EC San Diego English Language School

Over 20 million English learners have taken the TOEFL test which evaluates students’ abilities to use and understand English at a higher education level.

A TOEFL score is required for students wishing is required for students wishing to study at American universities, as well as being sought after by many international business organisations and employers.

At EC San Diego, students are given instructions on test substance and strategy to make sure that they are fully prepared for the TOEFL test.  Students are also given many opportunities to practise the four basic language skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) which the TOEFL iBT assesses.  All of their writing is reviewed by the TOEFL instructor and returned to students with comments and suggestions for improvement.  Students practise their speaking skills by being given speaking topics and recording their responses that are then analyzed by the class.  The TOEFL course is dedicated to preparing students for their TOEFL test.  If students need to improve their level, they can opt to take a General English course prior to beginning the TOEFL course.

EC San Diego TOEFL students practise their listening skills.

EC San Diego student, Chaewon Jung, just recently watched the movie based on the novel (which she had already read in English), Eat, Pray, Love. Below, she gives her very well-thought out review of the film.

“This movie is a chick flick. Before I came here, I was reading the book. This movie is based on the novel. One of my friends recommended this book to me. Fortunately, I could watch this movie last weekend.

This movie is starring Julia Roberts, who is a famous actress in America. Julia Roberts goes to Italy, India, and Indonesia. Not only does she want a spiritual life, she wants to have inner peace in her life. After she gets divorced, she becomes really confused about her life. That is why she made the decision to go to Italy, India, and Bali.

Actually, as you can see, Eat is Italy, Pray is India, and Indoesia is a balance of real life and inner peace. In Italy, she always tried to eat various Italian food even though she gained a lot of weight, so that is how she was able to find pleasure in her life in Italy. The next is India. As many of you know, India is a religious country. She tried to discover her real spiritual life. It is really hard to meditate for a long time, but she tried to meditate for a long time, but it was really hard for her. In Indonesia, I was really impressed that she dressed in traditional Indonesian costume. I was really impressed with Italy, compared to India and Indonesia. I really want to go there.

While I was preparing for this interview, I read a lot of criticism about this movie. Most people have a bad opinion of this movie because Julia Roberts is always whining and complaining about her life, husband, and career. For me, I recommend this to women who have common issues, like how to make a good relationship, how to be successful, and how to be more comfortable in life. No sooner had I opened this book than I could easily understand what most women who want to pursue peace and happiness have thought. That is why I really recommend this movie to women in their late 20s and early 30s. Not men, because it is really a traditional chick flick. The author just mentions a woman’s life, and the main story is about marriage, divorce, and being a successful career woman.

The movie is about her finding a new life in 3 countries. Eventually, she meets her real love in Indonesia. Maybe if we don’t know the story, it is really easy to predict what the end of the story will be. There are no twists and turns and I have read many stories which talk about whining, pursuing happiness, and finding a real and new love. I guess this is a normal agony for women. For example, in their late 20s, women have to find a future husband who has a great personality and great career for their lives. Even though this is talking about after divorce, we cannot live without family. I could guess how hard it is after getting a divorce. Also, in the movie, she was really great, but she also doesn’t know how well she is doing her job, so we are thinking that we can also do our job. Finally, all people desire being with great people in our lives and having a real family and finding real peace in our life.

The book cover is really pretty and really attractive. The book is more detailed than the movie, but it is still good. It is almost the same.”

Here is another reason for you to come to San Diego. The US Open Imperial Beach Sand Castle Competition. This is the largest sandcastle building event in the United States. Master and amateur sand carving teams from throughout the US and Canada compete for cash prizes. Check out the photos below!!

A sand fossil skeleton!!

A giant crab made completely out of sand!

The 5th Annual Fiesta del Sol was a two-day street festival celebrating the history, diverse cultures, and engagement of the people of San Diego. It was a fun, FAMILY-FRIENDLY, event focused on creating positive change by empowering San Diego’s communities. In order to have more of a presence in the community, EC San Diego took part in the event’s education fair.

EC San Diego Center Director, Martha Delgadillo, and Accommodations and Educational Services Coordinator, Mardy Arenas, managed the booth.

Martha and Mardy pose with an Aztec dancer.

The Fiesta del Sol took place in a neighbourhood called Barrio Logan, which is known to historians, art connoisseurs, and Chicanos as the home of Chicano Park, the site of a land takeover and cultural renaissance. Take a look at the pictures of the art that adorns the columns which help support the Coronado Bridge.

Study English in San Diego during the summer at EC San Diego!  While you study English at the school, take part in any and all of the activities that San Diego has to offer!  Many of these activities are offered through the school, or you can arrange them by yourself! 

Surfing

Swimming

Jetskiing

Skydiving

Sun Bathing

Snorkelling

Kayaking

Biking and Rollerblading

Waterskiiing and Wakeboarding

Beach Volleyball

Rock Climbing

and more…

EC San Diego is excited about the start of the 2010/2011 football season for San Diego’s home team is called The Chargers.  September 13 is the first day of the season.  Until then, they will start to warm-up for the season with pre-season games, the first of which is on August 14.  The pre-season games are just as exciting as the regular season games, so America will be watching.  American Football is the most popular sport in the USA, so there is never a dull moment during football season.  Go Chargers!!

Yuta Kimura is a 28-year-old student here at EC San Diego. He lives in Saitama, Japan. Yuta works at a whosle sale music company called Prima Music. Yuta sings Opera as a hobby on his free time. You can frequently hear him in the courtyard of the school impressing fellow students and passer-byers with his amazing vocals. In this interview, he will share with you some interesting information about his stay here and some helpful advice and facts to his fellow students.
Why did you chose to study at EC San Diego? ! I chose EC San Diego because my friend in Japan, who worked for an agent, recommended that I study English here.
What is your favorite thing about ECSD? The teachers! There are many good teachers in ECSD!
What would you recommend to new students? They should talk to teachers a lot, because if you talk to them, you can improve your English skills.
What is your favorite thing about San Diego? The beach! I love to surf! I met American friends because of surfing.What are your plans after school here at EC San Diego? I’m going back to Japan. I have to find a new job, so that I can make enough money to go to Cananda, because I want to study business there.
Will you use the English that you learned here at ECSD after you return back to Japan? Yes, of course!

EC San Diego student, Claude R., who is completing his volunteer placement with Star 94.1, was briefly interviewed on the very popular morning radio show, AJ in the Morning. Although he is an office worker in his native country of Switzerland, he was eager to volunteer with an organization that was outside of his comfort zone, yet still provide him with the American work experience.

EC San Diego is happy and relieved to welcome two new interns to the school.  Robin Kotow and Briana Scwartz have joined the staff for the summer from their usual lives as university students at Northwestern University and the University of Northern California.  Their hard work, positivity, and enthusiasm are genuinely appreciated by all. 

Bryanna Schwartz

Robin Kotow

EC San Diego is happy to welcome Marsha Pool to the administrative team as a Student Services Advisor.  Before her current role, she maintained a teaching position with EC San Diego.  Welcome to the family Marsha!