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Converse International School of Languages
Master English in San Diego with immersive, small-group learning and cultural adventures.
3.8(5 reviews)
school
$$$
Master English in San Diego with immersive, small-group learning and cultural adventures.
Converse International School of Languages (CISL) is a premier English language school located in downtown San Diego, offering immersive programs for international students. With small class sizes averaging just 4 students, we provide personalized attention to accelerate language acquisition. Our curriculum includes General English, Business English, Cambridge exam preparation, and unique Career English Programs that combine study with local work opportunities. Beyond the classroom, our dedicated staff organizes exciting activities like skydiving, surfing, and cultural excursions to enhance your experience. Whether you're here for a summer camp, intensive course, or career development, CISL blends academic excellence with the vibrant lifestyle of San Diego.
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Small-group classes focusing on grammar, vocabulary, speaking, and listening skills for all proficiency levels.
Specialized courses that integrate language learning with professional contexts, including local work placements.
Targeted instruction for Cambridge English certifications, emphasizing test strategies and advanced language use.
Immersive programs with organized excursions like skydiving, surfing, and cultural tours in San Diego.
Assistance with housing, class changes, and academic advising from friendly, available staff.
This is a certificate mill for students who need to justify their stay in the US. Curriculum, progress, exams, its all largely for show as long as the students show up they pass. I get it but don't think this is a real school or the educators professionals.
Overall the facilities were poor and not digitalized when I was there. The instructors were kind and dedicated, but the classes simply followed boring textbooks, focusing on memorizing grammar and vocabulary, which is something I could easily have done on my own in my home country. The tuition was relatively high. This may be due to the small class sizes, but given the type of lessons described above, the benefit of having smaller groups doesn’t really seem to be utilized. I could feel the school’s enthusiasm to make enrolled students enjoy their time. In the end, I felt that what really matters is how you spend your time alone outside of school. In short, you shouldn’t place too much expectation on the school or the homestay. Of course, this is my issue, though.
The teachers at CISL (though not all) are very good and have many years of experience. If you have a higher level of proficiency, I definitely recommend taking a Business English course or preparing for the advanced exam. The regular level classes can sometimes be quite mixed, with significant differences in levels among students, which makes it difficult to improve effectively. The location is very central, and if you're not staying with a host family but in the student apartment building, it's only a 20-minute walk away. I would strongly recommend the Career English Program because it’s a unique opportunity to enhance your English in a business context and communicate with native speakers daily. There are no negative points to mention, but I suggest that CISL establishs more partnerships with local companies to offer even more work opportunities. My placement was absolutely perfect for my academic and professional background. The activity coordinator is fantastic, and you can always ask her for help with any concerns. Overall, I had a wonderful and enriching experience.
#Flashback I was in San Diego, California for 5 months improving my English from February 11 to July 1, 2018. IT was just AMAZING. The city is wonderful, where you can visit a lot of beautiful places and meet a lot of people. I lived in little Italy and went to Converse in Downtown. I had received recommandations from 3 friends who have studied here, and they were right ; It is probably the best school in SD. First of all, the staff is very friendly and always available. Tamara, the director of the school, is always here if you need help. Joseph, is at the same time the Assistant Academic Manager and an excellent teacher (I was lucky to follow his lessons for 3 months) too. If you have any question, you can ask Heather at the reception, she is always smiling and happy. Sonya is the activities coordinator, thanks to her, I could do skydiving and surfing. She is so sweet ! Finally, Jessica will help you if you want to change classes or lessons. During these 5 months, I definitely improved my English, because of the lesson's quality and the availability of the staff when you want to practice, practice and practice your english :) So don't be shy and talk with them because they could give you a lot of advice about food, places and activities ! For all of the reasons, I definitely recommend you CISL and San Diego. It was the best experience of my life ; I have realized my dream of living in the US for a while, and I don't have regrets, or, maybe yes, just one : I should have stayed more time ! I miss these guys, and I will be back soon to visit them ! See you soon CISL Anthony Monteleone
It was totally amazing experiences in San Diego! I could have so many chances to practice English with teachers and classmates. Cause there were only 4 students in my class! That was unbelievable! I took Cambridge English classes at Converse and I would highly recommend this class for everyone who would like to learn and practice English properly. It was great opportunity to improve my speaking, listening and writing skills. Thanks to my teacher Joseph (I miss you so bad Joseph! You are the best teacher ever I have met.. seriously) I could feel confident and get used to using proper English as time went by. I think I was so fortunate to get really good memories there. I miss all of you! Especially so many activities with Sonya were definitely unforgettable experiences for me. She was so friendly and nice. Converse has so good Activity plans and they try to make it every month differently for all of the students. Those were so enjoyable and I had fun with Sonya! I hope I can visit there again someday and have fun with teachers once again. Take care, guys!
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