California Packing List | California Is A Great Idea!
California offers diversity, fresh produce, vibrant festivals, a relaxed lifestyle, iconic burger joints like In-n-Out, renowned Mexican cuisine, abundant avocados, and snow sports in its mountain regions.

What makes California so amazing and interesting?
If you love nature you’ll love California
Oh gosh, where to start? Yosemite, Tahoe, the massive forests, Death Valley,Sequoia and Joshua Tree National Park, Palm Springs, Napa, San Francisco, SantaCruz, Malibu, Santa Catalina Island, Big Bear Lake, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills,Carmel, Santa Monica, Monterey, Santa Barbara, San Diego…. For those studying English in the USA,California offers countless breathtaking landscapes to explore.
Californians Know Everything About Fresh Produce
Believe it or not, California is big on agriculture and farming. We get amazingvegetables and fruit, the best artichokes you’ll ever find, and some prettyhigh-quality meats as well. Our farmers markets are often huge, varied, andmore like a food festival than a weekly shopping trip. Just prepare to bespoiled rotten from the fresh produce!
Diversity and Lifestyle
People from all walks of life, all ethnicities, and all genders call Californiahome. What’s even more impressive, is that the state values acceptance andwelcomes everyone for who they are. You’ll never find a more inclusive state. Learning English inCalifornia means experiencing this richdiversity firsthand. Californians live organically, advocate for acceptance,strive for greatness, and make dreams come true.
There Is Literally A Festival ForEverything
Californians love festivals. Maybe it’s that we have better weather here, soit’s easier to have them. From renaissance festivals, cultural, wine tointernet cat festivals, we’ll celebrate just about anything imaginable. If youlike craft beer, this is definitely the right place to be. With nearly 500breweries statewide, it’s safe to say that the craft beer movement isn’t justbooming in California, it’s BOOMING!
From Bulking Up To Slimming Down, It’sAbsurdly Easy To Get Healthy Here
If you want a healthier diet or lifestyle, California makes it easy. There areplenty of vegan, vegetarian, and specialty restaurants, as well as health foodstores, and gyms and yoga studios galore. And if you’d rather jog, most placeshave superb hiking trails, or you can just go to the beach and jog on the sandor the boulevard.
Casual Friday Is An Every Day Sort Of Thing
You know what CA tech company employees never say? “Boy, I can’t decide whichtie to wear to work today.” In general, in any part of CA, office attire tendsto be much more relaxed. Even if there’s some form of dress code, you probablywill never need to own a full suit in this state unless you want to. Even inthe rare moments it does rain, you’ll always find someone in shorts andsandals.
In-n-Out Isn’t Just A Burger, It’s A Way Of Life
Just a burger? You’ve got to be kidding. In-n-Out is a must-try for anyonevisiting, and locals love it. They keep their menu classic and do it well.Besides, who wants to pass up ordering off the secret menu? Animal Style,Veggie Style, and 4 x 4, just to name a few secret menu orders.
California Does Mexican Food Right
We’re not talking Taco Bell here. The Mexican restaurants here are to die for,the best in the nation, and they get progressively better the closer to theborder you get. Heck, even our roadside food trucks and taco stands put mostother states to shame.
Avocados. Avocados Everywhere
Remember that produce thing? Well, there’s one thing we seem to grow and use inabundance, and that’s avocados. In sushi, salads, and even in burgers, you’llfind avocado on every menu. And yes, we know avocados cost extra!
Yes, California Does Actually Get Snow
The mountain regions of California are great for skiing. Ski towns includeTahoe, Yosemite, Big Bear, Mammoth Mountain, Squaw Valley...the list goes onand on. And what’s more, a lot of people seek out the snow every year for funand really love the stuff. Learning English in the USA givesyou the chance to experience California’s unique weather, from snow-cappedmountains to sunny beaches.

Frequently Asked Questions
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California on a Student Budget: Eat, Surf & Study Without Overspending
San Diego makes learning English in California affordable. Enjoy small classes, beach life, street food, and resort-style CEL Shared Apartments — complete with pool, gym, and BBQ. Discover how to live the California dream on a student budget.
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Learn English in San Diego or Vancouver? The City That Matches Your Personality
San Diego or Vancouver? Discover which city matches your personality, lifestyle, and learning goals. Compare atmosphere, culture, English immersion, and student life to find the perfect destination for your CEL study-abroad experience.
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Local Life in San Diego – Leben wie ein Local
Lebe den kalifornischen Traum bei deinem Sprachaufenthalt in San Diego. Nur fünf Minuten vom Meer entfernt lernst du Englisch in kleinen Klassen, genießt Sonne, Strand und den echten Local-Lifestyle. Ob Surfen am Morgen, Tacos am Abend oder Wochenendtrips mit neuen Freunden – in San Diego wird Englischlernen zum Erlebnis.
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Pourquoi le Canada est la meilleure destination pour votre séjour linguistique – Les faits
Découvrez pourquoi le Canada, et tout particulièrement Vancouver, est la meilleure destination pour un séjour linguistique : éducation de qualité, nature grandiose et accueil chaleureux garantis !

English Dialects: Everything You Need To Know
Studying in Santa Monica, CA, exposes you to diverse English dialects, enriching your language journey with unique characteristics from around the world.
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A Day in the Life of Laura – Center Director at CEL Vancouver
Step into Laura’s day as Center Director at CEL Vancouver — from morning check-ins to heartfelt student stories. Learn what makes our campus welcoming, supportive, and full of life.

Why You Should Choose San Diego Over LA and San Francisco
Currently interning at CEL San Diego, I've cherished the diverse friendships and learning opportunities, affirming CEL as California's top language school. From Santa Monica to San Diego, my journey embodies the essence of the West Coast.

Lagerfeuer am Mission Beach – Ein unvergesslicher Abend während deines Sprachaufenthalts in San Diego
Ein Sprachaufenthalt in San Diego bedeutet Sonne, Englisch und kalifornisches Lebensgefühl. Beim CEL-Lagerfeuer am Mission Beach erlebst du Freundschaft, Spaß und Sprache auf ganz neue Weise.

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