Learn English in San Francisco with EC English Schools

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Study English in San Francisco, where language learning meets creativity and innovation

Learn English in San Francisco and immerse yourself in one of America’s most creative, innovative and open-minded cities. From its thriving arts scene to its universities to its famous tech environment, San Francisco has it all, attracting thousands of international students every year. Relax in Golden Gate Park. Tour Alcatraz Island. Shop at Union Square. Ride the famous cable cars. Our activities programme will provide you with lots of fun ways to practise English.

EC San Francisco offers English courses to suit every goal and skill level, exceptional teachers, and a supportive community ready to help you make the most of your language journey in this colourful city.

San Francisco Gallery

What you can expect at our San Francisco English School

*Images are for representation purpose only. Actual furnishings may differ from those shown. Amenities and services are subject to change.

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Find your perfect English course in San Francisco

Explore our English language programmes

Most Popular

1-52 weeks of study

20, 24, 26, or 30 lessons per week

All levels: from beginner to advanced

General English

General and intensive English courses at EC focus on the core skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing to improve confidence and increase fluency.

20 lessons per week

Minimum 1 week

Prices start at $420

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English for Work

Our English for Work course builds confidence in professional communication. Learn to write emails, join meetings, give presentations, and prepare for interviews. Perfect for career success!

30 lessons per week

Minimum 1 week

Prices start at $475

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Academic Year

Our Academic Year course (24+ weeks) lets you fully immerse yourself in English while living abroad. Gain fluency, experience local culture, and build lifelong skills!

30 lessons per week

Minimum 24 weeks

Prices start at $9,360

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Student accommodation in San Francisco

Comfortable and convenient living spaces for every student’s needs

Columbus Residence San Francisco

From $550 p/w

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Homestay San Francisco

From $350 p/w

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Kenmore Residence San Francisco

From $550 p/w

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Your English language programme includes

Online Placement Test

Take your placement test so we can put you in the correct class for your English level, access our library of self-study activities, or attend free online classes before you even arrive.

Quality English Lessons

Study in multinational classes from Monday to Friday with qualified English teachers in courses guaranteed to improve your English ability.

MyEC

Your all-in-one study app for tests, assessments, and learning resources. Get access as soon as you book!

Full Social Calendar

Join us for a full programme of paid and free social activities, excursions and language workshops to make the most of your time learning English in San Francisco.

Orange Carpet Experience

Welcome Activity

English language activities and workshops

Social and cultural programme

Contact us

EC San Francisco school facilities

Interactive TVs

Library

Self-study area

Student lounge

Coffee shop in building

IELTS Testing Centre

Internet access

San Francisco social activities and workshops

Join our social and cultural activity programmes, and take part in free language workshops. Here is a sample of what is on offer. Please note, all activities are subject to change without notice and may be offered seasonally. In addition, prices are approximate.

All
Academic Workshops
Orange Carpet Experience
Sightseeing & Culture
Special events
Sports & Outdoor

Giants game

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see one of the most iconic MLB teams in action live at Oracle Park. Go Giants! Prices vary.

Free English Workshop

Practise your English in school and mix with other EC San Francisco students from all over the world.

Weekly walk

Join our neighborhood walk around EC San Francisco. This is a great opportunity to get some exercise while sightseeing some local interesting landmarks.

Welcome tour

Kick off your EC adventure with a warm and welcoming evening designed to help you settle in and make new friends. Our leader will be on hand to facilitate introductions and provide an overview of the exciting experiences awaiting you.

Orientation

With our dedicated teaching staff, accommodation services and student services teams, we offer the perfect mix of expertise to give you all the help and support you need.

Graduation Ceremony

On your last day at EC, we celebrate your achievement with a graduation ceremony and you’ll get a course certificate that proves your English level!

Food Paradise!

Dive into San Francisco’s amazing food scene! From fresh seafood and California classics to delicious Chinese dim sum and flavourful Vietnamese pho, you’ll find a world of Flavors to explore.

Boat Cruises

San Francisco’s sparkling bay is calling! Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a landlubber looking for a unique experience, there’s a cruise waiting for you. From sunset sails to whale watching adventures, there’s a cruise for every taste and budget.

San Francisco Cable Car

Hop aboard a cable car! These iconic vehicles have been zipping through the city since the 1800s, offering a unique and thrilling way to explore. You’ll ride on tracks pulled by an underground cable, with the familiar bell ringing as you go.

Street Festivals

Immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of festivals that capture the city’s vibrant spirit! From the delicate beauty of the Cherry Blossom Festival to the lively spirit of Carnaval, San Francisco’s festivals offer a unique window into its diverse culture.

Pier 39

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at Pier 39 in San Francisco! This bustling waterfront destination offers breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the Bay Bridge.

Alcatraz Island

Visiting Alcatraz Island is a must-do when you’re in San Francisco. It’s an unforgettable experience that immerses you in history, from the notorious inmates to the stunning views of the city.

Golden Gate Bridge & Golden Gate Park

Don’t miss the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the sprawling Golden Gate Park! Start your day by walking or biking across the bridge for breathtaking views.

Nationality mix

22%

Brazilian

17%

Japanese

9%

German

7%

Taiwanese

7%

Swiss

7%

French

5%

Korean

26%

Other (39)

Age mix

16-17

11%

18-20

25%

21-25

18%

26-30

13%

31-40

17%

41-50

8%

51+

8%

Centre Information

Launched: 2010

Centre capacity: 105

Classrooms: 7

Minimum age: 16

Students per class: Average 11 (Max. 15)

Wheelchair accessible

Phone number: +1 415 362 3300

Accreditation

Opening Hours

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Office hours

09:00 – 17:00

Closed

09:00 – 17:00

Map

EC San Francisco

433 California Street, 2nd Floor, San Francisco
CA 94104 United States

See Inside

Meet our experienced team

Ryan Hisamoto

Centre Director

In San Francisco, I’m dedicated to ensuring you have an amazing time learning English and exploring this iconic city.

Robert Miller

Director of Studies

Helping you grow and succeed in your English skills is what I do best!

San Francisco Arrival and Travel Information

Find your Pre-arrival Guide and explore fun things to do after class. Everything you need to prepare and make the most of your stay in San Francisco.

Pre-Arrival to First Day

Arrival details, what to bring and what to expect on your first day in San Francisco.

Travel Activities

Things to do, local highlights and experiences you won’t want to miss.

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Our students’ testimonials

“The school has a warm and friendly atmosphere.”

The school has a warm and friendly atmosphere where everyone knows each other’s name, making life away from home feel less lonely. When I return to Korea, I think I will miss my dear friends, teachers and this beautiful city. I am happy to have had the opportunity to make friends from different countries.

Minsol, Korea

“I improved my English. Best decision ever!”

My goal before I went here was the language and to improve my accent. Not really open to make some new friends but after the first days here I felt so happy with my social surroundings, the teachers, and the whole vibe, that I made so many friends just in the first days. I went to college basketball with EC San Francisco and some other activities with my new friends. I really the teachers here, especially Patrick. The best thing here is how kind and chill teachers and students are. It was the best decision of my life to come here to San Francisco and EC.

Jacob, Germany

“EC made learning unforgettable”

EC San Francisco is the best school I have ever attended. I improved my English and learned a lot about America, especially California’s unique culture. These English lessons helped me better understand and integrate into life in the USA. I feel that my English has improved a lot, especially in speaking and listening. I have became more confident in conversations and can express myself more fluently. EC offers a variety of after-class activities. My favourite activities were the Thanksgiving dinner and the Christmas gift exchange. It was my first time celebrating them! I ate some delicious homemade dishes from different countries, prepared by my classmates. I love EC!

Huan, China

Real outcomes

At EC, we are committed to ensuring optimal results for our students. That’s why, for 30 years, we have made research and measurement the cornerstones of our curriculum development, teaching methods and review process. This approach allows us to scientifically design a language learning experience tailored to your unique needs and goals, reliably delivering optimal results.

Learn More

Insights and Updates

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The time after high school or university is full of possibilities. Should you go straight into the next stage of education/work or take some time to do something adventurous before settling down? A gap year spent learning English abroad is the perfect opportunity to step out of your comfort…

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Why I loved studying English in Montreal: food, festivals and friendship

At EC Montreal, every student has a unique story to tell. In this heartfelt testimonial, Marina from Japan shares how studying English and gastronomy in Montreal provided her with much more than just language skills. It gave her unforgettable memories, meaningful friendships, and a new direction in life. Montreal,…

Be inspired by the stories of our students

Find out how our international students turned their first steps in language learning into important achievements that changed their lives.

Rayan, Saudi Arabia

Elena, Russia

Nicolas, Colombia

Yunseop, Korea

Frequently asked questions about learning English in San Francisco

If I learn English at EC San Francisco, what English courses I can take?

EC San Francisco offers a wide variety of special English courses to help you improve and succeed. These include English for Work, an intensive English course that helps you develop the skills you need to advance in your career .

General English is our most popular English course. The standard course is General English 20 (20 lessons peer week/ 15 hours).

General English is also available as the following flexible courses:

24 lessons per week (18 hours)
26 lessons (19.5 hours)
30 lessons (22.5 hours)

At our San Francisco language school, if you choose a General English course with more than 20 lessons per week, you’ll have the chance to personalise your learning through Special Focus Classes (SFC). These classes allow you to focus on specific skills or topics, such as pronunciation, conversation, grammar, or English for professional purposes. Here’s how it works:

General English 24: 20 General English lessons + 4 Special Focus Classes
General English 26: 20 General English lessons + 6 Special Focus Classes
General English 30: 20 General English lessons + 10 Special Focus Classes

If you want an intensive English programme, choose General English 30.

EC San Francisco school offers a variety of SFC options, so you can choose the ones that match your interests and goals.

One-to-One lessons are private, 60-minute English classes with your teacher. Your private lessons are tailored specifically for you, allowing you to focus on your personal goals. You can combine One-to-One lessons with any group course at EC San Francisco. Enjoy the social and interactive experience of learning with classmates while also getting individual attention to make even faster progress.

I want to learn English in San Francisco: What are the accommodation options?

At EC San Francisco, we offer host family or student residence accommodations. If you choose a homestay option, you will live with a family in San Francisco. This is an excellent option if you want to practice your English with a local family and home-cooked meals. If you’re looking for more independence, consider a residence.

What kind of weather should I expect when I study English in San Francisco?

San Francisco has a mild climate characterised by cool, foggy summers and wet winters, with an average annual temperature of around 16°C. The air comes right off the ocean, so it is often sunny but cool and foggy. It feels like it’s always spring, so you’ll want to dress in layers.

Will I need a visa to learn English in San Francisco?

Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to study in San Francisco. Contact us to learn more.

Why should I learn English in San Francisco?

Learn English in San Francisco for a study abroad experience in a creative and open-minded city with a relaxed California vibe. San Francisco is home to 25 universities, a big arts scene, and many multicultural neighbourhoods that our students love to explore. It is also the heart of global tech, where companies like Google and Apple began. San Francisco is a great place to meet people from around the world and build useful connections while you study English.

There are numerous free activities to enjoy in San Francisco. You can walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, visit the sea lions at Pier 39, or explore Golden Gate Park. There are street performances, public art, and beautiful city views everywhere. You can ride a cable car or visit famous places like Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, or the Painted Ladies.

San Francisco is also full of different foods to try. You can eat tacos in the Mission District, dim sum in Chinatown, or sourdough bread at the waterfront. Every neighbourhood has its unique flavour and history.

There are many festivals throughout the year, including the Cherry Blossom Festival, the Pride Parade, and various music and food events held in the parks. These are great chances to practise your English and have fun with your classmates.

You can also take day or weekend trips to nearby exciting places. Go to Napa Valley for a day, visit the beaches of Santa Cruz, or take a weekend trip to Yosemite National Park. You can even visit Los Angeles or Las Vegas by bus or plane.

San Francisco is more than just a place to study English. San Francisco is a place to explore, learn, and grow. Every day offers something new to see and do.