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General English

Kaplan International: Santa Barbara
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Course description

The General English course consists of 20 lessons each week and is the least intensive option offered at Kaplan. This course allows students to improve their English while still leaving time for sightseeing and leisure during their stay.

Course topics

Lessons focus on practical English, including reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.

Class schedule

Course duration
1-12 weeks
Start dates
Every Monday
Classes per week
20 lessons per week (each lesson lasts 45 min)
Class days
Monday - Friday
School holidays
28 Nov 2024 - 29 Nov 2024, 23 Dec 2024 - 30 Dec 2024, 01 Jan 2025, 20 Jan 2025, 26 May 2025, 19 Jun 2025, 04 Jul 2025, 01 Sep 2025, 27 Nov 2025 - 28 Nov 2025, 25 Dec 2025 - 26 Dec 2025

Kaplan International does not hold classes on the holiday dates above. The school does not compensate for these holidays, so make sure to choose your start date accordingly.

Class times

Morning session
08:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Break
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
Lesson
12:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Break
02:00 PM - 02:15 PM
Afternoon session
02:15 PM - 05:30 PM

Class schedule may change depending on availability and season.

Class level

Elementary
Pre-intermediate
Intermediate
High intermediate
Advanced
You will take a placement test on your first day to determine your class level. You may also take this test before your arrival in Santa Barbara.

Class size

Average 12 students
Maximum 15 students

Student age

Age range 16 years old and older

Certificate

A certificate of completion will be issued at the end of the course.
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school

School description

Kaplan International Santa Barbara is located on the campus of Santa Barbara City College. This seaside location offers various English classes as well as Cambridge Exam preparation. Students will also have access to college facilities that include a fitness center, computer lab, and several libraries as well as the college's 1-year certificate and 2-year degree programs. Santa Barbara is a natural paradise with pleasant weather and many nearby wineries. There are many coffee shops, bars, and restaurants close to the school for students to get a feel of the local culture.

Accreditations

Facilities

  • Library
  • Eating Area
  • Free Internet
  • Wireless Internet
  • Studying Area

Nationality and age mix

The nationality and age mix at Kaplan International: Santa Barbara varies over different time periods, courses and levels.

School holidays

Kaplan International does not hold classes on the holiday dates below. The school does not compensate for these holidays, so make sure to choose your start date accordingly.

Open dates
Year round
School holidays
28 Nov 2024 - 29 Nov 2024, 23 Dec 2024 - 30 Dec 2024, 01 Jan 2025, 20 Jan 2025, 26 May 2025, 19 Jun 2025, 04 Jul 2025, 01 Sep 2025, 27 Nov 2025 - 28 Nov 2025, 25 Dec 2025 - 26 Dec 2025

School location

There are no skyscrapers to block the views of the sky and sea in this sophisticated little coastal town. With its red-tiled roofs, white stucco walls and palm trees, Santa Barbara often feels as if it’s been transported straight from Tuscany or Spain – but its broad white beaches are pure California. Just steps outside our Santa Barbara English school, a stroll down the flower-lined State Street will take you towards the ocean, passing outdoor wine bars and fashion boutiques along the way.

Take a video tour

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photos

Photos

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reviews

Reviews

0% recommend

based on 2 reviews
5 stars
0
4 stars
1
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing

"Very good, my english skills are really improved"

Andrea Lelli, student from Afghanistan

At first I was al little bit disoriented about the location and has not been easy to find the classrooms place at the first day.
Is very easy to feel part of the new class since the first day, the study program seems to be done for this purpose: allow new students to start the lessons at whatever chapter of the study book.
The teachers, Bryan and Justin are simply amazing.
Tyler ad Jacob, the managers, are very friendly and ready to help you and listen your needs.

Read more...

My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
12 weeks
Date of study
25 Oct 2021 - 21 Jan 2022
Would you recommend this school?
No
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"It was so bad at the beginning"

ahmad geden, student from Qatar

The classes were very nice, the teachers were friendly and helpful, location was amazing, facilities, activities were pretty good, but the housing was very bad for me.

Read more...

My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
12 weeks
Date of study
10 Dec 2012 - 8 Mar 2013
Would you recommend this school?
No
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.
housing

Housing

Kaplan International offers the following housing types:
homestay

Homestay (14 meals/week) Min. age 18 (Twin)

330 €
weekly
Age range: 16 years old and older
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
330 €
Homestay accommodation is ideal if you want to immerse yourself in the Californian culture. Sharingg meals with your hosts, you'll benefit from speaking English in relaxed, natural situations outside of your English course.

Homestay (14 meals/week) Under 18 (Twin)

339 €
weekly
Age range: 16 - 17 years old
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
339 €
Homestay accommodation is ideal if you want to immerse yourself in the Californian culture. Sharingg meals with your hosts, you'll benefit from speaking English in relaxed, natural situations outside of your English course.

Homestay Bed and Breakfast (7 meals/week) Under 18 (Single)

339 €
weekly
Age range: 16 - 17 years old
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast (7 meals per week)
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
339 €
Homestay accommodation is ideal if you want to immerse yourself in the Californian culture. Sharingg meals with your hosts, you'll benefit from speaking English in relaxed, natural situations outside of your English course.

Homestay Bed and Breakfast (7 meals/week) Min. age 18 (Single)

354 €
weekly
Age range: 18 years old and older
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast (7 meals per week)
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
354 €
Homestay accommodation is ideal if you want to immerse yourself in the Californian culture. Sharingg meals with your hosts, you'll benefit from speaking English in relaxed, natural situations outside of your English course.

Homestay (14 meals/week) Under 18 (Single)

369 €
weekly
Age range: 16 - 17 years old
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
369 €
Homestay accommodation is ideal if you want to immerse yourself in the Californian culture. Sharingg meals with your hosts, you'll benefit from speaking English in relaxed, natural situations outside of your English course.

Homestay (14 meals/week) Min. age 18 (Single)

384 €
weekly
Age range: 16 years old and older
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
384 €
Homestay accommodation is ideal if you want to immerse yourself in the Californian culture. Sharingg meals with your hosts, you'll benefit from speaking English in relaxed, natural situations outside of your English course.
apartment

La Brezza Apartments (no meals) Min. age 18 (Twin)

403 €
weekly
Age range: 18 years old and older
Address: 620 West Gutierrez Street , Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Location: La Brezza Apartments
Housing type: Apartment
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: No meals
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, telephone, wireless internet, and free internet
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
403 €
Quintessential California living in the heart of Santa Barbara! La Brezza is a great
accommodation option for Kaplan International Santa Barbara students. The
apartments are located in a student-friendly neighborhood close to shopping,
restaurants, public transportation and walking distance to the Kaplan International
school and the beach.
The apartment complex is built around a tropical courtyard and caters to local and
international students, so there is a vibrant social scene. Each apartment includes
private bedrooms with modern furniture, spacious shared bathrooms, a fully
equipped kitchen, comfortable living room with flat screen television, DVD player,
seating for study or leisure, and a dining area. The complex also has a laundry facility,
a swimming pool and barbecue area.

La Brezza Apartments (no meals) Min. age 18 (Deluxe Twin)

507 €
weekly
Age range: 18 years old and older
Address: 620 West Gutierrez Street , Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Location: La Brezza Apartments
Housing type: Apartment
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: No meals
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, telephone, wireless internet, and free internet
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
507 €
Quintessential California living in the heart of Santa Barbara! La Brezza is a great accommodation option for Kaplan International Santa Barbara students. The apartments are located in a student-friendly neighborhood close to shopping, restaurants, public transportation and walking distance to the Kaplan International school and the beach.

The apartment complex is built around a tropical courtyard and caters to local and international students, so there is a vibrant social scene. Each apartment includes private bedrooms with modern furniture, spacious shared bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, comfortable living room with flat screen television, DVD player, seating for study or leisure, and a dining area. The complex also has a laundry facility, a swimming pool and barbecue area.

La Brezza Apartments (no meals) Min. age 18 (Single)

708 €
weekly
Age range: 18 years old and older
Address: 620 West Gutierrez Street , Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA
Location: La Brezza Apartments
Housing type: Apartment
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: No meals
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, telephone, wireless internet, and free internet
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
708 €
Quintessential California living in the heart of Santa Barbara! La Brezza is a great
accommodation option for Kaplan International Santa Barbara students. The
apartments are located in a student-friendly neighborhood close to shopping,
restaurants, public transportation and walking distance to the Kaplan International
school and the beach.
The apartment complex is built around a tropical courtyard and caters to local and
international students, so there is a vibrant social scene. Each apartment includes
private bedrooms with modern furniture, spacious shared bathrooms, a fully
equipped kitchen, comfortable living room with flat screen television, DVD player,
seating for study or leisure, and a dining area. The complex also has a laundry facility,
a swimming pool and barbecue area.

La Brezza Apartments (no meals) Min. age 18 (Deluxe Single)

762 €
weekly
Age range: 18 years old and older
Address: 620 West Gutierrez Street , Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA
Location: La Brezza Apartments
Housing type: Apartment
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: No meals
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, telephone, wireless internet, and free internet
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
762 €
Quintessential California living in the heart of Santa Barbara! La Brezza is a great accommodation option for Kaplan International Santa Barbara students. The apartments are located in a student-friendly neighborhood close to shopping, restaurants, public transportation and walking distance to the Kaplan International school and the beach.

The apartment complex is built around a tropical courtyard and caters to local and international students, so there is a vibrant social scene. Each apartment includes private bedrooms with modern furniture, spacious shared bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, comfortable living room with flat screen television, DVD player, seating for study or leisure, and a dining area. The complex also has a laundry facility, a swimming pool and barbecue area.
visa

Visa support

We cannot apply for visas on behalf of students. However, the school can supply you with all the documentation you need to support your visa application.

If you are studying full time in the United States for more than 18 hours per week, you will receive an I-20 that you need to submit to the US embassy along with your F-1 student visa application. The I-20 has a SEVIS tracking number on it. Students who wish to apply for a student visa must pay the SEVIS fee online before going to the US embassy or consulate for their visa interview.

Your I-20 will be sent to your home address by regular mail at no charge to you. If you wish to receive your paperwork by express mail, you will be charged $100 when you register.

Please note that United States law states that an I-20 can only be issued to students who intend to pursue full-time English language studies. United States law does not permit students to study part-time with an F-1 Student Visa. If you are studying for less than 18 hours per week, you have to apply for a Visitor Visa (B1/B2) on your own.

Learn more about how to get a US student visa »

Visit the US Department of State website »

Flights and airport transfer

The school offers airport pickup services. If you wish to be picked up, just give us your flight details and arrival date. The price of a one-way airport transfer from Santa Barbara Airport is $215. You must book your airport transfer in advance when you register.

Please note that we do not book flights for our students. If you are researching airfare costs, we recommend using Kayak.com, a search engine that lets you compare flight options from your home country to Santa Barbara based on your budget, schedule and preferences.

Travel insurance

Study abroad worry-free with Language International's health and personal effects insurance coverage. When you book a course with us, you can opt to purchase an international insurance plan that covers not only your health care cost but also loss of your personal belongings. You must book your insurance in advance when you register.

Learn more about our insurance plan »

Read more...
questions

Questions and answers

Have questions? Get answers from Kaplan International: Santa Barbara staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.

Ask a question

"A student would like to study at ELS Language Centers: Santa Barbara but will join two weeks late. Is this possible?"

The center will be happy to approve the request, but the student should fully understand the following details.
· She will be entering mid-session and will be academically and socially 2-weeks behind the other students.
· She will not be guaranteed her required ELS level as she will have missed initial placement testing. If her required level is full, she will be placed in the next closest available level.
· Her second week of studies (the final week for full-session students) will have final exams on Wednesday and Thursday.
· She will not have classes on Friday of her 2nd week as this is graduation day.
· She will not have classes on the Monday of her 3rd week as this is arrival Monday for the placement testing and orientation of new students.
· She will not pass any ELS level.
If she understands and is OK with these things, the center will be happy to welcome her.

Was this helpful? Yes

"As a Dutch national, the student can enter the US on the visa waiver program. Could she take an Intensive (30) or Semi-intensive (24) course for 3 weeks at ELC without an F1 student visa?"

Jennifer McEleney, English Language Center school representative

The student should be aware that any violation of visa status falls solely upon the student. The visa waiver program allows 90 days for potential recreational study. This means less than 18 hours of study per week. There have been no issues with previous students upgrading courses upon arrival.

Was this helpful? Yes
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