Converse International School of Languages (CISL) San Francisco
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 Francisco is located in America’s famous culture-rich city known for its vibrant neighborhood, beautiful piers and hidden gems. The unique vibes of each area make living in San Francisco an exciting adventure, day after day. With over 45 years of experience, Converse San Francisco 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 Francisco is able to offer students an exciting learning experience.
San Francisco is situated on a peninsula separating San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean. It is a uniquely picturesque city, whose scenic attractions include the largest cultivated urban park in the country, Golden Gate Park. Its hilly streets are traversed by the famous cable cars and are home to a remarkably diverse ethnic population. Known for sophisticated cultural innovation and experimentation, the city was the gathering place of the “beat” generation in the 1950s and the counterculture in the 1960s. Still known for its cultural attractions, today the Bay Area is also famous for its concentration of cutting-edge high-technology firms, which have drawn even more new residents to this populous region.
CISL SAN FRANCISCO AT A GLANCE
- Year of foundation: 1972
- City: San Francisco, California
- Position in the city: Downtown, Financial District
- Minimum age in adult school: 18
- Number of students in school: maximum 60
- Main type of public transport: buses and trains
- Approximate number of nationalities in school each year: 20
Converse International School of Languages San Francisco: 605 Market St #1400, San Francisco, CA 94105, United States
“With its natural beauty, plethora of things to do, and compactness for an American city, San Francisco is one of the most requested English study destinations in the United States. Along with New York city, it is one of the two cultural “capitals” of the country. It is also, not surprisingly, the second to San Diego as the most desired city for Americans themselves to live in. 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 Diego.) The school is one of the oldest in San Francisco 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.”
Converse International School of Languages San Francisco
Why Study at this School?
There are many English language schools in San Francisco, 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 San Francisco offers its own Interactive Teaching Method for learning to communicate effectively and with confidence in English and provides 5 different levels, so that there will be a suitable class for every student.
- CISL San Francisco is located on Market Street in the Financial District, which is the hub of the city’s urban area.
- 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 Francisco 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 Francisco has a good nationality mix, with students from over 20 different countries every year.
- The courses are competitively priced for the American market and offer good value for money.
- CISL San Francisco 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.
The facilities
THE FACILITIES AT A GLANCE
- Location on the top floor of a beautiful and historic building
- 8 sunny classrooms
- Student lounge with free coffee and tea
- Library
- Rooftop with stunning view of the city
- Free Wi-Fi
- Computer lab
MORE ABOUT THE FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Personal Attention
CISL San Francisco 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. Airport transfers are not included in the course tuition.
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 Francisco, 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 5)
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, English in Use, 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 Francisco, students can prepare for the Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) exam. CISL San Francisco is an authorized Cambridge English exam center, so students can take the official FCE and CAE 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: B2 (CAE)
- Course Duration: 9 or 11 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
Private lessons
Private Lessons are designed based on the needs and goals of the private lesson student. CISL San Francisco is aslo able to offer online private lessons.
- 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
Global Success Program
Global Success Program is designed for ambitious learners, business executives, and professionals who desire success in the global economy. The course is taught in small groups to ensure that students receive a high level of individual attention. The Global Success program is based on a balanced practice of various language skills. Students build vocabulary and spoken language skills, analyze written texts, learn to give effective presentations, and improve their ability to write letters, emails, and reports. Students may choose to take additional private lessons.
- 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
Global Success Plus Program
The Global Success Plus Program combines the standard Global Success program with additional afternoon electives of English in Use, 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
Global Success Individual Program
This course is suitable for those who wish to take 15, 20, 25 or 30 individual lessons of the Global Success program.
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:
- City College San Francisco
- Berkeley City College
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 CISL homestays have shared bathrooms, but a few with private bathrooms are available.
- Most homestay accommodation is located at an average of 30-45 minutes by public transportation.
- Arrivals can be Saturday or Sunday. It is possible to book extra nights at an additional cost.
STUDENT RESIDENCES
USA Residence
USA Residence is a fantastic residence located only 10 – 15 minute walk to the school building. The residence is only 3 blocks away from Union Square, making it an ideal location for students in San Francisco. The residence offers single and shared rooms with private or shared bathrooms. The minimum stay is 7 days.
The USA Residence also offers:
- Single and shared rooms with shared or private bathrooms
- Single rooms have double beds
- All rooms have a cable television, mini-fridge, and microwave
- Breakfast is served daily: pancakes, toast, oatmeal, juices, coffee/tea, and fruit
- Bed linen and towels are provided and changed weekly
- Weekly housekeeping service
- A shared, well-equipped communal kitchen
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry facilities with free laundry soap
- Common areas for students including a large lounge with billiards and foosball tables, library, 50-seat movie theater, and yoga studio
The Columbus Residence
Columbus Residence is located only a 15 minute walk from CISL San Francisco. It is minutes away the Historic Jackson Square, close to North Beach, Chinatown, the Ferry Building, the Financial District and Fisherman’s Wharf. The residence offers single and shared rooms with private or shared bathrooms.
The Columbus Residence also offers:
- Single and shared rooms with shared or private bathrooms
- All rooms have a cable television, mini-fridge, and telephone
- Bed linen are provided, however students must bring own towels
- Weekly cleaning and linen changing service
- A shared, well-equipped communal kitchen
- Free Wi-Fi
- Coffee vending machine
- Laundry facilities
- 24 hour reception and security
Monroe Residence
The Monroe Residence is located amidst the parks and mansions of tree-filled Pacific Heights. It is a 20-30 Minute walk to CISL San Francisco, or 10 minutes using public transportation. The residence offers single or shared rooms with private, shared or hallway bathrooms.
The Monroe Residence also offers:
- All rooms have a cable television, mini-fridge, and telephone
- Bed linen and towels are provided
- Cleaning service Monday to Friday
- Meals offered: American-style breakfast and 4 course dinner Monday to Saturday, Brunch on Sunday
- Free Wi-Fi
- Lounge with television and fireplace
- Game room
- Study room
- Laundry facilities
- 24 hour reception and security
HOTELS
Sheldon Hotel
The Sheldon Hotel is conveniently located two blocks away from Union Square at 629 Post Street, a 10-15 minute walk from CISL San Francisco building. The Sheldon Hotel offers spacious newly renovated private rooms equipped with their own private bathrooms.
Sheldon Hotel also offers:
- All rooms have a cable television, mini-fridge, and telephone
- Bed linen and towels are provided
- Communal kitchen
- Free Wi-Fi
- Weekly linen and housekeeping service
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
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CISL San Diego
With over 45 years of experience, CISL 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.
CISL JUNIOR PROGRAM
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 Marymont and University of San Diego. Please contact us for more information.
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