We’ll get you the key to open the doors to the worlds & unlock your full potential. Crossing Borders, Connecting Hearts.

san diego

DOWNTOWN

Crossing Borders
connecting hearts
Crossing Borders
connecting hearts
Crossing Borders
connecting hearts

In the vibrant heart of Downtown San Diego, CEL offers a dynamic learning environment surrounded by the lively atmosphere of Broadway and the cultural richness of America’s Finest City. Just minutes away from iconic attractions like Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy, our San Diego Downtown campus offers students an immersive experience in the vibrant energy of an American city.

From sports and shopping to dining, craft beers and art, our students find themselves at the intersection of education and entertainment. Come join us in this coastal paradise, where learning English is more than just a journey—it's an exploration of culture and language at our Language School in Downtown San Diego, California.

Fantastic location in the heart of Downtown San Diego

Dive into the lively vibes of San Diego! Our language school is right in the middle of Downtown, making it super easy to explore cool places and cultural spots.

Small classes (average of 7, max. 12 students per class)

Enjoy personalized attention and an engaging learning environment with our small class sizes, allowing for a focused language development.

12 modern classrooms, equipped with smart TVs

Experience cutting-edge language education in our state-of-the-art classrooms, to enhance your learning with interactive and dynamic resources.

Different programs for all ages and levels

Tailor your language learning journey with our diverse range of programs designed to meet the needs of learners of all ages and proficiency levels.

Student lounge with vending machine, water dispenser & microwave

Foster connections with fellow students in our lively Students Lounge, creating an ideal space for communication and friendship.

I WILL NEVER FORGET MY TIME IN SAN DIEGO

My time in San Diego has been the most amazing experience! I've made lifelong friends from all over the world, embarked on incredible road trips to different beaches and national parks with them, and created unforgettable memories. The CEL Shared Apartment Superior in Pacific Beach added to the fun with fantastic amenities like a BBQ area, jacuzzi, and pool, providing the perfect backdrop for connecting with a global community. I'm grateful for the friendships I formed at CEL, extending even now to my home country Switzerland. Thank you for making my time here absolutely incredible!

Mirella, 23, Switzerland

OUR  Courses

our courses are

accredited

Our teachers are committed to helping students succeed by providing high-quality English language education.

Our housing options

CEL Residence Standard
  • Small classes (avg 6-7)
  • +16 years
  • Item 3
SHOW COURSE
Managed by CEL
CEL Residence Standard
  • Small classes (avg 6-7)
  • +16 years
  • Item 3
SHOW COURSE
Managed by CEL
CEL Residence Standard
  • Small classes (avg 6-7)
  • +16 years
  • Item 3
SHOW COURSE
Managed by CEL
CEL Residence Standard
  • Small classes (avg 6-7)
  • +16 years
  • Item 3
SHOW COURSE
Managed by CEL
CEL Residence Standard
  • Small classes (avg 6-7)
  • +16 years
  • Item 3
SHOW COURSE
Managed by CEL
CEL Residence Standard
  • Small classes (avg 6-7)
  • +16 years
  • Item 3
SHOW COURSE
Managed by CEL

why
san diego
DOWNTOWN?

  • Modern Metropolitan City & Nightlife
  • Easy access to public transportation (bus & trolley)
  • Famous restaurants & Bars (Gaslamp & Little italy)
  • Big sport stadium's atmosphere (Petco Park)
  • Huge Park recreation & Museums (Balboa Park)
  • Walkable accommodation options
  • 15-minute drive to the airport

activities

balboa park

Balboa Park is a renowned urban park. Featuring beautiful gardens, and cultural institutions, it serves as a vibrant hub for art, nature, and entertainment.
FREE

Little italy

Little Italy is a charming and lively neighborhood known for its vibrant Italian culture and culinary delights. It presents an enticing selection of restaurants, cafes, and shops.
FREE

Oldtown

Old Town San Diego has a quaint atmosphere, and streets filled with the historic culture of the many traditions left behind. This historic area includes three major parks and 32 historic sites.
FREE

Sunset cliffs

Sunset Cliffs is a scenic coastal area located in San Diego, California. It offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, with its rugged cliffs and stunning sunsets.
FREE

La Jolla Beach & Cove

La Jolla Cove is a small cove with a beach that is surrounded by cliffs, famous for seals and sea lions resting in the sun on the beach and rocks in front of the town.
FREE

Sea World

Owned and operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Sea World is multifaceted, animal-focused marine mammal park, oceanarium, and aquarium.
$99 +

USS Midway Museum

The USS Midway Museum is a historical naval aircraft carrier museum located in downtown San Diego at Navy Pier.
$25 +

Coronado Island

Coronado Island offers stunning sunset views on its sandy beaches, creating a perfect backdrop for romantic walks and memorable moments.
$20 +

Ocean Beach Pier

Long Pacific Ocean fishing pier with a café & shop known for sunset views, plus sea lion sightings.
FREE

Seaport Village

Seaport Village is a charming waterfront shopping and dining. It offers stunning views of the harbor and features a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
FREE

Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach offers beautiful sandy beach, bustling boardwalk, and vibrant nightlife scene.
FREE

Fashion Valley

Fashion Valley boasts a diverse selection of luxury and designer stores set admist elegant surroundings. With its upscale ambiance and array of dining options, it offers a sophisticated shopping experience for fashion enthusiasts and discerning shoppers alike.
FREE

Belmont park

An iconic seaside amusement park located in Mission Beach. It offers endless entertainment for visitors all ages.
$50 +

San Diego Zoo

World-renowned zoological park located in Balboa Park. Home to over 3,500 animals representing more than 650 species and subspecies. Giving the chance to observe and learn about a wide variety of wildlife in beautifully landscaped habitats.
$50 +

Petco park

Petco Park is a premier baseball stadium with stunning views of the ciry skyline, delicious dining options, and state-of-the-art amenities.
$40 +

Disneyland

Disneyland LA is a beloved and iconic theme park, where families and Disney enthusiasts can immerse themselves in a magical world filled with attractions, characters, and memorable experiences.
$275 +

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a renowned entertainment capital globally, famed for its lavish resorts, vibrant nightlife, and world-class entertainment. It will be your top destination for those seeking excitement and luxury.
$349 +

Yosemite

Yosemite National Park is celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty, including towering granite cliffs, majestic waterfalls, and ancient sequoia trees. It offers visitors outdoor enthusiasts with hiking, rock climbing, and awe-inspiring vistas at every turn.
$499 +

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a diverse and dynamic metropolis renowned for its entertainment industry, beautiful beaches, and cultural diversity. Enjoy a global hub of creativity, innovation, and opportunity.
$125 +

Lakers Game

A Lakers game is an electrifying experience, showcasing the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most storied franchises in NBA history. Attending a Lakers game would be an unforgettable journey into the heart of basketball culture.
$125 +

Bonfire Night

Bonfire night is a traditional British celebration held on November 5th. Enjoy a festive evening filled with warmth, light, and historical remembrance.
FREE

Pacific Beach Sports Day

Come together to Beach Sports Day to enjoy various sports and activities in the sandy shores and ocean waters. Soak up the sun, feel the breeze, and engage in friendly competition while enjoying the beautiful beach environment.
FREE

LA Day trip

Los Angeles is a diverse and dynamic metropolis renowned for its entertainment industry, beautiful beaches, and cultural diversity. Enjoy a global hub of creativity, innovation, and opportunity.

Disneyland

Disneyland LA is a beloved and iconic theme park, where families and Disney enthusiasts can immerse themselves in a magical world filled with attractions, characters, and memorable experiences.

Universal Studio

Universal Studios Hollywood, located in Los Angeles, is a world-renowned entertainment destination where visitors can immerse themselves in the magic of filmmaking and experience thrilling rides based on blockbuster movies.

FAq

Why CEL Downtown?

Our school in downtown San Diego is a fantastic option for students for several reasons. First, the stunning Balboa Park, with its lush gardens, fascinating museums, and impressive architecture, offers the perfect setting to relax and get inspired between classes.

Second, the nearby Little Italy neighborhood boasts a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and eateries that cater to every taste and craving. Whether students are in the mood for traditional Italian food, exotic sushi, or artisanal coffee, they’ll find it all just steps away from our school.

Third, the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter offers endless opportunities for entertainment and exploration after sunset. From trendy bars and clubs to live music venues and theaters, there’s always something happening in this bustling district, ensuring that students can make the most of their evenings and weekends.

Additionally, our downtown San Diego school location offers convenient access to public transportation, making it easy for students to explore the city and beyond. Whether they want to spend a day at the beach, visit nearby attractions like the San Diego Zoo or the USS Midway Museum, or simply explore San Diego’s diverse neighborhoods, our school serves as the perfect starting point for adventure.

Which CEL location should I choose?

We offer our participants the opportunity to choose a location that they find most appealing, relaxing, or suitable for their needs. Besides San Diego, you can join our excellent CEL in Pacific Beach or our stimulating CEL in Los Angeles, Santa Monica.

Wondering which location you should choose? Well, there’s an easy way to decide! Are you interested in improving your English on one of Southern California’s most beautiful beaches? Then our locations in Pacific Beach or Santa Monica are the best for you. Pacific Beach embodies the relaxed atmosphere of San Diego, while Santa Monica offers you the combination of beach vibes and a big city with many exciting places to explore.

On the other hand, downtown San Diego is popular for its vibrant atmosphere, convenient access to services, and proximity to cultural attractions and entertainment venues. Although it may seem hard to decide, no matter which location you choose, you’re destined to have a memorable adventure! Of course, you can always count on our Admissions and Housing Coordinators to help you discover which of our schools is perfect for you. Leave them a message in the chat and get in touch!

Is CEL Accredited?

Have you decided to make your learning more exciting by joining an English language school? That’s a great idea. Learning English in a target language environment is a highly effective way to make this whole process easier and more natural. However, before enrolling in any ESL class, make sure to check if your preferred school has the necessary accreditation. As for the College of English Language, our reliability, excellence, knowledge, and focus have been accredited by some of the main entities, such as:

  • EnglishUSA
  • Bildungsurlaub
  • Quality English
  • Centrala Studiestödsnämnden (CSN)
  • Association of Language Travel Organizations (ALTO)
  • Commission of English Language Accreditation (CEA)
  • The United States Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS)

Is there a minimum age for the courses?

To enroll in our English school in San Diego, you’ll need to meet certain age requirements:

  • Students over 16 years old: These participants can take part in our adult courses. So, if you’re 16 or older at the time of traveling to Southern California, you’ll be able to join our adult courses with an average class size of 7 students.
  • Students under 16 years old: If you’re not yet 16, then our various teenage courses are for you. These classes also have an average of 7 students and offer a dynamic environment with exciting activities outside the classroom, created to ensure interactive learning.

Is it possible to book as a (small) group?

Have you and your friends decided to enjoy Southern California and improve your English? Here at the College of English Language, our students can book our attractive courses with all their friends. Additionally, we offer summer and winter camps at our school for students who will spend their time at our school in a large group with exciting activities almost every day!

What payment methods are accepted?

Have you decided to enroll in our English school? Then, the next step is to learn more about our payment methods. With us, you get total convenience when it comes to payment because you can do it entirely online without any hassle or stress. Additionally, you can track your payment and stay on top of the process. If any issues arise, you can contact a multilingual support team that will do their best to help you resolve the problem.

How can I apply to the school?

To ensure our offer meets your needs, you should take some time to research your options and decide on some important details. Not only will you have a more enjoyable experience, but you’ll also get exactly what you need. So make sure to consider these factors:

  • Course type: Do you want to start learning English from scratch or would you like to enroll in our intensive English program in Southern California? Are you old enough to join our adult classes? Would you like to surf, learn about a business, or do volunteer work along with your classes? Are you interested in TOEFL or Cambridge exams? These are all questions you should consider before starting the application process.
  • Available campuses: Our students can choose from three campuses with us, so take your time to research which one will be the most suitable for you.
  • Accommodation options: Depending on your age, you’ll be able to enroll in different accommodation options. Of course, you should first decide if you need organized accommodation. Besides host families, we also offer accommodation options with excellent amenities that we manage ourselves.
  • Course schedule and duration: With us, you can book courses throughout the year. So, before enrolling in our English school, you should plan when and for how long you want to come to Southern California.

Do I receive a certificate at the end of the course?

Absolutely! After completing a course at the College of English Language, you will receive a certificate that will be a valuable form of recommendation. Our certificates of participation will contain information about your course, including when and for how long you attended our courses, your attendance rate, your English level at graduation, and other important details.

Does CEL offer activities?

We’ll make your learning experience truly unforgettable because our program includes a series of outstanding activities. Combining classroom teaching and outdoor learning, we provide our students with interactive and engaging classes that enhance their knowledge of English while helping them learn more about the target culture and local attractions. So get ready to visit some of the area’s most popular destinations, such as Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Yosemite National Park, and more. Surfing, hiking, bonfire nights, and group trips are also part of our all-inclusive program, so you’re in for a great time. We guarantee a learning experience like no other, so contact us today.

find us also in

other locations

san diego

Pacific Beach

Los ANGELES

Santa Monica
Let's Talk
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