Study Abroad

How To Choose The Right English Language School

Choose CEL San Diego for top-notch English learning: diverse courses, skilled staff, small classes, convenient location, accommodation support, positive reviews, modern facilities, and quality-focused approach.

How To Choose The Right English Language SchoolHow To Choose The Right English Language School

Learning a new language can be a daunting task, and finding the best English school San Diego can offer is not only the first step, it is the most essential step. The school needs to fit your reasons for learning English in San Diego, and you have to know which questions to ask before choosing an English language school in your area. The perfect English language courses are those that suit you. But, let’s take it back to the beginning, and see how to choose an English language school that is completely right for you and your needs.

It's time to learn English

Types of Courses the School Offers

In order to begin solving the “how to choose English language school” dilemma, you first need to determine why exactly you’re learning a language, and go from there. English language courses come in all shapes and sizes, from IELTS, SAT, and TOEFL preparation courses, to general and conversation courses. Choose your style, and then find a school that can offer you the type of language learning you desire. If you’re looking to learn English in the USA, explore the options we offer.

Stellar Staff Means Stellar Results

Choosing the school that holds adequate courses means little if the teachers in charge of those courses are insufficiently versed in them. So, once you settle on the type of English learning you want, try and find a school that employs the best experts in that field. Although you might think it all comes down to teaching English, it’s actually a bit more complicated than that. Prepping students for the IELTS exam is rather different than prepping students for the SAT exam. Ask around, and find out whose students achieve great results. That is the person you want to work with. At CEL, we offer expert instructors to help you achieve your goals. Learn more about our specialized courses.

Class Size is Very, Very Important

The rule of thumb is this – if you don’t know how to choose an English language school, choose the one with the smallest classes. OK, this is overly simplified, but it’s surprisingly true. You cannot expect excellent results if you’re in a class of twenty students. More students in a class means less attention paid to each individual student. Every student is different, has different learning methods and preferences, and every teacher needs to consider that in order to employ good teaching practice. Unfortunately, it is impossible to do so in large classes. At CEL, we ensure that our class sizes are small with an average of 6-7 students only to guarantee personal attention and maximum results.

Location Plays a Major Role in How to Choose an English Language School

To be completely honest, location is not as important as class size or the expertise of the teaching staff, as it is sometimes necessary to literally go the extra mile if you want to attend the finest English language school. However, if you’re already searching for a language school, why not find one that has everything you want and need, plus is conveniently located just a couple of blocks away from your humble abode? Certainly a big tick in the “pro” column. CEL has campuses in San Diego (located just a 5-minute walk from the famous Pacific Beach), Santa Monica and Vancouver (Canada), so you can choose the ideal location to fit your lifestyle.

Great English Language Schools Also Take Care of Student Accommodation

Speaking of humble abodes, we have to take another aspect into account – most English language students come from foreign countries, and how to choose an English language school is only one part of their problems. They need cozy accommodation as well. So, try to find a language school that will help you find a place to stay during your studies. Whether it’s a host family, or you have a couple of friends you’d like to share an apartment with, a great language school should be able to present convenient options for you to choose from. At CEL, we’ll help you secure comfortable accommodation during your studies. Explore housing options.

Carefully Read Student Reviews

Nothing can substitute for first-hand experience. Except, maybe, honest experiences from other people who have already attended the language school you are considering enrolling in. Their opinions can greatly help you with how to choose an English language school. However, do try to find an independent source of reviews, as testimonials on official websites can often be moderated by the school. Coursefinders.com is an amazing place where students post genuine reviews, and the go-to location for many school-searchers. You can also read the positive feedback we’ve received from students on our website. See what our students have to say.

Don’t Forget About the Facilities and Amenities

Language learning is a field that is constantly changing, and a good language school is able to keep up with all the latest trends. Besides employing experienced teachers who don’t shy away from using, for example, modern technologies in their teaching efforts, the school has to have the capability to adequately employ these trends. And, it is completely fine to want some comfort while engaged in your language studies. If you’d like the possibility to make some tea or coffee while at school, or be able to use their free Wi-Fi while sitting in the lounge, then go for it, and find a school that offers it all. At CEL, we offer great facilities like free Wi-Fi, student lounges, and modern classrooms to make your experience comfortable.

Consider the Price. Or, Better Yet, Don’t

Yes, unfortunately, we have to talk money. We all have to mind the budget every day, and we know just how excruciating it can be to find the perfect English language school for you, only to see that it’s too pricey… It sucks! However, if you can, stretch the budget, bend it, do everything you can to try and make it work. You don’t start learning a new language every day, and you should do all in your power to make sure you’ll be learning it in a school of your dreams. At CEL, we offer competitive prices for high-quality courses.

Still Having Trouble with How to Choose English Language School? Well, Your Troubles Are Over!

Look no further than the College of English Language (CEL). We offer great TOEFL preparation and general English courses, with experienced teachers and small class sizes. Our modern facilities, cozy accommodation options, and student-centric approach make us stand out. Find us in San Diego Pacific Beach, Santa Monica and Vancouver — we’re sure one of these locations is perfect for you. Stop by and see for yourself why our past students can’t stop praising us!

Patrick
Patrick
Himmelberg
CEO
Patrick
Study Abroad
Questions To Ask Before Enrolling In An English Language School

Questions To Ask Before Enrolling In An English Language School

Choosing an English school in San Diego? Ask about accreditation, teacher qualifications, placement, assessment, and extracurriculars. Consider CEL, known for its quality and beachside locations.

Study Abroad
Tourist Or Student Visa?

Tourist Or Student Visa?

Understanding the difference between tourist and student visas is crucial for planning your study abroad trip, ensuring you choose the right visa based on your intentions and course duration.

USA & Canada
Why San Diego is California’s Ultimate Melting Pot:  A Student’s Guide to Culture and Learning

Why San Diego is California’s Ultimate Melting Pot: A Student’s Guide to Culture and Learning

San Diego is renowned for being the ultimate melting pot city of California. College of English Language, located in San Diego, is the ultimate destination where you can melt yourself in the vibrant culture mix

USA & Canada
Reasons To Learn English In San Diego

Reasons To Learn English In San Diego

San Diego's perfect blend of weather, entertainment, nightlife, cuisine, universities, and job prospects makes it an optimal destination for English learners. Choose our school for top-notch education in this dynamic city!

Student Stories
Why You Should Choose San Diego Over LA and San Francisco

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.

Student Stories
Taking a Gap Year to Study in San Diego: My Dream Came True!

Taking a Gap Year to Study in San Diego: My Dream Came True!

Hannah from Korea spent a month at CEL San Diego during her gap year—and loved it. From structured, high-level classes that boosted her speaking skills to making international friends and exploring local highlights, her time was both educational and unforgettable. She recommends CEL for anyone looking to improve English while enjoying life in the U.S.

USA & Canada
California Packing List | California Is A Great Idea!

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.

Student Stories
My Fourth Experience Abroad By Edna Santiago

My Fourth Experience Abroad By Edna Santiago

Brazilian traveler Edna Santiago praises her study abroad experience in San Diego, highlighting favorite activities like exploring the city and enjoying sunsets, while cherishing friendships at CEL.

August 20, 2025
August 20, 2025