The goal of the Standard English Course is to help students use English with accuracy and confidence. Students improve their general English language skills and, just as importantly, they learn how to be better communicators, how to use English in different situations, how to interact with people from different cultures, and how to be better language learners.

• 20 lessons per week: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:40 p.m.
• Average 8 students per class
• Required level: CISL Basic (A1) or higher
• Start any week

The goal of the Conversational English Course is for students to become confident and fluent when using English in everyday situations. Students in the course focus on building vocabulary and perfecting pronunciation with lessons that emphasize useful vocabulary, targeted pronunciation practice, and conversational application. Students will be able to use English to express ideas, give opinions, participate in conversations and have discussions with their classmates.

• 8 lessons per week: Monday – Thursday, 1:30 p.m.-3:10 p.m.
• Average 8 students per class
• Required level: CISL Basic (A1) or higher
• Start any week

The goal of the Business English Course is for students to learn how to use English to communicate effectively in business settings. Students learn communication skills required in business settings, how to confidently discuss popular topics in business, and how to communicate with business people from other cultures with tact.

• 8 lessons per week: Monday – Thursday, 1:30 p.m.-3:10 p.m.
• Average 8 students per class
• Required level: CISL Low-Intermediate (A2) or higher
• Start any week

Private lessons are based on the individual needs and goals of the student receiving the private lessons. Students may enroll solely in private lessons or add them to any other course (up to 30 per week).

• Schedule: based on student and instructor availability.
• One student per class
• No proficiency requirement
• Start any week

The CISL Cambridge English Exam Preparation Courses prepare students to take Cambridge English exams to receive certificates verifying their English proficiency. Over 20,000 universities, employers, and governments around the world accept Cambridge English exams. CISL offers preparation courses for Cambridge English: B2 First (FCE) and C1 Advanced (CAE) in San Diego. CISL students can take the official FCE and CAE exams at the end of either course, and CISL is an authorized Cambridge English exam centre.

• 20 lessons per week: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:40 p.m. OR
• 28 lessons per week: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:40 p.m. plus Monday – Thursday, 1:30 p.m. – 3:10 p.m.
• Average 8 students per class
• Minimum Required level: FCE – CISL Intermediate (B1+), CAE – CISL Low Advanced (B2+)
• 4, 7 or 11-week courses with several start dates each year.

The IELTS Preparation Course focuses on preparing students to take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam by helping students improve their English proficiency as well as equipping them with effective test-taking strategies. Students in the course will receive guided help in developing their academic skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing as well as using effective strategies for taking the official IELTS exam.

• 20 lessons per week: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:40 p.m.
• Average 8 students per class
• Required level: CISL Intermediate (B1) or higher
• 4, 7,  11-week course with multiple start dates each year
• Afternoon electives may be added

The goal of the EAP Course is to prepare students for college level coursework and academic writing. The course is divided into seven projects over twelve weeks; students can take just one, two, or more weeks of the course to improve their writing skills without receiving a certificate. Students who successfully complete all seven projects in twelve weeks of the EAP Course are eligible to participate in the CISL Pathway Program. • 8 lessons per week: Monday – Thursday, 1:30 p.m.-3:10 p.m.

• Average 8 students per class
• Required level: CISL Upper-Intermediate (B2) or higher
• 12-week course; start dates throughout the year

The Executive English Course is designed for motivated students and business professionals who want to focus on the skills needed to effectively conduct business in English. Courses are designed to cover a variety of real-life business situations and address each student’s specific needs and goals. The committed instructors are experienced in both English education and the business world and will challenge and guide the students through this rigorous program.

• 20 lessons per week: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:40 p.m. OR
• 28 lessons per week: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:40 p.m. plus Monday – Thursday, 1:30 p.m. – 3:10 p.m.
• Maximum 4 students per class in AM class
• Required level: CISL Basic (A1) or higher
• Start any week

Study Hall is a free, self-study course in which students work independently. There is an instructor available to assist students who have questions. Students can work on English homework, read an English text, or do some other activity related to their English studies. Students with an F-1 student visa must be enrolled in a full-time course (18 or more hours per week) in order to maintain their visa status. F-1 students who enroll in a 20-lesson-per-week course are required to attend Study Hall for 1.5 hours/week in order to meet the 18-hour per week minimum requirement.

• 2 Lessons per week
• Wednesday 1:30-3:10 PM
• No required proficiency level
• Start any week

The Academic Year Program (AYP) gives students the opportunity to improve their general and academic English skills at CISL and then attend a semester at a college in California. It is popular with recent high school graduates taking a gap year and with students who want to attend an American university. Ambitious students who want to experience American college life can appreciate the adventure of studying in a college in a new country with the support of CISL along the way. CISL helps students to prepare for their semester academically, personally, and linguistically. Before the college semester, students have already made friends at CISL, honed their general and academic English skills, and received guidance and advice from the CISL staff so that they can enjoy their college experience without stress. Students in the CISL Academic Year Program must study at least 16 weeks at CISL and enroll in one semester at a participating college. The specific CISL course plan depends on each student’s language proficiency and goals, but most students take a combination of the following courses:

• Morning Courses (Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:40 p.m.)  and
• Afternoon Elective Courses (Monday – Thursday, 1:30 p.m. – 3:10 p.m).
  • English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

Career English Program positions are unpaid and are focused on improving the student’s English skills. This is not a job training program. Placement is subject to a successful interview. Students provide their top three choices of desired fields and should have prior education or experience in those fields. Specific fields/positions are not guaranteed. We offer the following program options:

• 6+ weeks English classes followed by 6-8 weeks placement with a local business.