP
Marshall Language Services offers the Converse CISL Summer Camp School at the University of San Diego, California for teenagers 13-17 with English Language, Exam Prep, STEM, Business, Leadership Course, excursions, residential or homestay accommodation and insurance..
OTHER CISL JUNIOR PROGRAMS
CISL’s Junior Program offers dynamic English enrichment camps for teens in the USA at some of the most prestigious and beautiful campuses in the U.S. including Yale University, Georgetown University, UC Berkeley, Loyola Marymount. Please contact us for more information.
Other Similar Programs
