About CEL — English Language Schools Since 1981

Our mission

A welcoming, boutique school where you feel at home — and make real progress in English.

CEL opened in San Diego in 1981 with that one clear vision. Today you can study in three cities by the Pacific: San Diego, Los Angeles, and Vancouver.

A small class of students around a shared table at the Pacific Beach campus

A small class at the Pacific Beach campus.

Students walking on Crystal Pier after class in San Diego

After class, the beach is a five-minute walk.

Students from different countries together around one table in the CEL lounge

Friends from five countries, one table.

Whistler village in the mountains near Vancouver on a CEL weekend excursion

Weekend excursions — hikes, tours, and trips.

Our story

More than 40 years in the making

Our passion for quality and community has let CEL grow slowly and carefully — school by school, never losing the boutique feeling.

1981

San Diego

CEL opens with one clear vision: a school where students feel at home.

2009

Los Angeles

A second school opens in Santa Monica, right by the Pacific Ocean.

2015

Pacific Beach

A second San Diego campus opens in the Pacific Beach neighborhood.

2024

Vancouver

Vancouver joins the CEL family — one of Canada's most international cities.

2025

Flagship campus

Both San Diego locations unite in a brand-new campus, minutes from the beach.

CEL remains independently owned and managed. The focus is always on what matters most: quality teaching, personal attention, and student satisfaction.

Our philosophy

Every student's journey is unique

That is why the CEL approach rests on three principles.

Small classes, big progress

An average of 6–7 students per class (maximum 12) means personal attention in every lesson.

A teacher working with a small class around a shared table at CEL

Students from different countries talking together outside between classes

Students walking a forest trail on a weekend excursion near Vancouver

International mix

Students from 50+ countries every year create a truly global classroom.

Immersive experience

English is more than grammar. Live the language — surf in San Diego, explore Los Angeles, hike in Vancouver.

Why CEL

What makes CEL different?

More than English lessons — a complete experience.

Global community

Students from 50+ countries every year — one big international family.

Personalized teaching

Small groups and interactive lessons, shaped around your goals.

Top locations

Minutes from the beach or right in the city center.

Housing for every lifestyle

Homestays, shared apartments, and residences — many with pool and fitness options, in walking distance to school.

Academic quality

General English, career and academic skills, pathway programs, and Cambridge, TOEFL, and IELTS preparation.

Family atmosphere

A boutique school with a welcoming spirit.

Portrait of Chris Thebing, CEO and Managing Partner of CEL

“

A word from our CEO

"As someone who started my own language journey abroad, I know how life-changing it can be. At CEL, we want to give every student that same opportunity — to learn English, to grow as a person, and to connect with the world."

Chris Thebing

CEO & Managing Partner

Meet the team

The people behind CEL

A passionate team of educators and staff who care about every student. From your first question until the day you graduate, someone is here to support you.

Chris

CEO

Patrick

CEO

Aaron

Education

Laura

Vancouver Director

Corinne

Education

Eva

Housing & Admissions

Kazu

CEL Japan

George

Student Services

Jenna

Student Services

Kim

Housing & Admissions

Renata

Sales

Kaori

CEL Japan

Rosalia

Sales

Rei

CEL Japan

Marni

Housing & Admissions

Andrea

Teacher

Andrew

Teacher

Christina

Teacher

David

Teacher

Mitch

Teacher

Lydia

Teacher

Leigh

Teacher

Campuses & student life

Three cities, one experience

Each campus has its own character — and the same CEL spirit. Every week there are activities and excursions to help you practice English naturally, make friends, and explore your new home.

California · Pacific Beach

San Diego

Study just steps from the ocean, in a neighborhood famous for surf culture, cafes, and sunsets.

Canada · Downtown

Vancouver

Mountains, ocean, and city energy — the perfect setting to learn English in Canada.

California · Santa Monica

Los Angeles

Palm-lined streets, the Santa Monica Pier, and endless sunshine.

Our students

Lifelong friendships across the world

Every year CEL welcomes students aged 16–35 (sometimes older) who share one goal: improve your English while having the adventure of a lifetime.

CEL students hugging and celebrating on graduation day

55+

Nationalities each year

6–7

Average class size, max 12

Activities every week, minimum

45+

Years teaching English

Quality you can trust

Accreditations and partnerships

CEL meets the highest standards of English language education. Accreditations and partnerships mean you can trust the quality of every course, teacher, and support service.

USA & Canada

Accredited by CEA and Languages Canada

Recognized quality standards in both the USA and Canada.

Pathways

Agreements with 150+ colleges and universities

Continue to higher education across North America.

Membership

Member of leading international education associations

Active in the global language-travel community.

Award 2024

ST Star Award North America — winner

Finalist in 2023 and 2025.