English Language Training in California

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1 Communicate with Confidence in English sm English Language Training in California Programs and Courses for Adults (18+) Maximum 8 Students per Class Since

2 Contents What CISL Offers... 3 Intensive English Courses Standard Course Intensive Course... 4 Business Course... 4 Private Lessons... 4 Exam Preparation Courses TOEFL... 5 IELTS Preparation Course... 5 Cambridge Courses... 5 Academic Preparation Pre-University Academic Year... 6 English for Academic Purposes (EAP)... 6 CISL Pathway Program Volunteer English Program... 7 Premier English Programs Executive English (San Diego)... 8 Global Success (San Francisco)... 9 San Diego San Francisco Activities Accommodation Additional Services I have been studying at CISL San Diego for 4 weeks in level 9, and at this time my English is improving very fast. Because there are not more than 8 students in the English classes, each student has enough time to ask questions and have conversation with the teacher. Also, almost all of my classmates are from different countries! ÇaGıl, Turkey 02 Converse International School of Languages

3 Communicate with Confidence in English sm In today s world, the ability to communicate effectively and with confidence in English is necessary for professional and academic success. With over 40 years of experience, Converse International School of Languages (CISL) is a leader in English language training. Since 1972, motivated students from around the globe have received rigorous English language training from CISL. The mission of CISL is to help our clients learn to communicate effectively and with confidence in English. Our experienced instructors help identify students needs and challenge them every day to maximize their learning potential in a friendly, stimulating environment. San Francisco Converse International School of Languages offers: san diego Over 40 years of teaching experience: CISL has been successfully teaching English to international students and professionals since 1972 Small classes and individual attention (maximum of eight students for General programs and a maximum of four students for Global Success and Executive programs) Modern schools located in exciting urban environments The CISL Interactive Teaching Method to learn to communicate effectively and with confidence in English Levels from Elementary to Advanced Motivated students from all over the world (good mix of nationalities) Accommodation placement options (apartments, homestays, and student residences) CISL is fully accredited by the Commission for English Language Accreditation (CEA), which is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and is the only specialized accrediting agency for English language programs in the United States. Accredited English Language Training 03

4 Intensive English Courses MAXIMUM 8 students per class Our integrated curriculum combines grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, listening, and speaking instruction. Small classes (maximum 8 students) ensure that students receive a great amount of personal attention from our professional staff, all of whom are trained in our Interactive Teaching Method. This engages students in the learning process to guarantee that they quickly develop skills and confidence. Courses start every Monday. One lesson is 50 minutes. Minimum age is 18. Standard Course Provides an integrated, general English curriculum to help students communicate effectively. The course improves students English skills and develops their confidence so that they can continue to use and improve their English even after they leave the school. The course also improves intercultural awareness and interpersonal skills. Each unit presents a wide variety of conversational activities: discussion, listening comprehension, using idioms and role-playing, as well as reading, vocabulary, grammar, and writing practice. 20 lessons per week: 9:00 a.m. 12:40 p.m., Monday Friday Maximum 8 students per class intensive course Includes the Standard Course with additional lessons providing more opportunities to focus on specific areas such as pronunciation, vocabulary development, writing skills, and idiomatic expressions, as well as discussion of current events. 28 lessons per week: 9:00 a.m. 12:40 p.m., Monday Friday, and 1:30 p.m. 3:10 p.m., Monday Thursday Maximum 8 students per class business Course Includes the Standard Course with additional lessons that develop the skills needed to communicate effectively in a business environment. These include making introductions, ing, negotiating, writing business letters, and other topics of interest to the specific group. 28 lessons per week: 9:00 a.m. 12:40 p.m. (Standard, General English) Monday Friday, and 1:30 p.m. 3:10 p.m. (Business Class), Monday Thursday Maximum 8 students per class private lessons Private lessons are a very effective method of language learning as the focus is entirely on the individual s specific needs. Students may enroll in private lessons only, or they can add them to any other course. 5 to 30 lessons per week. Schedule: any time, based on student and instructor availability. One student per class 04 Converse International School of Languages

5 Exam Preparation Courses MAXIMUM 8 students per class TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) The TOEFL exam is recognized throughout the world by universities and businesses as a measure of English proficiency. It is also required by most U.S. colleges and universities for the admission of international students. The preparation course will help students develop skills to do well on the exam. Practice tests are given during the course so that students can see their progress. Registration for the official exam must be done on the ETS website: Required level: CISL High-Intermediate 20 lessons per week: Monday Friday, 9:00 a.m. 12:40 p.m. 6-week course (4 weeks in summer). Several start dates each year IELTS Preparation Course (San Diego Only) The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world s most popular English test for study and immigration. Our preparation courses are divided into two levels to meet the needs of our clients. The intermediate level is for students at the B-2 level who would like to improve their band score to 5 or higher. The advanced course is aimed at students already in the C-1 level who would like to achieve a score in the band range of 7 or higher. Registration for the official exam must be done through the website Required level: CISL High-Intermediate 20 lessons per week: Monday Friday, 9:00 a.m. 12:40 p.m. 11-week course with three start dates each year CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH LANGUAGE ASSESSMENT EXAMS Many companies and schools throughout the world accept Cambridge English Language Assessment Exam results as proof of an individual s ability to communicate successfully both in written and spoken English. The examinations cover six language skills: reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar, and vocabulary. These courses include a range of tasks which assess candidates ability to use English so that in preparing for the examinations, candidates develop the skills needed to make practical use of the language in a variety of contexts. Above all, Cambridge English Language Assessment examinations assess the ability to communicate effectively and with confidence in English. Cambridge English First (FCE) Required level: CISL High-Intermediate 20 lessons per week: Monday Friday, 9:00 a.m. 12:40 p.m. 28 lessons per week: Monday Friday, 9:00 a.m. 12:40 p.m. plus Monday Thursday, 1:30 3:10 p.m. 9 or 11-week courses with several start dates each year CISL SD and CISL SF are authorized Cambridge English Language Assessment centres BEC, PET, FCE & CAE only at CISL San Diego FCE & CAE only at CISL San Francisco Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) Required level: CISL Advanced 20 lessons per week: Monday Friday, 9:00 a.m. 12:40 p.m. 28 lessons per week: Monday Friday, 9:00 a.m. 12:40 p.m. plus Monday Thursday, 1:30 3:10 p.m. 9 or 11-week course with several start dates each year Accredited English Language Training 05

6 Academic Preparation MAXIMUM 8 students per class Pre-University Academic Year The Pre-University Academic Year gives students the opportunity to improve their English in a CISL classroom then continue to develop their English and academic skills among American students at a traditional American college campus. This program is designed for students seeking to study abroad for a single semester or for those seeking to remain in the United States for their university education. The Pre-University Academic Year Program offers: Achievement of a high level of fluency and confidence Preparation for successful study at a U.S. university Development of an in-depth understanding of American culture Academic classes with American students An opportunity to become truly multi-cultural 16 weeks of an Intensive English course at CISL including 12 weeks of the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course One semester at an American college Services of the CISL Academic Year Program Advisor Program Requirements: Minimum of Intermediate English proficiency level at start of English course Completion of secondary school in home country Berkeley City College ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES (EAP) This is a 12-week afternoon course offered three times each year. Students must have a high intermediate (CEFR: B2) or advanced (CEFR: C1/C2) level of English. The course will give non-native speakers of English the reading, writing, and research skills necessary to succeed in a college or university in the United States. The course can be included as part of the following programs: Pre-University Program: For those Gap-Year students enrolled in our Pre-University Program, the EAP Afternoon Elective has been added to best prepare them for their academic year abroad. Pathway Program: For those academically focused students, completion of the EAP course entitles them to be conditionally accepted into several colleges or universities in the United States. The new course is also available to all other students as an afternoon option. For example: A. Standard English (morning) +EAP (afternoon) B. TOEFL Preparation (morning) + EAP (afternoon) Course Schedule: Monday Thursday afternoons from 1:30 p.m. 3:10 p.m. 06 Converse International School of Languages

7 Academic Preparation (continued) CISL Pathway Program The CISL Pathway Program offers you the chance to enter a U.S. college or university upon completion of your English course at CISL. This program is open to all students who have completed the equivalent of a U.S. high school education. There is no minimum level of English proficiency required to enter this program. However, you must successfully complete the CISL English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course before you can start your classes at the college or university. You cannot start the EAP course until you have achieved the upper-intermediate level of English proficiency at CISL. After you apply for admission to one of our partner colleges or universities, they will determine whether you qualify for admission. If you meet the requirements for admission but do not have the required level of English, they will give you a Conditional Admission. This means that you will be able to start classes at the college only after you have successfully completed the CISL EAP course. Some of our Partner Schools Include: Berkeley City College (Berkeley, CA) Fisher College (Boston, MA) California College of Arts (San Francisco and Oakland, CA) The Los Angeles Film School (Los Angeles, CA) Whatcom Community College (Bellingham, WA) El Camino College (Torrance, CA) Seattle Central Community College (Seattle, WA) Alliant School of Management (Multiple Cities) California International Business University (San Diego, CA) Southwestern Oregon Community College (Coos Bay, OR) New York Film Academy (New York, NY) Mission College (Santa Clara, CA) Contact the school or visit our website: for a frequently updated list of partner schools. Aviation Volunteership, San Diego Volunteer English Program Our Volunteer English Program gives students the opportunity to improve their English in a real-life working environment while developing relationships with American colleagues. Volunteer positions are unpaid. This is not a job training program. Specific fields/positions are not guaranteed. Placement is subject to a successful interview. Students should provide their top three choices of desired fields and should have prior education or experience in those fields. This program includes: A minimum of 6 weeks of any CISL English course An 8-week volunteer position with a local company or organization Supervision by the CISL Volunteer Coordinator The CISL Volunteer English Program Certificate and letter of recommendation upon successful completion Program Requirements English proficiency level of CISL High-Intermediate or better At least one year of experience or education in the field of your choice Accredited English Language Training 07

8 Premier English MAXIMUM 4 students per class Executive English Program - san diego Executive English courses are designed for motivated students and business professionals who want to focus on the skills they need to effectively conduct business in English. The classes are very small; students can enroll in group classes with 4 students maximum, or private lessons, so that they benefit from a maximum level of attention and involvement in the class activities. Courses are designed to cover a variety of real-life business situations, as well as each student s specific needs and goals. The committed instructors are experienced in both English education and the business world, and will challenge and guide the students through this rigorous program. Students with English levels elementary to advanced are accepted. Improve writing skills for business reports and correspondence Gain confidence in giving presentations, conducting meetings, and handling negotiations Increase business and industry-based vocabulary Discuss topics such as finance, leadership, conflict management and problem-solving, and then put that knowledge into practice Learn useful tips for communicating more effectively in the business environment Benefit from challenging curriculum and assignments Course Options and Schedules: 20 lessons per week: Monday Friday, 9:00 a.m. 12:40 p.m. 28 lessons per week: Monday Friday, 9:00 a.m. 12:40 p.m, and Monday Thursday, 1:30 p.m. 3:10 p.m. 08 Converse International School of Languages

9 MAXIMUM 4 students per class Premier English (continued) Global Success English Program - San Francisco Global Success courses are designed for ambitious learners, executives, and professionals who want to be successful in the global economy. These courses are taught in small groups (1:1 or 1:4 per class) to ensure that students benefit from a high level of individual attention. Every lesson has clear objectives designed to achieve results quickly. Classes are structured to maximize the contact time between students and the instructor. All CISL Global Success teaching staff are highly qualified native speakers with extensive business experience who are committed to making sure that students achieve their goals. Gain confidence in speaking for meetings and presentations Improve writing skills for business reports, s, and business letters Increase general and industry-specific vocabulary Increase comprehension and speed of reaction Learn effective communication in everyday situations The Global Success program is based on a balanced practice of various language skills in groups of up to 4 participants: building vocabulary and spoken language skills, improving analysis of written texts, coaching in writing letters, s, and reports, and giving presentations. Daily mini-presentations Group lessons to increase command of grammar structures, idioms, vocabulary, and spoken and written expression Group projects for real-life practice in presentations Group performance activities to help develop confidence in group communication Course Options and Schedules: Global Success: Monday Friday 9:00 a.m. 12:40 p.m. Global Success PLUS + Business English in the afternoon: Monday Thursday 1:30 p.m. 3:10 p.m. + Intensive English in the afternoon: Monday Thursday 1:30 p.m. 3:10 p.m. + Private Lessons in the afternoon Private Lessons: 15, 20, 25, and 30 private lessons per week available. Each lesson is 50 minutes. Accredited English Language Training 09

10 San Diego, California Come discover why San Diego is one of the most desirable cities in the world! With its wonderful climate, sunny skies, and beautiful beaches, islands, and peninsulas, this modern, safe, and clean city attracts people from all over the world. San Diego s warm weather allows its residents to enjoy outdoor sports, such as golf, tennis, and sailing, year round. The CISL school is conveniently located in the city center near public transportation. Just a short walk from CISL SD is the beautiful San Diego Bay. Stroll along the Embarcadero and enjoy the view of beautiful Coronado Island. Our school is only a short walk to the Horton Plaza shopping district, the historic Gaslamp Quarter, and the new baseball stadium. Balboa Park and the world famous San Diego Zoo are also nearby. My homestay family is lovely. The school is centrally located. I have met a lot of new friends and the teachers are very helpful. I like San Diego very much. I am happy to be here! Nadia, Switzerland CISL San Diego 10 Converse International School of Languages

11 San Francisco, California Spend one day in San Francisco and you will see why it is one of the most beautiful and exciting cities in the world! The many colorful neighborhoods (Chinatown, Japantown, the Italian and Hispanic districts) make San Francisco one of the most interesting and diverse cities in the world. Its friendly people, the Golden Gate Bridge, the beautiful coast, and a mix of charming Victorian and modern architecture are only a few of San Francisco s many attractions. CISL San Francisco is on the two top floors plus two additional floors of an historic building in downtown San Francisco. On our large roof deck you can enjoy views of the city, have lunch, do your homework, or just relax. Shopping and entertainment choices are only a couple of blocks away in the Union Square area. The school is just across the street from the Montgomery public transportation station. On the weekends students can enjoy hiking in scenic Yosemite National Park, skiing at Lake Tahoe, wine tasting in the famous Napa Valley, or driving along the spectacular coast. CISL staff are happy to help students arrange these excursions. Students can visit Golden Gate Park or a variety of museums, take a ride on a cable car, stroll along the piers, or attend one of the many musical and cultural festivals. I especially like the people of San Francisco. The city is exciting and very interesting. Also, it s very easy to access many places of nature, like the sea and the mountains, to relax. Young, Korea CISL San Francisco Accredited English Language Training 11

12 Activities Socializing and immersing oneself in a new culture are two important parts of the Converse International School of Languages total learning experience. We encourage our students to make friends and practice their English while participating in activities and social excursions, which is why both of the CISL campuses have an Activities Coordinator available at school every day to answer student questions and help them plan their next adventures. We offer many after-school and weekend activities for our students. The activities program includes: Afternoon activities* Cultural activities Sports activities Weekend excursions Socially responsible activities * Visit to download the monthly activity calendars. It was always my dream to go surfing. Finally, I was able to learn. I made many friends. daniel, venezuela Interesting weekend excursion destinations include: Las Vegas Grand Canyon Hollywood Disneyland Yosemite National Park The World Famous San Diego Zoo Monterey/Carmel/Big Sur Sausalito/Muir Woods Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Lake Tahoe 12 Converse International School of Languages

13 Accommodation We offer our students several housing options in order to provide them with the accommodation that best suits their needs. Students can choose to immerse themselves in daily American life by living with a host family, or they can choose to be more independent and live in a student residence club, apartment, or hotel. AMERICAN HOMESTAY Develop a relationship with an American family Meal options: breakfast and dinner, or breakfast only Private room Residence Clubs Live with other students Private or shared rooms and bathrooms Apartments Live independently Private or shared rooms Hotels* High level of comfort Executive Accommodation We offer a variety of executive type, fully-equipped studios and one or two bedroom apartments with amenities such as fitness centers, swimming pools, etc. within walking distance of the school. * Hotels are booked directly, not through CISL Accredited English Language Training 13

14 Additional Services Student Visa CISL is authorized by the United States Immigration Service to issue the Form I-20. Students will need this form to apply for a student visa. Our admission advisors will be happy to answer questions regarding student visa requirements. More information is available on our website: Airport Transfer CISL can arrange transfers to and from the airport. Students will be greeted by our professional driver and taken to their residence. In San Diego, if a student has reserved host family accommodation and is arriving on the weekend during specified hours, the host family will pick up the student from the airport. INFORMATION A Client Services Coordinator is available at the school to answer student questions about shopping, local activities and events, weekend travel, nightlife, local customs, medical service, etc. Lombard Street, San Francisco San Diego Trolley 14 Converse International School of Languages

15 For more information about how you can learn to communicate effectively and with confidence in English or to book a course, go to Every class I have to talk about something. First it was difficult for me to speak English, but now I have confidence to speak English. I like everything at CISL San Francisco. Ishikawa, Japan I started to understand much better than before and I feel more confident in English now. It was one of the best and practical learning in my life. Tatiana, RUSSIA Accredited English Language Training 15

16 CISL San Diego CISL San Francisco Converse International School of Languages cisl San Diego 636 Broadway, Suite 210 San Diego, California U.S.A. Ph Fx cisl San Francisco 605 Market Street, Suite 1400 San Francisco, California U.S.A. Ph Fx The mission of Converse International School of Languages is to help our clients learn to communicate effectively and with confidence in English. Photo credits: Art Van Beek, Monica Davey, William Dinan, Sheron Fitzgerald, Stephanie Frier, Doris Meier, Christian Telmosse and Shutterstock Brochure design: MangoMundo LLC, Jason Clemens and Claudia Reinert 10/21/2013 CISL