English Language Academy (ELA)

English Language Academy (max. 60 international students) Part of the Division of Continuing Education, ELA is a small, friendly, modern school on the main USD campus. It comprises a reception area, a student common room with vending machines, administrative offices and 4 light, spacious classrooms equipped with student laptop computers and wireless internet access. All the teachers have a Masters Degree and ELA is a member of NAFSA, TESOL and CATESOL.

California’s oldest city. America’s finest city. With a near-perfect climate, 100 km of beaches, and mountains and deserts just a short drive away, San Diego is a top tourist attraction, drawing more than 26 million visitors each year. Many of the city’s beaches are ideal for surfing, body-boarding, snorkeling or simply soaking up rays on sand warmed by the ever-present sun. Other outdoor-sports in San Diego include sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, hang– and paragliding, rock-climbing, golf, cycling etc... Tourist attractions include San Diego Zoo, Sea World, Balboa Park, Old Town San Diego and the Old Globe Theatre, not to mention the fantastic shopping, excellent restaurants and bars, and great nightlife!

ELA is open all year-round and offers a range of course options to students aged 18+. Semester and TOEFL Preparation Courses are designed specifically for students wishing to take a USD degree course and require Intermediate level English or above. All other courses are available at all levels (see Course Dates for Beginners). Class size is average 10 students and maximum 15.

ELA students who enrol on a Semester Course (min. 14 weeks) have the unique benefit of staying in a USD student residence. These are modern, clean and comfortable apartments, generally for 4 students in single study-bedrooms with 2 communal bathrooms, kitchen and living-area (see Picture Gallery). Each residence has its own reception area, round-the-clock security, vending machines and laundry facilities. Residential students can choose between self-catering and half-board; meals can be taken in any of the numerous campus restaurants and cafés. Alternatively, students can choose to stay in a single room with a carefully-selected host-family on a half-board basis. The families generally live 20—40 minutes bus-ride away from ELA.

ELA can provide conditional acceptance onto a USD degree course provided students can meet the necessary pre-requisites (acceptable TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT scores). All ELA students will automatically receive a USD Student ID enabling them to gain access and use all USD academic, recreational and sports facilities free of charge