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You already know that all EC English schools offer the highest quality academics, expert instructors and unique immersive learning programs. But for those of you looking to learn English in the USA, how do you choose a location? This may help: for the 7th year in a row, California is the highest-ranked destination in the world for foreign students. That’s because this state has it all: amazing weather, great beaches, super-fresh cuisine, celebrity vibes, diverse cultures and every kind of natural landscape you could imagine—from redwood forests to mystic deserts, stunning mountains to gorgeous beaches.
Come with us on a virtual road trip down the legendary Pacific Coast Highway, as we stop at 3 amazing EC language school locations: EC San Francisco, EC Los Angeles and EC San Diego. We’ll take a closer look at each town—and help you find your vibe.
Top reasons to choose EC San Francisco
Top reasons to choose EC Los Angeles
Top reasons to choose EC San Diego
Top reasons to learn English at EC San Francisco
First stop: EC San Francisco. You’ll find EC San Francisco located right in the heart of this vibrant city, just steps from public transportation, 3 blocks from Union Square and 10 minutes from the waterfront. It’s perfectly situated for getting out and practicing your English skills.
The vibe
If you want to study in one of the coolest cities in the US, EC San Francisco is for you. A unique blend of tech innovation and historical charm, it’s home to Google, Meta, Instagram and tons of other tech companies. But this area is also known for its quirky cultural vibe. Famously the centre of San Francisco’s hippie counterculture, it offers graffiti covered alleyways, colourful Victorian houses and a creative scene that has captured the imagination of artists, writers and filmmakers for generations.
The weather
The city has a Mediterranean climate, with wet winters and dry summers—never too hot. You’ll often experience its characteristic fog as cool ocean air mixes with and the heat of the Californian peninsula.
The culture
In addition to having an internationally recognized symphony, world-class ballet and art museums, San Francisco is full of amazing student-friendly things to do. Hop on a cable car to explore the Fisherman’s Wharf marketplace. Feel the love in Haight-Ashbury, once the home of the Grateful Dead, score great vintage vintage finds and check out the world-class street art. And be sure to take a boat ride to Alcatraz—the notorious former prison made famous in countless movies.
The great outdoors
San Francisco is one of the country’s greenest cities—and you’re never far from an incredible park. Spend some time on the biking through Golden Gate Park. Or hike through the spectacular Muir Woods, marvelling at forests of ancient redwoods.
The food
Simply put, this is a foodie’s paradise. In addition to providing an incredibly diverse food scene, California grows its own produce—and this city has the freshest, best produce in all of the US. There’s no shortage of healthy, creative options for students on a budget. What’s more, San Francisco has an incredibly strong coffee culture–so you can count on staying well-caffeinated for your English lessons.
Top reasons to learn English at EC Los Angeles
Next on our tour of EC English language schools in California: EC Los Angeles, located in one of the most exciting and multicultural cities in the US. EC Los Angeles is in the beautiful Santa Monica section, right on the California coastline. Two minutes from all the dining, shopping and nightlife of the Third Street Promenade, it’s also close to everything the rest of LA has to offer, with zillions of opportunities to try out your English. Learn more.
The vibe
If you want to experience all the glamour, excitement and international presence LA has to offer—from the comfort of a classic, Southern California oasis—EC Los Angeles is the right choice. The most visited beach town in Southern California, Santa Monica is committed to sustainability, has a bike-friendly, walkable infrastructure, and offers the perfect place to soak up the sun between English lessons.
The weather
With sun all year round, the weather is pretty great. LA gets about 284 sunny days each year—far above the US national average.
The culture
From the iconic Hollywood sign to sprawling villas and the palm trees that line Venice Beach, Los Angeles personifies Hollywood glamour. Find your favourite celebs on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Visit Universal Studios. Or view stars from another angle, from the famous Griffith Observatory. Back in Santa Monica, explore the Pier and ride the 9-storey Ferris Wheel.
The great outdoors
Santa Monica offers the perfect antidote to city life and studying. Bike along the coast. Roller skate to Long Beach. Hike the Santa Monica Mountains. Take in a beach yoga class. if you’re an outdoor fitness enthusiast, you’ll love EC Lost Angeles in Santa Monica.
The food
Downtown LA is one of the world’s great spots for foodies—but Santa Monica has a wide variety of restaurants and cuisines too. It’s also known for its top-rated farmer’s market, where you can buy groceries alongside top chefs and A-list celebs. You’ll find organic fruits, veggies and pastries, as well as lots of other year-round and seasonal farm favourites.
Top reasons to learn English at EC San Diego
Our final stop: EC San Diego, where the English is always improving, the sun’s always shining and the surf’s always up. Located in the beautiful neighbourhood of La Jolla (“the Jewel of San Diego”), our school is just minutes from stunning beaches, trendy cafes, and exciting nightlife. You’ll have lots of fun using your English while exploring everything this chill city has to offer. Learn more.
The vibe
If you’re looking to learn English in a town with the ultimate laid-back California vibe, this is it. A super friendly city, San Diego is known as a big small town, so there are plenty of opportunities to chat with the locals and practice your English.
The weather
Leave all your winter clothes behind; with low humidity in summer and year-round sunshine, San Diego has the best weather in all of the continental US. There’s only one word for it: spectacular.
The culture
San Diego is brimming with fun activities for students, from the famous San Diego Zoo to Balboa Park, which hosts an amazing array of cultural offerings, including 17 museums and performing arts venues. Take a walk along the San Diego Waterfront and grab a bite in Seaport Village. Check out the famous Hotel del Coronado. And if you’re taking classes at EC San Diego in the summer, don’t miss Comicon, the coolest week-long convention ever, when the city is transformed into an action-hero fantasyland.
The great outdoors
San Diego is a true outdoor playground where you can hike, bike, learn to surf at Pacific Beach, kayak with sea lions in La Jolla cove, go kite surfing or just take in the views from Sunset Cliffs. You’ll see the most Instagrammable sunsets imaginable from Ocean Pier, Crystal Pier and Coronado Beach.
The food
Great restaurants and cafes abound in San Diego; you’ll find delicious Asian, Middle Eastern, and Italian food. But with Mexico just 15 miles away, San Diego has a strong Mexican food scene. Be sure to sample the fish tacos, carne asada, mole, menudo—all at prices that won’t break the bank.
All in all, if you want to learn English abroad, you can’t go wrong with an EC English school in California: the right choice simply depends on the kind of vibe you’re looking for. Whichever school you pick, you’re sure to make California dreaming a reality—with new skills, new friends and an unforgettable journey.