San Franciscans are some of the most in-shape people in the U.S., and it’s no wonder why: the city’s abundant farmer’s markets selling fresh California produce and the numerous parks and open spaces suit those who love the outdoors! San Francisco’s terrain and cool weather also make it a runner’s paradise. Whether you’re a novice...
San Francisco is known as being a hub of cultures, so it comes as no surprise that you can find incredible food in the City by the Bay! But after checking out the clam chowder bowls of Pier 39, eating some chocolate from Ghirardelli, and trying some of the fusion restaurants in San Francisco, there’s...
The weather is heating up, but in California there are plenty of places to cool off! In addition to exploring California’s many beautiful beaches, lakes, and rivers, CISL students have the option of enjoying some of the world’s best water parks. Check them out: but first, learn some expressions with “heat!” Expressions with “Heat” In...
Are you considering getting your degree from a U.S. college or university? With programs like CISL’s University Pathway, you easily can! First, you attend CISL classes and complete Converse’s rigorous English for Academic Purposes program to make sure that you have the English skills necessary to succeed in the American university classroom. Then, you work...
It’s a world famous landmark, #1 on Trip Advisor’s list of “Things to do in San Francisco,” and it’s the undisputed symbol of SF. The Golden Gate Bridge is special for so many reasons! But did you know these facts about the most famous bridge on the West Coast? 5 Golden Gate Bridge Facts It’s...
The business world is the world of idioms: from sports related expressions to idioms about financial problems, office conversations are filled with phrases and expressions English learners quickly pick up! If you are a new employee (or, if you are a CISL Career English student and are spending time at an American company), the following...
Are you planning to take a proficiency test (like IELTS or TOEFL or Cambridge FCE/CAE)? If so, your writing, reading, speaking, listening, and grammar skills will be tested. But what exactly is an examiner looking for, and how can you improve your score? One of the most important things that you can do is learn to...
Are you a “glass half full” or a “glass half empty” type of person? In English, we ask this question to find out if a person is more positive or more negative. Regardless of your tendency to be more or less positive, these idioms about hope and positivism are incredibly useful! Five Positive Idioms Every...
When choosing to study English abroad, you have so many choices to make. In which country will you attend courses? What accommodations are best for you? What language school is right for you? And which courses are best to enroll in? One of the many courses you may have to choose from is English for...
Are you coming to California to study English at one of our camps for teens, such as our program at UC Berkeley? If so, you’ll soon need to start preparing for your trip by doing some packing! (And maybe a little shopping, which we all know is the best “homework!”) Our packing guide includes the...
