From Brazil To California: Learning English Abroad
Gabriel, a 28-year-old from Brazil, works and studies at CEL Pacific Beach in San Diego since January 2023, enjoying the city's atmosphere and planning to extend his stay beyond his initial six-month plan.
Hi, my name is Gabriel! I’m 28 years old and I’m from Brazil. I have been at CEL Pacific Beach since January 2023 studying English and working as an on-campus worker for the Student Services Department. My main responsibilities are to help with the daily school routine between teachers and students, help with grades & attendance documents, prepare new students’ documents, greet & assist new students and more.
This experience has been great, not just because I can practice English in a work environment, but also because I am able to gain experience in an American company with a different dynamic and culture. Since I have my own company in Brazil, I’m sure I will take advantage of having this opportunity.
The 3 main reasons I chose San Diego are the weather, the size of the city, and because it is located in California. In my opinion, San Diego is perfect in size. It’s a big city but not big like New York, not too busy but it offers everything that I need, and with a more laid back atmosphere. I also always dreamed of going to California, and here I am. My initial plan was to stay here for six months, but I’m already thinking about extending my stay. I haven’t had time to travel yet, but San Diego already has my favorite spots - I love spending the day at Balboa Park, having breakfast at the Republic Breakfast restaurant, and eating Mexican food at the Craft Taco Truck. But my favorite thing to do is watch the sunset while sitting at the beach - for sure, the sunset here is one of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen.
It’s interesting to think about, because when I was planning my trip to the US, I didn’t have a lot of expectations. To be honest with you, I was really worried that I wouldn’t adapt to life here and would want to go back to Brazil. However, San Diego and CEL positively surprised me, and I can’t explain how much I love living in San Diego and having this opportunity at CEL. I can’t wait to see more and have more experiences here.
Frequently Asked Questions
.avif)
Study Abroad Guide: How to Study in the USA After Graduating from a Korean University
Wondering how to study in the U.S. without an exchange program? This guide walks Korean graduates through every step—from setting goals and choosing the right language school to cultural preparation, building a global network, and planning for graduate school or career opportunities
Taking a Gap Year to Study in San Diego: My Dream Came True!
Hannah from Korea spent a month at CEL San Diego during her gap year—and loved it. From structured, high-level classes that boosted her speaking skills to making international friends and exploring local highlights, her time was both educational and unforgettable. She recommends CEL for anyone looking to improve English while enjoying life in the U.S.
.jpg)
Learn English in the USA: Why California’s West Coast Is the Ultimate Place to Study — From San Diego to Los Angeles
Sunshine, beaches, and world-class education — discover why the West Coast, especially San Diego and Los Angeles, is the best place to learn English in the USA.
.avif)
Ein Tag in San Diego: Was dich während deines Sprachaufenthalts erwartet
Wie sieht dein Alltag während eines Sprachaufenthalts in Kalifornien aus? In diesem Artikel begleiten wir dich durch einen typischen Tag bei CEL San Diego – von einem entspannten Morgenspaziergang zum Strand über interaktiven Englischunterricht bis hin zu Surfen, Yoga oder einem BBQ mit Freunden. Erfahre, wie du in einer modernen Unterkunft mit Pool und Fitnessstudio wohnst, amerikanische Nachbarn kennenlernst und das echte kalifornische Lebensgefühl erlebst – alles nur 5 Minuten vom Pazifik entfernt
Present Simple Or Present Continuous: Which One Do I Use?
College of English Language in San Diego provides comprehensive English instruction, including mastering present and past tenses, helping students confidently navigate real-world communication.
CEL San Diego Downtown New Location
CEL Downtown in San Diego, housed in a historic building, provides modern facilities including themed classrooms and a student lounge, ensuring a comfortable and conducive learning environment.
Three Ways To Overcome Problems In Learning English
Mastering American English involves tackling differences in spoken vs. written English, understanding slang, and adapting to fast-paced conversations through immersion and exposure to native speakers.
Six Common Mistakes Learners Make When Forming Conditionals
The utilization of conditionals presents a significant challenge to students, often resulting in errors such as the misuse of "will," "would," and "unless." Let us examine the six common mistakes made by learners in this regard.
