Did you know that CISL has a Japanese Liaison? CISL staff member Joseph is Japanese and lived in Japan for more than 25 years. Now, we are lucky to have him as CISL’s Assistant Academic Manager and official Japanese Liaison. We interviewed Joseph to learn more about his life, his Japanese family, and his job at...
Category: <span>Student Life in the USA</span>
CISL Career English Student Emanuela Experiences the Biomedical Research Industry
People often say that the American business model and work environment is different than in other countries . . . but exactly how is it different? With CISL’s Career English program, students have the opportunity to experience the U.S. work environment by spending time at an American host company. Italian student Emanuela recently completed the...
Why Your English Isn’t Improving
Do you study and study English but feel like your language skills are not improving? Perhaps you are making some of these very common mistakes. Why Your English Isn’t Improving You aren’t getting enough practice speaking Speaking skills can be some of the most difficult to improve, mainly because it requires many hours of speaking...
5 Common Mistakes International Students Make
Moving to the U.S. to study English is an exciting opportunity. For many, it’s also a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Make the most of your time in the U.S. and avoid these 5 common mistakes international students make. After 45 years of providing English instruction, we at CISL continue to see these mistakes made again and again!...
“SO” + Adverbs and Adjectives (+ Things that are “SO” San Diego)
In the English language, we use the word “so” in several different ways. Each way allows us to speak with more emphasis; some uses of the word “so” are more typically “Southern Californian” than others. Learn the most common ways of using the word “so” here! “SO” + Adverbs and Adjectives (and Things that are...
5 Fall Activities to Enjoy as an ESL Student in the U.S.
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” -L.M. Montgomery, author of Anne of Green Gables Are you studying English in the United States during the fall? You are in for a treat!* Enjoy some of these American fall traditions! *in for a treat: an expression meaning you will experience something...
Student and Tourist Visa Information for International Students
Are you coming to the U.S. to study English? If so, you probably have many questions regarding your visa: how to obtain it, what to do (and what not to do) during your interview, and how long your visa will be valid. Read on for information about student visas, including the I-94, B2, F1, and...
Meet our CISL Pathway Partner, Santa Monica College!
CISL is proud to announce a partnership with Santa Monica College in beautiful Southern California! With this new partnership, CISL’s English for Academic Purposes graduates can attend Santa Monica College (SMC) without taking the TOEFL. Learn about your future with SMC below. CISL’s Newest Pathway Partner, Santa Monica College What is Santa Monica College? Santa...
5 Things You Should Do in Your First Week as an International Student
Moving to the U.S. to study English is exciting, but it can also be a little scary! Follow these suggestions for the 5 things you should do in your first week as an international student at CISL San Diego or San Francisco and you will feel adjusted and comfortable in your new home in less...
English Capitalization Rules + A Trip to Sacramento, California’s Capital
Do you know the basic English capitalization rules? Stick with these simple guidelines and you will understand the majority of the times that we capitalize something in English. Basic English Capitalization Rules The first letter of the first word of a sentence This basic rule is something we always follow in English. The thing I...