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

Learn English in California: Why the West Coast Still Works
An experience-based guide to learning English in California. Explore why the West Coast works, how San Diego and Los Angeles differ, who this destination suits best, and how daily life influences real language progress.

What It’s Like to Study English in Canada Year-Round: A Vancouver Guide
Vancouver changes with every season — and so does your study-abroad experience. Discover what it’s really like to study English in Canada year-round, from summer sunsets to winter mountain trips, and how each season shapes life at CEL Vancouver.
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Learn English Abroad – USA Study Tips
Dreaming of learning English in the USA? This guide explains how to pick the right city, course, and visa, plus what everyday life looks like in San Diego and Los Angeles. Practical, inspiring, and packed with insider tips to help you make the most of your study-abroad adventure.
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Soft Skills, die du in Kalifornien lernst – und warum sie im Job Gold wert sind
Soft Skills sind heute wichtiger denn je. Erfahre, wie ein Sprachaufenthalt in Kalifornien dir Kommunikationsstärke, Selbstbewusstsein und interkulturelle Kompetenz bringt – und warum das im Job Gold wert ist.
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The Complete Guide to Living With a Host Family in the USA or Canada
Living with a host family in the USA or Canada is an authentic way to learn English and experience local culture. Discover what’s included, how to prepare, and why CEL’s homestays are the ideal home abroad.
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Santa Monica Dream – Englisch lernen mit Meerblick
Entdecke, warum Santa Monica der perfekte Ort für deinen Sprachaufenthalt in Los Angeles ist – Sonne, Strand und Englischlernen mit Kalifornien-Flair.
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Vancouver Weekends: The Perfect Mix of City Buzz and Mountain Calm
Vancouver’s weekends reveal the city’s true soul – forest trails, indie cafés, and sunsets by the sea. Discover the hidden gems students love while learning English at CEL Vancouver.
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Willst du dein Englisch perfektionieren? Diese Sprachaufenthalte verändern alles
Viele träumen davon, perfekt Englisch zu sprechen. Aber wie kannst du diesen Traum wahr werden lassen? Die Antwort lautet: Mit einem gut geplanten Englisch Sprachaufenthalt. Doch das Geheimnis liegt nicht nur im reinen Unterricht. Hier erfährst du, warum Sprachaufenthalte deine Sprachfähigkeiten grundlegend verändern können und welche Programme dich ans Ziel bringen.

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