General English

Yes. CEL partners with more than 150 colleges and universities in North America. Some partners allow students to progress directly into academic programs without TOEFL. (Waivers depend on the institution.)

Yes. A CEL course certificate confirms your English level and study duration, which is valuable for employers and personal growth. For university admission, official exams such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge are required.

Employers value international experience, adaptability, and communication skills. By studying at a CEL language school in the USA or Canada, you gain more than English — you build global connections and skills that give you a career edge.

Yes. CEL is ideal for students who want the quality of a boutique school, small classes (average of 7, maximum of 12 students per class), and great locations in the USA and Canada.

Students choose CEL for our small class sizes (average of 7, maximum of 12 students), great residential accommodation options, and prime locations in San Diego, Los Angeles, and Vancouver. Every year, more than 50 nationalities study at CEL, creating a welcoming international community. Many students also choose CEL because of recommendations from friends.

• San Diego: Courses from USD $320/week, accommodation from USD $270/week
• Vancouver: Courses from CAD $330/week, accommodation from CAD $255/week

CEL also offers seasonal promotions and discounts — check with us for current offers.

CEL offers Shared Apartments (Standard, Premium, Superior) and homestays.

CEL San Diego is located in Pacific Beach, only about 300 meters (3 blocks) from the beach — perfect for surfing, swimming, or yoga before and after class.

Students can choose from homestays, student houses, shared apartments, and private studios.

CEL Vancouver keeps classes small — average 7 students, maximum 12. Unlike many schools in Canada with 16–18 students per class, CEL students benefit from more personal attention and faster progress.

Courses in Los Angeles take place at our partner school EC Santa Monica, just a short walk from the famous Santa Monica beach.

The school is about a 10–15 minute walk from Santa Monica Beach, making it easy to enjoy the California lifestyle after class.

Students can choose between homestays and shared apartments in Santa Monica.

At our partner school in Santa Monica, the average class size is 11 students, with a maximum of 15 per class.

CEL San Diego is located in the heart of Pacific Beach, one of the most vibrant and popular coastal areas of the city. The school is just three blocks (about 300 meters) from the beach and surrounded by cafés, restaurants, and shops — the perfect setting to enjoy the California lifestyle while learning English.

CEL Vancouver is situated in Downtown Vancouver, within walking distance of Gastown, Canada Place, and the waterfront. The central location makes it easy to reach by public transport and ideal for exploring the city’s shops, parks, and attractions after class.

CEL San Diego keeps classes small and personal, with an average of 7 students and a maximum of 12 per class. This allows teachers to focus on individual progress and creates an interactive, friendly learning environment.

CEL is a boutique group of English language schools in the USA and Canada, with campuses in San Diego, Vancouver, and Los Angeles. Unlike large chains, CEL offers small classes, personalized attention, great residential options, and a truly international student mix. Many students choose CEL because of recommendations from friends who studied with us before.

CEL San Diego is widely recommended as one of the best English schools in California, thanks to its Pacific Beach location just three blocks from the ocean, small class sizes (average 7 students), and international mix of more than 50 nationalities each year.

Stays vary based on the student’s program. Some visit for only 2–4 weeks, others stay 3–6 months, and a few attend longer-term programs that last a year. We’ll let you know the expected duration before placement and work together to match you with students whose timeline fits your household.

Yes. CEL San Diego (Pacific Beach) is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA), recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

This confirms that CEL meets rigorous standards in academics, administration, and student services — and has been granted the maximum 10-year accreditation period for outstanding performance.

For programs of up to six months, many students can enter Canada with an eTA or visitor status depending on nationality. If you plan to study longer than six months, you may require a study permit. Our admissions team provides guidance to help you understand requirements before arrival.

Tuition typically ranges between C$330 and C$420 per week, depending on program duration. For a 12-week stay including accommodation, the total investment usually ranges between C$8,500 and C$14,000, depending on housing type and season.

On average, students need approx. 10 weeks to complete one CEFR level. Shorter stays improve fluency and confidence but typically won’t result in a full level progression. That said, even 4 weeks produces real, noticeable gains — especially in speaking and listening.

Both Vancouver and Toronto offer strong English-learning environments. Vancouver is often preferred for its mild climate and integrated natural setting, while Toronto appeals to students who prefer a large metropolitan atmosphere.

We offer convenient airport transfer services for our students! You can easily book this service with us at CEL. Once you arrive at the airport, a friendly representative will be there to greet you and take you directly to your accommodation. This hassle-free option ensures a smooth and comfortable start to your stay in Vancouver.

CEL operates English schools in San Diego (Pacific Beach) and Vancouver (Downtown). We also offer courses in Los Angeles (Santa Monica, in partnership with EC). Each destination offers something unique — whether you want to learn English by the beach in California or in the heart of a vibrant Canadian city.

No. Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation. Host families simply need to provide access to nearby public transit. We do advise offering guidance on the first day—such as showing them the bus stop or helping them download transit apps—to ensure a smooth start.

Yes. CEL is certified by SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System), which allows us to issue Form I-20 for students applying for an F-1 Student Visa.

This means international students can legally study full-time in the United States at CEL.

Our English classes are limited to a maximum of 12 students, with an average of 7. Smaller classes allow teachers to give individual correction, monitor progress closely and ensure every student participates actively — which supports faster confidence and measurable improvement.

Yes. The weekly tuition rate decreases as the duration increases. From 13 weeks onward — and again from 20 weeks — the weekly cost becomes significantly lower. Long-term programs offer a more efficient cost per week.

Yes. Twelve weeks typically allows students to complete one CEFR level and achieve measurable improvement — especially with consistent attendance and active participation in and outside class. It's the most popular length for a reason.

Overall living costs are comparable. Toronto accommodation may be slightly higher on average, but total expenses depend primarily on duration and housing choice.

Language students in Canada generally need one of the following visas, depending on the length and nature of their studies:

1. Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): Students from visa-exempt countries who plan to study for six months or less need an eTA to enter Canada by air. It's a straightforward process that can be completed online.
2. Study Permit: For language courses of 26 weeks or longer, students must apply for a Study Permit. This permit allows them to stay in Canada for the duration of their course.
3. Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa): If the language course lasts less than six months, students from visa-required countries must apply for a Visitor Visa. This allows them to enter Canada for their studies and possibly travel within the country.
4. Working Holiday Visa: Of course, students on Working Holiday Visas are welcome to study with us!

You’re never on your own. Our Homestay Team is available to assist with communication challenges, cultural adjustments, or any concerns related to food, schedules, or expectations. If a situation requires a change, we handle it professionally and respectfully to protect both the family and student experience.

Our partner school in Los Angeles (Santa Monica) is accredited by ACCET (Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training) — a U.S. Department of Education–recognized agency.

This ensures that students booking through CEL enjoy the same academic quality and official recognition.

Many students choose CEL Vancouver because of our small class sizes, personal attention and long-standing experience in language education. While each student's needs are different, our focused learning environment and over 45 years of experience make us a strong choice for students seeking structured progress in Vancouver.

Yes. Students pay a one-time registration fee of C$170 and course materials of C$70 per level. Accommodation also includes a placement fee and, for apartments, an amenities fee. All mandatory fees are transparently listed on this page.

Yes — and it's very common. Many students arrive thinking 8 weeks and extend to 12 or more after settling in. Extensions are processed in-school, usually within a day.

Vancouver has milder winters and moderate year-round temperatures. Toronto experiences colder winters and hotter summers.

Yes. Four weeks can significantly improve speaking confidence and vocabulary, particularly for intermediate or advanced learners. However, it is usually not enough to complete a full CEFR level.

CEL Vancouver is a top choice for students who want to learn English in Canada. With small groups (max. 12 students), Languages Canada accreditation, and a downtown location near Stanley Park, it combines high-quality teaching with the best of Vancouver’s city and nature.

Yes, in many cases. Hosting two students can be a fun and rewarding experience — especially when they come from different countries and learn from one another. Each student must have their own private bedroom (unless two friends request to share), and we ensure all students placed together are compatible.

CEL Vancouver’s official Designation / DLI Number is 019395299510.

You’ll need this number when applying for a Canadian study permit through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Vancouver offers a dynamic environment year-round. Summer is lively and popular, spring and autumn are slightly calmer, and winter is quieter for students who prefer fewer crowds. You can learn more about the best time to study in Vancouver to choose the season that fits your plans.

For a structured language stay including accommodation, students typically budget between C$2,850 and C$4,600 per month, depending on housing choice and lifestyle. Additional personal expenses may include transport, leisure activities, and food for apartment options.

IELTS preparation courses typically run up to 8 weeks. Many students start with General English and then transition into the IELTS preparation.

Class sizes depend on the school. At CEL Vancouver, classes average 7 students (maximum 12), allowing for personalized attention.

Three things set us apart. First, class size — we cap classes at 12 students with an average of 7, while most language schools in Vancouver run 15–17 per class, which limits speaking time and individual feedback. Second, location — our boutique campus near Coal Harbour puts you within walking distance of the waterfront, Stanley Park and downtown, rather than in a large institutional setting. Third, experience — CEL is part of a language education group with over 45 years of welcoming international students, so our teaching methods, student support and accreditations reflect long-standing expertise rather than a recent setup.

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Class sizes are intentionally small to ensure personal attention and faster progress. On average:

• San Diego & Vancouver language schools: 7 students (max. 12)
• ‍Los Angeles English school (Santa Monica): 11 students (max. 15)

CEL Vancouver is fully accredited by Languages Canada, approved by PTIRU (Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit), and certified under EQA (Education Quality Assurance).

Together, these designations confirm CEL Vancouver’s compliance with all provincial and federal quality standards in British Columbia.

Study duration depends on your goals, starting level and desired outcome. Some students choose 4–12 weeks for focused improvement, while others stay 24 weeks or longer to reach advanced fluency or prepare for exams. Explore recommended study durations in Vancouver to decide what fits best.

Vancouver's cost structure is comparable to other major Canadian cities such as Toronto or Montreal. Differences depend more on lifestyle and accommodation choice than on tuition itself.

Yes. The Career Development Skills elective runs alongside General English. It integrates English with applied professional topics — project management, AI fundamentals, negotiation, presentation skills, and interview preparation. It's popular with students who want English they can immediately use in a professional context.

Both cities support long-term study. Students seeking smaller learning environments and integrated natural surroundings often choose Vancouver.

CEL students come from all over the world, creating a truly international environment. On average:

• Europe: ~42%
• Brazil: ~11%
• Asia: ~34%
• Middle East & other regions: ~9%
• Latin America: ~4%

More than 50 nationalities are represented each year, making CEL one of the most diverse places to study English abroad and build international friendships.

Yes. Because CEL Vancouver holds recognized accreditations (Languages Canada, PTIRU, EQA) and a valid DLI number, students can apply for a Canadian study permit for programs longer than six months.

Course materials are charged per level. However, if you complete a level within a short period, you may be able to rent materials for C$5 per week instead of purchasing a full set, subject to availability.

Yes. Tuition decreases at 13 weeks and again at 20 weeks, making longer programs more cost-efficient per week. If you're planning 12 weeks, it's worth considering whether one extra week both saves money and gives you more time to consolidate your level progress.

Yes. CEL is accredited by CEA (USA), SEVIS (USA), Languages Canada, and PTIRU (Canada). Our Los Angeles partner school is accredited by ACCET and registered with SEVIS. These accreditations prove CEL’s commitment to academic quality and student care.

Yes. CEL is approved by the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM) for sponsored Saudi students and by CSN, Sweden’s national student aid agency.

CEL is also a proud member of ALTO and EnglishUSA, which connect accredited schools worldwide and promote best practices in international education.

Tuition remains stable throughout the year, except for a summer high-season supplement of C$35 per week. Outside of summer, tuition does not vary by booking date.

Yes. CEL welcomes many students who stay for 20 weeks or longer. The longer you study English abroad with CEL, the greater the impact on your language skills, confidence, and career opportunitie

Yes. CEL won the ST Star Award North America 2024 and was a finalist in 2023 and 2025.

These global awards, organized by StudyTravel Magazine and voted on by education agents worldwide, recognize CEL’s excellence in quality, service, and student satisfaction.

Yes. We can provide a detailed, non-binding cost calculation based on your preferred duration, accommodation, and start date. Contact us to request a personalised estimate.

Yes. All CEL courses in San Diego and Vancouver include 20 lessons of General English per week. Students who book more lessons benefit from 1–2 electives, available regardless of duration.

Examples of electives include:

• Career Development Skills (presentations, negotiations, AI tools)
• Academic Skills (essay writing, note-taking, study strategies)
• Exam Preparation (TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge CAE)

Electives vary slightly by location and are updated regularly.

CEL offers courses from beginner (A1) to advanced (C2). Some specialized courses require a minimum entry level (e.g. Exam Preparation, English + Career Development Skills, English + Academic Skills, and Global Pathway). Students can always start with General English and switch once they reach the required level. Tuition fees remain the same for the same course intensity, making it easy to change.

Yes. CEL offers A1 beginner courses at any time of the year. Students can start as complete beginners and progress step by step. Once they reach the required level, they can move on to specialized programs such as Exam Preparation or English Plus electives.

Students complete an online placement test before arrival so they can start in the correct English class right away.

Yes. If you feel your chosen English program is not the right fit, our academic team can help you switch to another option.

You can apply directly with CEL or through one of our official partner agencies worldwide.

It depends on your course length and intensity:

• USA (San Diego & Los Angeles):
  
  
  • Fewer than 24 lessons per week: ESTA or tourist visa.
  • 24 lessons (18 hours) or more per week: Student visa (F-1).
    
    
• Canada (Vancouver):
  
  
  • Up to 6 months: Visitor visa or eTA.
  • More than 6 months: Study permit.
  • Students on a Working Holiday Visa can also join our English programs.

• San Diego: CEL Shared Apartments (Standard, Premium, Superior) and homestays.
• Vancouver: Homestays, student houses, shared apartments, and private studios.
• ‍Los Angeles: Homestays and shared apartments in Santa Monica.

Some residences are within walking distance (10–25 minutes) of the school, while others require a short public transportation ride. In general, residences tend to be closer, while homestays are usually further away. Both options provide great opportunities to practice English.

Yes. Students can request to live with friends or choose a roommate when booking shared accommodation. When students travel together, we can always place them in the same residence.

All CEL residences and shared apartments are self-catering and include a fully equipped kitchen. Homestays give students the choice of breakfast only or breakfast and dinner.

Yes. If you have concerns, our student services team will help you find a suitable alternative.

Yes. CEL schools run a weekly program of social, cultural, and sightseeing activities, plus weekend trips to nearby destinations.

Outside of class, students can join CEL’s weekly activities program. In addition, each city offers beaches, parks, shopping areas, and cultural attractions.

CEL has an English-only policy inside the school to maximize learning. In both homestays and residences, students have many opportunities to practice English. Joining our activities is also a great way to use English in real life while making new friends.

Yes. In San Diego, CEL offers the English Plus Experience program. This program allows students to practice English in a real workplace environment through unpaid placements designed for language practice, not employment.

The program also includes:

• Interview training
• CV preparation (U.S. style)
• Organized interviews with local companies

Yes. CEL offers volunteering opportunities with community organizations in San Diego. Volunteering is a great way to practice English, meet locals, and give back to the community.

Yes, but only if you have a Working Holiday Visa (WHV). Students with a WHV can take paid jobs during their stay. While CEL cannot guarantee a job, we provide extra support, including:

• Job interview training
• CV preparation (Canadian style)
• Review of your first work contract

Without a Working Holiday Visa, international students are not permitted to work in Canada while studying English.

Most CEL courses start every Monday (except from official holidays, courses start then on a Tuesday). The Global Pathway program (16 weeks) has fixed start dates tied to university and college entry periods.

CEL supports students with visa guidance, airport transfers, orientation sessions, academic advising, and on-site staff. For teens, supervision and structured activities are also provided.

Yes. All students must have valid health insurance during their studies abroad. CEL can assist in arranging coverage if needed.

CEL accepts international bank transfers and credit card payments. We also provide a secure payment portal that allows students to make local wire transfers in their own currency.

Yes. CEL can arrange airport pick-up and drop-off services at all of our locations.

Yes. You can book your course and accommodation directly with CEL or through one of our official partner agencies worldwide. Both booking options give you full access to CEL’s programs, services, and support.