Nicknames for Santa + the Origin of the Word “Nickname”
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Nicknames for Santa + the Origin of the Word “Nickname”

The holiday season means delicious foods, celebrations, decorations, and the appearance of a strange man in a red suit who flies through the air with eight reindeer. Christmas is indeed a strange holiday! To celebrate, we are taking a look at this iconic figure, Santa Claus, and his many nicknames. The name “Santa Claus” is...

Grammar Lesson of the Month: Irregular Verbs in Christmas poetry
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Grammar Lesson of the Month: Irregular Verbs in Christmas poetry

One of the most difficult aspects of learning English is the language’s irregular verbs. These verbs make it tough for students to correctly use grammatical structures that require a past tense or past participle verb, such as the Simple Past, the Present Perfect, or the Passive. Students spend hours practicing long irregular English verb lists,...

Weekend getaway: exploring Portland (+ some Portland slang!
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Weekend getaway: exploring Portland (+ some Portland slang!

Living and studying English in San Francisco or San Diego is a dream to many international students: the cities are alive with options for activities, festivals, shopping, eating, socializing . . . the list goes on and on! As great as SD and SF are, we encourage our students to see more of the U.S.:...

SD Gaslamp + “nightlife” idioms
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SD Gaslamp + “nightlife” idioms

Sure, San Diego is all about beaches and beautiful weather, but did you know that Downtown San Diego is home to a beautiful, historic, and exciting area called the Gaslamp Quarter? SD’s Gaslamp Quarter, called “The Historic Heart of San Diego,” is located just a few streets from CISL San Diego. The streets are lined...

Best bike routes in SD and SF + biking vocabulary
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Best bike routes in SD and SF + biking vocabulary

There are so many ways to enjoy nature and stay in shape while studying English at CISL San Diego or CISL San Francisco. From the running routes to the hiking trails to the yoga classes, there is always something to do that will keep you in shape! Another great way to exercise while you are an...

“Leaf” expressions + fall activities
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“Leaf” expressions + fall activities

“To ask why we fall in love is to ask why the leaves fall. And to ask how we stay in love is to ask how the trees stay.” -Jinvirle Fall is here! With this season comes fall traditions, such as Halloween, pumpkin carving, haunted houses, Thanksgiving, and the famous pumpkin spice latte that many...

Running vocabulary + running routes in San Francisco
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Running vocabulary + running routes in San Francisco

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...

Paddleboarding in Mission Beach + “Paddle” Idioms
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Paddleboarding in Mission Beach + “Paddle” Idioms

“Always behave like a duck. Keep calm and unruffled on the surface, but paddle like hell underwater.” San Diego is a dream for water sports lovers: the warm weather makes it possible to enjoy the water longer than other parts of the U.S., and the city’s many beaches provide the perfect places to surf, bodysurf,...