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All English schools in San Diego
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Converse International School of LanguagesSan Diego, USA

4.9

Rating: 4.9/5.0

7 students - overall rating
636 Broadway Suite 210 - 92101 San Diego - see on map
Pay less than booking at the school
What we like about the school
  • Best rated school in San Diego
  • Small class sizes
  • Excellent rating of teaching quality
    4.9

    Rating: 4.9/5.0

  • Top rated social activities
    5.0

    Rating: 5.0/5.0

  • Top rated school facilities
    4.7

    Rating: 4.7/5.0

What we dislike about the school
  • Younger students should consider that the average age of students at this school is significantly higher than at most other schools.
Age of students
  Percentage of students
1-18 years 1%
18-24 years 50%
25-34 years 25%
35-50 years 22%
>50 years 2%

Location: Converse International School of Languages is in the Core-Columbia neighbourhood of San Diego. It is in the business district of the city, with tall office blocks. There are an eclectic mix of music venues in the area ranging from opera to blues. This reflects in the dining options and shops around Core-Colombia, which are plentiful and very different. The school is to the east of the area, on a major street, with lots of shops, restaurants, grocery stores and bars around.

Getting around: The 5th Avenue Tram Station is a 2-minute walk from the school. The orange, blue and silver lines run through this station. San Diego’s main train station is 16 minutes by foot, and 6 minutes via public transport away from Converse International School of Languages. As the school is centrally located within San Diego, it is very easy to walk around the core of the city by foot.

Major attractions: The city’s largest park, Balboa Park is a 15-minute walk from the school. Here, students can also visit the San Diego Air and Space Museum and The San Diego Museum of Art. The USS Midway Museum is in the San Diego Bay, close to the Ferry terminal and Broadway Pier. These are all 20 minutes by foot or 15 minutes by public transport.

Course structure: The school has a selection of general English lessons so students can pick the duration that fits their schedule. There are exam preparation courses for the IELTS, Cambridge, TOEFL and TOEIC exams. Specialist English courses are available to help students learn the specific language used in their particular career path such as business, engineering and aviation.

English Courses

General Language
Junior
Private
Work & Study
Business
Exam PreparationWhy exam preparation courses are excellent for optimum progress

Our prices for Converse International School of Languages include

  • INCLUDED Internet access and use of school computers
  • INCLUDED Wireless LAN zone at school
  • INCLUDED Free certificate of course attendance
  • INCLUDED Free airport pickup for all junior courses (both ways)
  • INCLUDED Language level placement test at first day of classes
  • INCLUDED For junior courses: every afternoon free organized leisure program
  • INCLUDED Free consultation about suitable college/university programs by a qualified consultant

Videos & Photos

  • Studying together
    Studying together1/15
  • Learning together
    Learning together 2/15
  • Learning
    Learning3/15
  • Teacher
    Teacher4/15
  • Teacher and students
    Teacher and students5/15
  • Learning together in San Diego
    Learning together in San Diego6/15
  • Junior students
    Junior students7/15
  • Junior school location
    Junior school location 8/15
  • Junior trip
    Junior trip 9/15
  • CISL hallway
    CISL hallway10/15
  • Junior trip to Universal Studios
    Junior trip to Universal Studios11/15
  • Junior trip to The Grand Canyon
    Junior trip to The Grand Canyon12/15
  • Converse International School of Languages San Diego building
    Converse International School of Languages San Diego building13/15
  • lounge
    lounge14/15
  • Student room
    Student room15/15

Student opinions about Converse International School of Languages, San Diego

4.9

Rating: 4.9/5.0

Overall school rating of
Converse International School of Languages, San Diego
7 authentic ratings from students who reserved with us
School
Location of the school
4.7 

Rating: 4.7/5.0

Facilities
4.7 

Rating: 4.7/5.0

Social activities
5.0 

Rating: 5.0/5.0

Organisation
5.0 

Rating: 5.0/5.0

Course
Quality of teaching
4.9 

Rating: 4.9/5.0

Value for money
5.0 

Rating: 5.0/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay
5.0 

Rating: 5.0/5.0

Shared Flat (apartment)
5.0 

Rating: 5.0/5.0

Overall school rating by student age group
Students < 18 years (2 ratings)
5.0 

Rating: 5.0/5.0

Students 18-30 years (1 rating)
5.0 

Rating: 5.0/5.0

Students 31-49 years (2 ratings)
4.5 

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Students 50+ years (2 ratings)
5.0 

Rating: 5.0/5.0

Verified reviews only, uncensored. All student opinions from students who booked a course at the school with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
The teachers' quality was excellent, and the students, who were working adults, took their studies seriously. The small class size provided ample opportunities for in-class conversations.
Disliked
The maximum number of students in a class is supposed to be 8, but there have been occasions when it exceeded 9. Each level is expected to have 1 to 10 classes, but due to scheduling issues with the teachers, some classes are not available. In my case, I had no option but to join a class that was either lower or higher than my actual level.
Insider tip: It was a good environment for studying because the students were serious.
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: It was unfortunate that there were no classes offered that suited my level.
Other comments A very homey school!
Course: Standard English - 4 weeks
Review date: 12. Aug. 2024 by Mayumi Watanabe
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
Great team and super, well-prepared teachers. Leisure programme simply fantastic. The school is ideally located in the city centre.
Disliked
Not all of the school's partners are as good as the school itself
Insider tip: 2 weeks stay is usually not enough
Review details
Course: Standard English - 1 week
Review date: 4. Mar. 2024 by Rocco Selvaggi
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
Yes , very nice atmosphere, friendly staff . everything top notch
Disliked
none
Insider tip: Anyone who buys it should definitely take the afternoon activities as well . I decided not to and consider it a mistake
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: no comments
Course: Standard English - 6 weeks
Review date: 22. Jan. 2024 by Piotr Szymański
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.

Ratings of Converse International School of Languages compared to ratings of all schools in USA

 Converse International School of Languages San DiegoAverage of all other schools in USA
Overall school rating4.9

Rating: 4.9/5.0

4.1

Rating: 4.1/5.0

Location of the school4.7

Rating: 4.7/5.0

4.8

Rating: 4.8/5.0

Facilities4.7

Rating: 4.7/5.0

3.8

Rating: 3.8/5.0

Social activities5.0

Rating: 5.0/5.0

3.8

Rating: 3.8/5.0

Organisation5.0

Rating: 5.0/5.0

4.1

Rating: 4.1/5.0

Quality of teaching4.9

Rating: 4.9/5.0

4.1

Rating: 4.1/5.0

Value for money5.0

Rating: 5.0/5.0

3.7

Rating: 3.7/5.0

Homestay5.0

Rating: 5.0/5.0

4.0

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Shared flat5.0

Rating: 5.0/5.0

3.9

Rating: 3.9/5.0

Converse International School of Languages (CISL)

Accreditations and Quality seals
IALCNAFSASEVPPreferential Terms in Case of Visa RefusalCEA, BPPE
English teacher qualifications
100% hold a university degree
100% hold a recognised language teaching qualification
Languages spoken by school staff (cannot be guaranteed by school)
First day of course
Written and oral level test is performed. Students should arrive at 8:30
Student gender mix
52% male / 48% female
Offer for returning students
You will be refunded/waived the school's administration fee if you already attended previously a course at Converse International School of Languages and you book here.
Payment methods accepted for payments made directly to the school
Visa - logoMastercard - logoAmerican Express - logoTravellers Check - logoCash payment - logoBank Transfer - logo
Year of school foundation
1972
Legal name/parent company
Converse International School of Languages LLC | Tax registration ID: 33-0655470
The school is an official exam center
The following language examinations can be taken directly at the school:

General school facilities

  • Microwave for student use

  • Computer lab

  • Lounge

  • Student support desk

  • Copy machine

  • Free water dispenser

  • Free WIFI

  • Non-smoking (all indoor areas, but not all outdoor areas of school)

  • Smoking zones (outdoors)

  • Tourist information

  • Assistance with entrance ticket purchases

  • Assistance with reservations for restaurants, bars, clubs

  • Assistance with organizing transportation

  • Career guidance service (paid)

  • Guidance for further higher education (paid)

  • Internship placement guidance service (paid)

  • Job placement guidance service (paid)

  • Paid parking (<500m)

  • Facilities for islamic students

    • Available area to pray at the school

  • Classroom equipment

    • TV in all classrooms

    • Electronic whiteboard in some classrooms

    • Air conditioning in all classrooms

    • Heating in all classrooms

    • Ample natural light in all classrooms

    • Number of classrooms: 16
    • Number of public PC workstations: 15

    Facilities for disabled students

    • Wheelchair access to classroom

    • Wheelchair access to reception

Student Age / Nationality

Average number of students
Adult courses - In summer: 75
Adult courses - Throughout the year: 42
Junior courses - In summer: 150
Junior courses - Throughout the year: 45
Minimum age of students
16 years
13 years for specific Junior courses
Average number of levels
Adult courses In summer: 10
Adult courses Throughout the year: 10
Junior courses In summer: 4
Junior courses Throughout the year: 10
Average age of students
In summer: 27 years
Throughout the year: 27 years

Top student nationalities

Student Nationality Percentage of students
Brazil 15%
Switzerland 12%
France 9%
Japan 8%
Saudi Arabia 7%
Korea 7%
Italy 6%
Germany 5%
China 5%
USA 5%
Spain 2%
Vietnam 1%
Turkey 1%
Other nationalities 17%

Information for all courses offered by Converse International School of Languages

Lesson duration
50 minutes
School's administrative fee
150.00 US$
Course material
Generally course material is distributed free to students but has to be returned to the school at end of course.
Individual classes
Single individual lessons of tuition can be reserved at 95 US$. The combination of group and individual lessons is highly recommended. Individual lessons will encourage you to actively speak the foreign language and will offer you the opportunity to discuss individual problems and weaknesses.
Days without class
In 2024 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2024, 19 Feb 2024, 27 May 2024, 04 Jul 2024, 02 Sep 2024, 28 Nov 2024, 29 Nov 2024, 24 Dec 2024, 25 Dec 2024.
In 2025 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2025, 17 Feb 2025, 26 May 2025, 04 Jul 2025, 01 Sep 2025, 27 Nov 2025, 28 Nov 2025, 25 Dec 2025, 26 Dec 2025.
If a bank holiday falls on a weekday there is no refund nor are missed lessons recuperated. This is the case for the majority of language schools.
Level test
A test to assess your exact language level takes place at the school on the first day of the course.
Lessons needed per English language level
Level (CEFR) LESSONS needed per level WEEKS needed
(20 lessons per week)
A1 Beginner A1 to A2 80 4
A2 Elementary A2 to B1 160 8
B1 Intermediate B1 to B2 180 9
B2 Higher Intermediate B2 to C1 200 10
C1 Advanced C1 to C2 220 11
C2 Proficiency
Data above gives some guidance. For more details consult our page How long does it take to learn a language or reach a specific level.

Airport transfer

Los Angeles International Airport:
300 US$ one way
600 US$ return (both ways)
San Diego International Airport:
100 US$ one way
200 US$ return (both ways)
More details about airports near San Diego and how to travel independently from the airport to the city on our San Diego page. For flight comparisons to San Diego, we recommend using skyscanner.com.

Visa Documents

Nationals from Poland can travel and study a language course up to 18 hours a week and for a maximum of 90 days without a full visa. It is just necessary to apply online for an ESTA card (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).
Check visa requirements for nationals from other countries.
Nationals from countries that require a visa will receive documents from the school, related to booking confirmation, which is required for the visa application.
Full payment of all fees required before school dispatches documents required for visa application
Yes
Preferential cancellation terms in case of visa refusal
School agreed that students booking online on this site will benefit from preferential cancellation fees in case of visa refusal, and in this case will never exceed EUR 180.

Leisure activities

activity possible
Ballet
Baseball
Basketball
Cooking
Dancing
Diving
Field Hockey
Football (soccer)
Golf
Horse riding
Ice Hockey
Mountainbiking
Music
Rugby
Sailing
Skiing
Squash
Swimming
Table Tennis
Tennis
Volleyball
Windsurfing
Yoga

Examples of leisure activities organized by the school

Adults - Free activities

- Beach
- Balboa Park
- Coronado
- Old Town Historic Tour
- Outlet Malls

Adults - Paid activities

- San Diego Zoo
- Sea World
- Kayaking
- Surfing Lessons
- Trips to Las Vegas, San Francisco, Los Angeles and up

Junior - Free activities

- Beach
- Balboa Park
- Coronado
- Old Town Historic Tour
- Outlet Malls

Junior - Paid activities

- San Diego Zoo
- Sea World
- Kayaking
- Surfing Lessons

Accommodation

Questions and answers about Converse International School of Languages

  • The school offers a course of 8 lessons per week from 13:30 to 15:10. The options are: conversational English, business English or English for academic purposes.
    If you wish to come to the school later in the day, they may be able to offer private lessons.

    Rubén De Haro, LanguageCourse.Net - Jun 16, 2023
  • Yes, Converse International School of Languages can accept international students as long as they hold a valid visa.
    Carlos Eduardo, LanguageCourse.net - Sep 13, 2023
  • Converse International School of Languages will send you the level test to your email address 2 weeks before the start of your booked course.
    Gosia Mazur, LanguageCourse.Net - Oct 06, 2023
  • We do not have a Senior course, but rather we have various levels where all ages over 18 are mixed together.
    Audra Rosati, Admissions Advisor & DSO from Converse International School of Languages - Jul 10, 2024
  • While it is possible to study one week at our school, we have a two week minimum for host families and a 4 week minimum for Vantaggio, our student residence.
    Audra Rosati, Admissions Advisor & DSO from Converse International School of Languages - Oct 11, 2024

FAQ about Converse International School of Languages, San Diego

  • English courses at Converse International School of Languages start at 174 US$ for Career English course with 20 lessons per week. When booking here you benefit from an exclusive discount.
  • Yes. The school offers pickup from Los Angeles International Airport (300 US$), San Diego International Airport (100 US$)
  • Depending on the chosen course, the maximum number of students at Converse School varies from 1 students (Standard English Individual Course ) to 10 students (Junior Winter/Spring Homestay Program)
  • 100% of teachers at Converse International School of Languages hold a university degree. 100% hold a recognized language teaching certificate.
  • The highest Nationality percentage at Converse International School of Languages comes from Brazil with a 15% representation, followed by students from Switzerland (12%) and France (9%).
  • Yes, there is an exclusive discount that only applies when booking online here.
  • Converse International School of Languages offers courses from 13 years (Junior Winter/Spring Homestay Program, 20 lessons per week) to 99. Average age is 27 during the summer and 27 for the rest of the year.

PDF brochure / price list of Converse International School of Languages

Converse International School of Languages Brochure (PDF)
Converse International School of Languages Brochure (PDF)
General School Brochure 2025
General School Brochure 2025
Prices 2024
Prices 2024
IELTS
IELTS
Business English
Business English
Vantaggio Suites- State Street
Vantaggio Suites- State Street
Homestay Information
Homestay Information
 Academic Preparation (PDF)
Academic Preparation (PDF)
Pathway Program Brochure
Pathway Program Brochure
years
Starting date
Course available
Check-in date
Check-out date
+
incl.
No surprises!
FREE cancellation
FREE changes
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Rating: 4.6/5.0

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