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International Student Life In California

What is it really like to study at CISL and live in San Diego or San Francisco? Since 1972, CISL has provided international students with accommodation and activities that make their English-learning experience memorable. From school-organized outings to professionally organized accommodation, CISL offers its students the opportunity to make the most of their time in California.

From warm and welcoming homestays with American families to premier hotels and social student residences, CISL offers students at San Diego and San Francisco accommodation options that match each student’s needs. Both CISL San Diego and CISL San Francisco have a dedicated Homestay & Accommodation Coordinator to ensure students are comfortable in their accommodation.

 

SAN DIEGO

In addition to a homestay with a welcoming American family, San Diego students have several options for accommodation. Students can choose between Vantaggio Gaslamp (just a two-minute walk from CISL!) or Vantaggio State Street, which is located in trendy Little Italy. Students interested in upscale, urban accommodation can also choose Gaslamp Residences, which offers suite-style rooms and numerous amenities.

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SAN FRANCISCO

Live in (and fall in love with) the Golden Gate City with one of CISL San Franciso’s accommodation options! Possibilities include an American family homestay or student residences and premier hotels located 10-15 walking distance from CISL’s exciting Financial District location.

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CISL is dedicated to ensuring all students enjoy their CISL experience inside and outside of the classroom! Our school-organized activities offer students the opportunity to see all that beautiful San Diego and San Francisco have to offer in regard to museums, restaurants, neighborhoods, festivals, and activities. Pick up our Monthly Activities Calendar to read about the month’s after-school and weekend activities, and check out the sign-up sheet at school to participate in any of our exciting excursions.

SAN DIEGO

Bring your sunscreen: San Diego`s year-round beautiful weather makes it a perfect place for fun outdoor and water-related activities like sailing, surfing, and kayaking. CISL also offers discounts Padres baseball games, the world-famous San Diego Zoo, Sea World, Balboa Park`s museums . . . the list goes on and on! Come see all that sunny San Diego has to offer!

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SAN FRANCISCO

Explore the culture and excitement of San Francisco museums, unique neighborhoods, and famous landmarks with CISL`s creative after-school activities. Whether you are looking for some exercise by rollerblading and biking or searching for some cultural enlightenment through live concerts or wine tasting, there is always something appealing happening after class!

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Getting around San Diego and San Francisco is easy thanks to each city’s comprehensive public transportation system. Hop on the bus or grab a trolley or train and see all that San Diego and San Francisco’s unique neighborhoods have to offer.

SAN DIEGO

SD’s bus and trolley systems provide access from urban areas to Downtown San Diego, major shopping centers like Fashion Valley Mall, and of course, the beaches! Additionally, the city has an extensive network of taxis, driving services such as Uber and Lyft, and a bike rental service where students pick up a bicycle from one station and leave it at another. CISL assists students with the purchase of public transportation cards during orientation and also happily provides information about renting a car for road trips.

SAN FRANCISCO

Most San Franciscans do not own a car, and it is easy to see why: with such great public transportation, there really isn’t a need to own a vehicle! San Francisco’s Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system connects SF residents to cities surrounding the San Francisco Bay and allows quick and easy transportation in the city itself. The Amtrak station, located in nearby Richmond, joins Bay Area residents to the rest of California.

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