Berkeley - San Francisco

English school in Berkeley 

Our school is located in the heart of the city of Berkley, 30 minutes from San Francisco and only two blocks away from one of the most famous universities in the world. Among its facilities you can find large and fully equipped classrooms. In the afternoon the school organises many activities and visits. You will have the opportunity to meet friends from all over the world in a lively and multicultural environment. 

Accreditation: The school is accredited by AAIEP (American Association of Intensive English Programmes), TESOL (Teachers of Speakers of Inglés to Other Languages​​) and NAFSA (Association for International Educators). 

School Facilities 

  • Fully equipped classrooms. 
  • Multimedia room with computers, televisions and DVD 
  • Student lounge equipped with microwaves, refrigerators and vending machines. It is the ideal place to relax after classes and meet new friends.

Characteristics

  • Internet doesn´t have  Internet
  • Library doesn´t have  Library
  • Computer room doesn´t have  Computer room
  • Cafe doesn´t have  Cafe
  • Tea or coffee machine doesn´t have  Tea or coffee machine
  • Garden doesn´t have  Garden
  • Wifi doesn´t have  Wifi
  • Student lounge doesn´t have  Student lounge
  • Prayer room doesn´t have  Prayer room
  • Kitchenette doesn´t have  Kitchenette
  • Support deparment for the students doesn´t have  Support deparment for the students

Course English in Berkeley - San FranciscoCourse English in Berkeley - San FranciscoCourse English in Berkeley - San FranciscoCourse English in Berkeley - San FranciscoCourse English in Berkeley - San FranciscoCourse English in Berkeley - San Francisco


Strongest Points

  • A small and quiet city
  • Headquarters to one of the most prestigious universities in the United States

Learn English in Berkeley

Berkeley, California, belongs to Alameda County in the state of California and is located right on the bay of San Francisco. It is ideal for those who want to enjoy the quiet atmosphere, the youthful and multicultural nature of a small university town just 20 minutes by train from San Francisco.

The city of Berkeley is synonymous with the university. It is a city that shines for its prestigious and recognised educational system. The hippie movement was born here in the 60s and the city still boasts an exciting artistic and creative environment. 

Things to see and do in Berkeley 

Culture 

  • Attend lectures, films and concerts at UC Berkeley 
  • Visit the Botanical Garden 
  • Visit Berkeley Castle 

Leisure 

  • See one of the best college football team in USA 
  • Have a picnic in one of the public parks in the city 
  • Visit the fabulous marina 

Travel 

  • Travel to San Francisco and Oakland 
  • Enjoy the sights of the Baiha and around the city 
  • Discover Claremont Canyon Regional 

Interests about Berkeley

  • It is the cultural capital of California 
  • It is a cosy little town. It offers all the advantages of living in a small center just 20 minutes from San Francisco 
  • It is a vibrant multicultural, lively, cheerful and intellectual university town. 
  • In this city, the great punk rock band Green Day, NOFX and Rancid were formed and John and Tom Fogerty brothers were born, founders of the classic rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival. 
  • It is home to a prestigious university and is the oldest of the ten affiliated with the University of California campus. 
  • The landscape is diverse, from beautiful forests to spectacular beaches to great mountains. 
  • It's called "Berkeley" in memory of the Irish philosopher George Berkeley. 

What to see and do in Berkeley 

  • Visit Takara Sake USA, the museum of Japanese sake tasting 
  • Visit Alcatraz, a former prison island is now a National Park, you can even make an audio tour through the prison and get a wonderful view of the city 
  • Enjoy a cultural show by the Berkeley Opera Company 
  • Walk through the parks and urban forests in Berkeley that are ideal for picnics! 
  • At SBC Park you can see the baseball team San Francisco play, 'The San Francisco Giants' while enjoying beautiful views of the Bay and delicious fried garlic 
  • Admire one of the great festivals in the Berkeley Marina 
  • Spend the day at Fisherman's Wharf, plus watch the amazing sea lions sunbathing 
  • Take a cable car up to Nob Hill and Fisherman's Wharf: hold on tight! 
  • Visit the many wonderful areas of the city such as 'Chinatown ', one of the oldest parts of San Francisco, or ´Pacific Heights,' where the rich and famous live in their splendid mansions

Climate in Berkeley 

The best time of year is the fall, when it's sunny and warm and bright days are almost 100% guaranteed. The average temperature is about 25 º C, but heat waves are not uncommon, and can reach 30 ° C. The winter is colder and rainy, with average temperatures of 10 º C. In Berkeley it never snows and temperatures rarely drop below 0 ° C. 

Spring is mild, with an average temperature of 15 º C approximately. This time of year there will be a mix of rain and sunshine, occasional heat bursts at 20 º C. During the summer there is a mix of rain, sun and fog, with temperatures ranging between 10 º C and 25 º C. The days start quite overcast and cold, but it will heat up until the sun rises in splendour, and in the evening it becomes cold again when the fog starts to cover the city around 5 pm. 


Want to know more about English courses in Berkeley? Enquire



Standard English course

Class in the morning or afternoon. The timetable in the morning is 08:45-12:00; the timetable in the afternoon is 14:15-17:30 

No VISA F1 is required

Perfect for

Ideal for those that want to have enough time for studying and enjoying free time

Additional information

The English course has a minimum duration of 2 weeks, with 3 hours of English classes per day, 5 days a week. The rest of the time is for you to do whatever you want, do other activities like sightsee, participate in social events at the school or stay with your new friends.

Characteristics

  • Course duration 2/12 weeks
  • Lecciones per Week  20
  • Duration of Classes  45 Minutes
  • Timetables Morning or afternoon
  • Level test  Yes
  • Accredited Diploma  Yes
  • Level  A1, A2, B1, B2, C1.
  • Maximum students per class in summer  15
  • Average during the rest of year  10
  • Minimum age  16

Semi-Intensive English course

20 lessons per week + 7 structured study sessions. These sessions will help you to reinforce what you have learnt, and improve in the areas that you need to most, using books, language exercises online and interactive programmes.  

Class in the morning and in the afternoon 
F1 VISA is required

Perfect for

Ideal for those that want to make the most out of their stay, studying in the academy in the mornings and afternoons

Additional information

The semi-intensive English course focuses on practicing the 4 main aspects of the language: reading, writing, listening and speaking. This course will help you quickly and effectively. You will also learn vocabulary and grammar, how to express yourself in formal and informal discussions, etc.

Characteristics

  • Course duration from 2 weeks
  • Lecciones per Week  27
  • Duration of Classes  45 Minutes
  • Timetables Morning and afternoon
  • Level test  Yes
  • Accredited Diploma  Yes
  • Level  A1, A2, B1, B2, C1.
  • Maximum students per class in summer  15
  • Average during the rest of year  10
  • Minimum age  16

Super Intensive English course

This course is a combination between the general course of 20 lessons + 8 lessons of specific skills including vocabulary, culture, etc. + 7 lessons of structured study which will help to reinforce what you have learnt and improve in the areas that you need to most, using books, language exercises online and interactve programmes. 

Class in the morning and in the afternoon 
F1 VISA is required

Perfect for

Ideal for those that want to make the most out of their stay, studying in the academy in the mornings and afternoons.

Additional information

The structure is the same as the semi-intensive course, plus additional classes in the afternoons. The course focuses on the rapid and effective teaching of the language, the obejective is to reach a fluent level of English, and learning grammar and vocabulary that can be used in daily conversations.

Characteristics

  • Course duration from 2 weeks
  • Lecciones per Week  35
  • Duration of Classes  45 Minutes
  • Timetables Morning and afternoon
  • Level test  Yes
  • Accredited Diploma  Yes
  • Level  A1, A2, B1, B2, C1.
  • Maximum students per class in summer  15
  • Average during the rest of year  10
  • Minimum age  16

Business English

This course is a combination between the Semi-Intensive English course + 8 specific lessons of Business English

Perfect for

Ideal for professionals that need to improve their English level.

Additional information

The objective of the course is to learn and manage Business meetings, be fluent in written techniques and competencies to be successful in a job interview; you will learn communication techniques to participate actively in business meetings and you will improve your written skills.

Characteristics

  • Course duration from 2 weeks
  • Lecciones per Week  35
  • Duration of Classes  45 minutos Minutes
  • Timetables Morning and afternoon
  • Level test  Yes
  • Accredited Diploma  Yes
  • Level  A2, B1, B2, C1.
  • Maximum students per class in summer  15
  • Average during the rest of year  10
  • Minimum age  0

Preparation course for TOEFL

The course combines 28 lessons of exam preparation + 7 lessons of structured study. 

Course duration: from 4 to 16 weeks 
F1 VISA is required for this course.

Perfect for

This course is ideal for students interested in getting their TOEFL.

Additional information

The course will give you necessary skills and a level of English that you need to be prepared for the exam. The course focuses on strategies and academic skills which are necessary for the exam. You will practice reading, writing, understanding and oral expression, as well as practicing exam style questions and doing simulation tests. You will get used to the layout of the exam, the structure, practicing and improving the level of English that you need.

Characteristics

  • Course duration 4/16 weeks
  • Lecciones per Week  35
  • Duration of Classes  45 Minutes
  • Timetables Morning and afternoon
  • Level test  Yes
  • Accredited Diploma  Yes
  • Level  A2, B1, B2, C1.
  • Maximum students per class in summer  15
  • Average during the rest of year  10
  • Minimum age  16

Extra-curricular Activities

Extra-curricular Activities 

The school offers a variety of activities and excursions to make the most out of your stay in San Francisco and California. You will have the opportunity to meet other students from all over the world and practice your English with them and the teachers. 

Theatre trips, movie nights, trips to Alcatraz, Muir Woods, Sausalito and Napa Valley, and weekend trips to places like Los Angeles, Yosemite, Monterey and Lake Tahoe are organised. 

This list is just an example: 

  • Welcome to new students 
  • A professional Baseball game 
  • Visit the Fillmore Jazz festival 
  • Movie Nights 
  • Trip to Santa Cruz 
  • Evening at Golden Gate Park
Berkeley - San FranciscoBerkeley - San FranciscoBerkeley - San Francisco

Accommodation

Family

Homestay accommodation is ideal for students who want to immerse themselves in a different culture. By sharing meals with your hosts every day, you'll benefit from speaking English in relaxed, natural situations. All families are carefully selected. To get to the school, you will need to use public transport. 

Availability: All year

Room Type: single or double room

School distance: 15-40 minutes by public transport

Check-in: Sunday

Check-out: Saturday

Deposit fee: No

Characteristics

  • Internet it has Internet
  • Private bathroom doesn´t have  Private bathroom
  • Laundry facilities doesn´t have  Laundry facilities
  • Cleaning service doesn´t have  Cleaning service
  • Wifi doesn´t have  Wifi
  • Kitchen it has Kitchen
  • Kithchen Utensils it has Kithchen Utensils
  • Security service doesn´t have  Security service
  • Bed-linen it has Bed-linen
  • Towels it has Towels
  • Breakfast doesn´t have  Breakfast
  • Half Board it has Half Board
  • Full Board doesn´t have  Full Board

Residence YMCA

Living with other students is a great way to practice your English in a multicultural, lively and relaxed environment. The residence was founded in 1910 and is located in the city center. Bathrooms are shared. All rooms have a small refrigerator and telephone. There is a living room with TV and a study room. Facilities at the residence include: 

  • Gym 
  • Swimming Pool 
  • Sauna 

Location: Downtown 
Check In: Sunday 15:00 to 22:00 
Check Out: Saturday before 10:00 
Cleaning Service: Yes. (For the common areas) 
Security service: Yes (until 22:00) 
Location Location - MAP

Availability: All year

Room Type: single or double room

School distance: 3 minute walk from the school

Check-in: Sunday from 15:00 to 22:00

Check-out: Sunday from 15:00 to 22:00

Deposit fee: No

Characteristics

  • Internet it has Internet
  • Private bathroom doesn´t have  Private bathroom
  • Laundry facilities it has Laundry facilities
  • Cleaning service it has Cleaning service
  • Wifi it has Wifi
  • Kitchen it has Kitchen
  • Kithchen Utensils it has Kithchen Utensils
  • Security service it has Security service
  • Bed-linen it has Bed-linen
  • Towels it has Towels
  • Breakfast doesn´t have  Breakfast
  • Half Board doesn´t have  Half Board
  • Full Board doesn´t have  Full Board

How to get there

Getting  to Berkeley 

The fastest way to get to Berkeley is to fly to San Francisco Airport. 

The airlines that fly to San Francisco from Spain are: 

  •    British airways 
  •    Continental Airlines Inc 
  •    United Airlines 
  •    Delta 
  •    US Airways 

Transportation  to Berkeley 

TRAIN:

From San Francisco Airport, there is a fast train service throughout the Bay Area (BART). You just have to catch a train to RICHMOND and get off at BERKELEY. 

The Bart stops at San Francisco International Airport. Tickets cost $ 3.25. 
More info on the BART website



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