Santa Barbara, English Language Center (ELC)
Santa Barbara English Language Center (ELC)
4.1 /5 40 Reviews

English school in Santa Barbara: English Language Center (ELC)

From 600.- USD
approx 476.- GBP
Free quote Book now

Key points

  • Beautiful city with exceptional climate
  • School located in the cultural centre of Santa Barbara
  • Excellent academic standards
  • Many leisure options

The school

Levels
Beginner to Proficiency
Exams
Cambridge (CAE)
School size
S
Accommodation
Host family, Residence
Disabled access
Disabled access at school
Wifi
WiFi is free

The students

Minimum age
16 years
Average age
24 years
Nationality mix
Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, etc..
ratings
40 authentic opinions

Our partner school is located right in front of the Santa Barbara Courthouse, a city landmark known for its architecture and history, and 25 minutes on foot from the beaches of California! The lively and effective English courses bring together students from all over the world and take place in 6 bright classrooms located on the first floor of the building. After classes, you'll have access to the computer lab with free Wi-Fi, the library and the lounge, where you'll be able to continue your conversations with the other participants in a relaxed setting. The school is located in the heart of the cultural and shopping centre of Santa Barbara, which means you'll find many attractions in its immediate surroundings. Cafés, restaurants, music clubs, trendy shops and historical monuments will be right on your doorstep!

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Nationality mix

Sustainable development

CSR self-assessment

Sustainable development and operations
Education
Community
Detailed information
Accreditations

Choosing the right course for you

Our table of levels can help you choose the right duration to achieve your objectives.

Any questions? Contact us!

We answer you in a free, fast and personal way. You can also chat with us directly on our website.

Included in the price

  • Level and needs assessment
  • Welcome activity
  • Use of study centre
  • End-of-course report and certificate

Lowest prices guaranteed

ESL - Hobart
ESL guarantees you the most attractive prices on the market in the UK! If you find any price difference, you will be entirely refunded.

Standard course

Beginner to Advanced, 1 - 12 week(s)
1 week(s) - From USD 600.-
(about GBP 479.-)
Lessons
20 of 50 minutes
Course duration
1 - 12 week(s)
Levels
Beginner to Advanced
Students/class
max. 12
(14 in summer)
Minimum age
16 years
Schedule
09:00-12:40

Schedule may vary depending on student’s level and time of year.
Course info
Free quote
Book now
week(s)
Without accomodation
Host family, single room, half board
Residence, single room, breakfast
1
600
1010
1575
2
985
1720
2935
3
1370
2430
4295
4
1715
3100
5615
6
2465
4500
7055
8
3135
5820
9255
12
4415
8400
13595
All prices are in USD.   USD 1 ≈ GBP 0.83   (Not-binding exchange rate)
Options/Extras
Other accommodation options
Starting dates (new session)
07.01 / 04.02 / 04.03 / 01.04 / 29.04 / 28.05 / 24.06 / 08.07 / 22.07 / 05.08 / 19.08 / 16.09 / 15.10 / 11.11 / 09.12.2019
Starting dates
Every week, throughout the year
Bank holidays
01.01 / 21.01 / 18.02 / 27.05 / 04.07 / 02.09 / 14.10 / 28.11 / 29.11 / 24.12 / 25.12.2019

Arrival day: Saturday prior to course start
Departure: Saturday following course end

Semi-intensive course

Beginner to Advanced, 1 - 48 week(s)
1 week(s) - From USD 635.-
(about GBP 507.-)
Lessons
24 of 50 minutes
Course duration
1 - 48 week(s)
Levels
Beginner to Advanced
Students/class
max. 12
(14 in summer)
Minimum age
16 years
Schedule
09:00-12:40 + 13:40-15:20 (2x/week)

Schedule may vary depending on student’s level and time of year.
Course info
Free quote
Book now
week(s)
Without accomodation
Host family, single room, half board
Residence, single room, breakfast
1
635
1045
1610
2
1055
1790
3005
3
1475
2535
4400
4
1835
3220
5735
6
2645
4680
7235
8
3335
6020
9455
12
4655
8640
13835
16
6135
11420
18375
24
8615
16500
26975
Extra week (24+)
350
675
1115
All prices are in USD.   USD 1 ≈ GBP 0.83   (Not-binding exchange rate)
Options/Extras
Other accommodation options
Starting dates (new session)
07.01 / 04.02 / 04.03 / 01.04 / 29.04 / 28.05 / 24.06 / 08.07 / 22.07 / 05.08 / 19.08 / 16.09 / 15.10 / 11.11 / 09.12.2019
Starting dates
Every week, throughout the year
Bank holidays
01.01 / 21.01 / 18.02 / 27.05 / 04.07 / 02.09 / 14.10 / 28.11 / 29.11 / 24.12 / 25.12.2019

Arrival day: Saturday prior to course start
Departure: Saturday following course end

Intensive course

Beginner to Advanced, 1 - 48 week(s)
1 week(s) - From USD 700.-
(about GBP 559.-)
Lessons
30 of 50 minutes
Course duration
1 - 48 week(s)
Levels
Beginner to Advanced
Students/class
max. 12
(14 in summer)
Minimum age
16 years
Schedule
09:00-12:40 + 13:40-15:20

Schedule may vary depending on student’s level and time of year.
Course info
Free quote
Book now
week(s)
Without accomodation
Host family, single room, half board
Residence, single room, breakfast
1
700
1110
1675
2
1185
1920
3135
3
1670
2730
4595
4
2095
3480
5995
6
3035
5070
7625
8
3855
6540
9975
12
5435
9420
14615
16
7175
12460
19415
24
10055
17940
28415
Extra week (24+)
410
735
1175
All prices are in USD.   USD 1 ≈ GBP 0.83   (Not-binding exchange rate)
Options/Extras
Other accommodation options
Starting dates (new session)
07.01 / 04.02 / 04.03 / 01.04 / 29.04 / 28.05 / 24.06 / 08.07 / 22.07 / 05.08 / 19.08 / 16.09 / 15.10 / 11.11 / 09.12.2019
Starting dates
Every week, throughout the year
Bank holidays
01.01 / 21.01 / 18.02 / 27.05 / 04.07 / 02.09 / 14.10 / 28.11 / 29.11 / 24.12 / 25.12.2019

Arrival day: Saturday prior to course start
Departure: Saturday following course end

Combined course

Beginner to Advanced, 1 - 48 week(s)
1 week(s) - From USD 1450.-
(about GBP 1158.-)
Lessons
30 of 50 minutes
(20 general + 10 one-to-one)
Course duration
1 - 48 week(s)
Levels
Beginner to Advanced
Students/class
max. 12
(14 in summer)
Minimum age
16 years
Schedule
09:00-12:40 + 13:40-15:20

Schedule may vary depending on student’s level and time of year.
Course info
Free quote
Book now
week(s)
Without accomodation
Host family, single room, half board
Residence, single room, breakfast
1
1450
1860
2425
2
2685
3420
4635
3
3920
4980
6845
4
5115
6500
9015
Extra week (4+)
1225
1550
1990
All prices are in USD.   USD 1 ≈ GBP 0.83   (Not-binding exchange rate)
Options/Extras
Other accommodation options
Starting dates (new session)
07.01 / 04.02 / 04.03 / 01.04 / 29.04 / 28.05 / 24.06 / 08.07 / 22.07 / 05.08 / 19.08 / 16.09 / 15.10 / 11.11 / 09.12.2019
Starting dates
Every week, throughout the year
Bank holidays
01.01 / 21.01 / 18.02 / 27.05 / 04.07 / 02.09 / 14.10 / 28.11 / 29.11 / 24.12 / 25.12.2019

Arrival day: Saturday prior to course start
Departure: Saturday following course end

Cambridge course (CAE) 30 lessons/week

Upper intermediate to Advanced, 4 / 6 / 9 / 10 / 11 week(s)
4 week(s) - From USD 2220.-
(about GBP 1772.-)
Lessons
30 of 50 minutes
Course duration
4 / 6 / 9 / 10 / 11 week(s)
+ 1 Extra week(s) of accommodation (Exams)
Levels
Upper intermediate to Advanced
Students/class
max. 12
(14 in summer)
Minimum age
16 years
Schedule
09:00-12:40 + 13:40-15:20

Schedule may vary depending on student’s level and time of year.
Course info
Free quote
Book now
week(s)
Without accomodation
Host family, single room, half board
Residence, single room, breakfast
4+1
2220
3930
6045
6+1
3200
5560
8555
9+1
4535
7870
12185
10+1
5010
8670
13425
11+1
5485
9470
14665
All prices are in USD.   USD 1 ≈ GBP 0.83   (Not-binding exchange rate)
Options/Extras
Other accommodation options
Starting dates 4 wk
22.07.2019
Starting dates 6 wk
08.07.2019
Starting dates 9 wk
08.04 / 30.09.2019
Starting dates 10 wk
10.06.2019
Starting dates 11 wk
25.03 / 16.09.2019
Bank holidays
01.01 / 21.01 / 18.02 / 27.05 / 04.07 / 02.09 / 14.10 / 28.11 / 29.11 / 24.12 / 25.12.2019

Arrival day: Saturday prior to course start
Departure: Saturday following course end

Options/Extras

One-to-one course (per lesson) 90 USD
CAE Cambridge exam fee 350 USD
Optional activities (per week) (Yoga) 395 USD
Extra night with host family 75 USD
Supplement Accommodation high season (per wk.) (Residence 25.05 - 05.10.2019) 255 USD
Airport transfer (on arrival) (Santa Barbara Airport) 150 USD
Airport transfer (on arrival) (Los Angeles Airport - Santa Barbara) 345 USD
Airport transfer by bus (on arrival) (Los Angeles Airport - Santa Barbara) 60 USD

Other accommodation options

Course info

100% authentic opinions

These students attended a course in this school through ESL – Language studies abroad and their evaluation has been checked. Students' opinions don't necessarily correspond to those of ESL – Language studies abroad, but reflect the individual experience of those participants. This is meant to provide you with further information about this school.

4.1/5
Overall rating

90% of students recommending this school

Destination
/ 5
School
/ 5
Accommodation
/ 5
Value for money
/ 5
Teaching
/ 5
Leisure
/ 5

40 students gave their opinion about this school

19 years old - Germany
/ 5
4 weeks, November – December 2018
Value for money (4 / 5)
Destination (4 / 5)
Overall impression of the city
Overall impression of the country
Overall impression of the trip
School (3.5 / 5)
School location
School facilities
Classrooms
Nationality mix
Teaching (3.7 / 5)
Course materials
Relations with the teachers
Classroom atmosphere
Accommodation (3.8 / 5) (Host family)
Bedroom
Shower / Bathroom
Meals
Leisure (3.3 / 5)
Leisure activities offered by the school
Trips offered by the school
Staff availability
19 years old - Switzerland
/ 5
8 weeks, September – November 2018
Value for money (4 / 5)
Destination (4.7 / 5)
Overall impression of the city
Overall impression of the country
Overall impression of the trip
School (4.8 / 5)
School location
School facilities
Classrooms
Nationality mix
Teaching (4.7 / 5)
Course materials
Relations with the teachers
Classroom atmosphere
Accommodation (5 / 5) (Host family)
Bedroom
Shower / Bathroom
Meals
Leisure (4.7 / 5)
Leisure activities offered by the school
Trips offered by the school
Staff availability
21 years old - Switzerland
/ 5
12 weeks, August – October 2018
Value for money (4 / 5)
Destination (5 / 5)
Overall impression of the city
Overall impression of the country
Overall impression of the trip
School (4.3 / 5)
School location
School facilities
Classrooms
Nationality mix
Teaching (5 / 5)
Course materials
Relations with the teachers
Classroom atmosphere
Accommodation (4 / 5) (Residence)
Bedroom
Shower / Bathroom
Meals
Leisure (5 / 5)
Leisure activities offered by the school
Trips offered by the school
Staff availability
23 years old - Switzerland
/ 5
Super freundlicher Staff, familiäre Atmosphäre!
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14 weeks, May – August 2018
Value for money (4 / 5)
Destination (5 / 5)
Overall impression of the city
Overall impression of the country
Overall impression of the trip
School (4.5 / 5)
School location
School facilities
Classrooms
Nationality mix
Teaching (5 / 5)
Course materials
Relations with the teachers
Classroom atmosphere
Accommodation (5 / 5) (Host family)
Bedroom
Shower / Bathroom
Meals
Leisure (4.7 / 5)
Leisure activities offered by the school
Trips offered by the school
Staff availability
17 years old - Switzerland
/ 5
5 weeks, June – August 2018
Value for money (4 / 5)
Destination (4.7 / 5)
Overall impression of the city
Overall impression of the country
Overall impression of the trip
School (3.8 / 5)
School location
School facilities
Classrooms
Nationality mix
Teaching (4.3 / 5)
Course materials
Relations with the teachers
Classroom atmosphere
Accommodation (4.3 / 5) (Host family)
Bedroom
Shower / Bathroom
Meals
Leisure (5 / 5)
Leisure activities offered by the school
Trips offered by the school
Staff availability
29 years old - Switzerland
/ 5
2 weeks, March 2018
Value for money (3 / 5)
Destination (4 / 5)
Overall impression of the city
Overall impression of the country
Overall impression of the trip
School (3 / 5)
School location
School facilities
Classrooms
Nationality mix
Teaching (3 / 5)
Course materials
Relations with the teachers
Classroom atmosphere
Accommodation (2.3 / 5) (Shared apartment)
Bedroom
Shower / Bathroom
24 years old - Switzerland
/ 5
Die Schule ist sehr familiär und alle sind so hilfsbereit es war wie eine kleine Familie :) dennoch ein kleiner negativer Punkt habe ich , Wenn man Englisch benötigt für den Beruf ist der Kurs den ich hatte deutlich zuwenig. Denn unserer Grammatikklasse bestand aus 10 Schüler und 2 davon waren Brasilianer und der Rest waren Schweizer . Aber ich denke dies liegt auch daran dass es keine Hauptsaison war. Es waren lediglich 2 Klassen dann ist es natürlich auch schwierig wenn man nach Nationalitäten sortieren sollte und nach Level ;) Die ersten drei Wochen haben wir in Grammatik nicht soviel gelernt. Dann ging eine Freundin zur Direktorin und hat mit ihr das Gespräch gesucht danach hat sie einen Lehrerwechsel getätigt und dann war es besser.
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6 weeks, February – March 2018
Value for money (5 / 5)
Destination (4.7 / 5)
Overall impression of the city
Overall impression of the country
Overall impression of the trip
School (4.3 / 5)
School location
School facilities
Classrooms
Nationality mix
Teaching (5 / 5)
Course materials
Relations with the teachers
Classroom atmosphere
Accommodation (5 / 5) ()
Bedroom
Shower / Bathroom
Meals
Leisure (5 / 5)
Leisure activities offered by the school
Trips offered by the school
Staff availability
Do you think you've made progress?
« Ja, ich bin als Person reifer geworden und mein Englisch hat sich verbessert. »
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School highlights
« Sehr familiär und hilfsbereit und ich habe viele neue Freundschaften geknüpft. »
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17 years old - Italy
/ 5
2 weeks, August 2017
Value for money (3 / 5)
Destination (3.7 / 5)
Overall impression of the city
Overall impression of the country
Overall impression of the trip
School (3.3 / 5)
School location
School facilities
Classrooms
Nationality mix
Teaching (3.7 / 5)
Course materials
Relations with the teachers
Classroom atmosphere
Accommodation (3.8 / 5) (Host family)
Bedroom
Shower / Bathroom
Meals
22 years old - Switzerland
/ 5
Mein Sprachaufenthalt war absolut wundervoll! Santa Barbara ist traumhaft schön, die Schule ist sehr professionell und meine Gastfamilie war mega toll Die Schule ist sehr gut gelegen. In der Nähe der Einkaufsstrasse und unweit vom Meer.Es hatte vor allem am Anfang sehr sehr viele Schweizer. Mit der Zeit sind dann noch andere Nationalitäten dazu gekommen aber der Schweizerdurschnitt lag durchschnittlich bei min. 80%Ansonsten alles top
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6 weeks, June – July 2017
Value for money (5 / 5)
Destination (5 / 5)
Overall impression of the city
Overall impression of the country
Overall impression of the trip
School (4.3 / 5)
School location
School facilities
Classrooms
Nationality mix
Teaching (5 / 5)
Course materials
Relations with the teachers
Classroom atmosphere
Accommodation (5 / 5) (Host family)
Bedroom
Shower / Bathroom
Meals
Leisure (5 / 5)
Leisure activities offered by the school
Trips offered by the school
Staff availability
Do you think you've made progress?
« Ja ich habe vor allem in der Kommunikation Fortschritte erzielt. Das reden viel mir von Tag zu Tag einfacher. »
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42 years old - Spain
/ 5
Los profesores muy buenos. Exclusivamente sólo te hablan en inglés (como debe de ser). Actividades: Presentaciones, roll play, gramática, etc... Además he ido andando y en coche también. He organizado mis clases de Inglés y el alojamiento con vuestra agencia en dos años (no consecutivos) y la verdad que estoy super contenta. No he tenido ningún problema.
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2 weeks, June – July 2017
Value for money (5 / 5)
Destination (5 / 5)
Overall impression of the city
Overall impression of the country
Overall impression of the trip
School (5 / 5)
School location
School facilities
Classrooms
Nationality mix
Teaching (5 / 5)
Course materials
Relations with the teachers
Classroom atmosphere
Accommodation (5 / 5) (Host family)
Bedroom
Shower / Bathroom
Meals
Leisure (5 / 5)
Leisure activities offered by the school
Trips offered by the school
Staff availability
Do you think you've made progress?
« Si he logrado progreso, porque sé más de la cultura americana que antes no sabía. y por supuesto más inglés, más soltura, contactos con personas de otras nacionalidades que hacen que tu mente esté abierta y despierta.He aprendido mucho inglés. »
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School highlights
« Que tenía WI-FI, los ordenadores de la marca Apple, a mi disposición en cualquier momento, Un surtidor de agua. Información de todo tipo (folletos, revistas, ...) para estar informada de las actividades de la escuela, de la ciudad, de otras ciudades del país, etc..Además está en frente de la CourtHouse= Super Bonito este edificio. La amabilidad del staff de la Escuela y los profesores erán buenísimos los dos. »
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Top tips
« Estaría bien que la escuela tuviera bicicletas por si quiere alquilar o rentar a los estudiantes para ir y volver a casa. »
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Testimonials

Michelle Senn
Michelle Senn
ELC, Santa Barbara
Duration: 6 weeks

Here in Santa Barbara I really had a great time and I met a lot of new people.
My course was only taking place during half the day, which allowed me to enjoy my free time in the afternoon to often go to the beach, have a drink at the Sharkeez, go shopping or spend some time with my new friends.
My class was great too. At the beginning I had a few problems with the speed at which we learned things. But at the beginning of the new session everything was better and I managed to quickly find a good rhythm.

I recommend all those who go to Santa Barbara not to be afraid to learn something new, to be flexible and not to plan too much ahead.

Read more
See all testimonials

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Host family
Host families are carefully selected by the school to ensure they'll give you a warm welcome! They usually live in peaceful residential neighbourhoods, within 60 minutes from the school, and are easily reachable by public transport. Staying in a single room with half-board provided, students have the opportunity to practise English in a relaxed and authentic setting while learning about the Californian lifestyle.

Santa Barbara residence
Recently renovated and located around 30 minutes from the language school, the Santa Barbara residence offers simple, functional studios fitted with fully equipped kitchens, workspace and high-speed Wi-Fi. Breakfast is included in the price, and weekly housekeeping is provided. This accommodation option is ideal for students who are looking for centrally located, independent living in Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara is bursting with historical and architectural attractions. Its natural surroundings are simply stunning and from the city, you can easily go hiking in the Santa Ynez Mountains, visit local wineries and taste famous Californian wines. The school will offer you a monthly programme of optional sports and cultural activities as well as excursions towards the greatest cities of California (available at an extra charge). You will be able to choose from a selection of activities ranging from horse riding to visiting the Santa Barbara Art Museum, shopping in Paseo Nuevo or going on a trip to Los Angeles, 2 hours’ drive away. You will also take advantage of a wide choice of water activities, whether active or contemplative: sailing, windsurfing, scuba diving, kayaking, whale watching, etc. And to chill after exercise, enjoy the pleasure of lazing on Santa Barbara's superb beaches!

You can trust us

ESL - Hobart
ESL guarantees you the most attractive prices on the market in the UK! Any price difference will be refunded 100%.
Our students recommend it
90%
40 students rated this school. See the testimonials of former students.
Special offers
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