Santa Barbara, English Language Center (ELC)
Santa Barbara English Language Center (ELC)
4.1 /5 41 Reviews

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

From 480.- GBP
600.- USD
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 (C1 Advanced)
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
41 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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English Language Center (ELC) - 0
English Language Center (ELC) - 1
English Language Center (ELC) - 2
English Language Center (ELC) - 3
English Language Center (ELC) - 4
English Language Center (ELC) - 5

All the schools in this city

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 - Chile
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 480.- GBP
(600.- USD)
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 USD
1010 USD
1575 USD
2
985 USD
1720 USD
2935 USD
3
1370 USD
2430 USD
4295 USD
4
1715 USD
3100 USD
5615 USD
6
2465 USD
4500 USD
7055 USD
8
3135 USD
5820 USD
9255 USD
12
4415 USD
8400 USD
13595 USD
All prices are in USD.   USD 1 ≈ GBP 0.8   (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 508.- GBP
(635.- USD)
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 USD
1045 USD
1610 USD
2
1055 USD
1790 USD
3005 USD
3
1475 USD
2535 USD
4400 USD
4
1835 USD
3220 USD
5735 USD
6
2645 USD
4680 USD
7235 USD
8
3335 USD
6020 USD
9455 USD
12
4655 USD
8640 USD
13835 USD
16
6135 USD
11420 USD
18375 USD
24
8615 USD
16500 USD
26975 USD
Extra week (24+)
350 USD
675 USD
1115 USD
All prices are in USD.   USD 1 ≈ GBP 0.8   (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 560.- GBP
(700.- USD)
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 USD
1110 USD
1675 USD
2
1185 USD
1920 USD
3135 USD
3
1670 USD
2730 USD
4595 USD
4
2095 USD
3480 USD
5995 USD
6
3035 USD
5070 USD
7625 USD
8
3855 USD
6540 USD
9975 USD
12
5435 USD
9420 USD
14615 USD
16
7175 USD
12460 USD
19415 USD
24
10055 USD
17940 USD
28415 USD
Extra week (24+)
410 USD
735 USD
1175 USD
All prices are in USD.   USD 1 ≈ GBP 0.8   (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 1160.- GBP
(1450.- USD)
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 USD
1860 USD
2425 USD
2
2685 USD
3420 USD
4635 USD
3
3920 USD
4980 USD
6845 USD
4
5115 USD
6500 USD
9015 USD
Extra week (4+)
1225 USD
1550 USD
1990 USD
All prices are in USD.   USD 1 ≈ GBP 0.8   (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 (C1 Advanced) 30 lessons/week

Upper intermediate to Advanced, 4 / 6 / 9 / 10 / 11 week(s)
4 week(s) - From 1776.- GBP
(2220.- USD)
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 USD
3930 USD
6045 USD
6+1
3200 USD
5560 USD
8555 USD
9+1
4535 USD
7870 USD
12185 USD
10+1
5010 USD
8670 USD
13425 USD
11+1
5485 USD
9470 USD
14665 USD
All prices are in USD.   USD 1 ≈ GBP 0.8   (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
C1 Advanced 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

41 students gave their opinion about this school

28 years old - Belgium
/ 5
Santa Barbara est une ville super pour une personne seule ! Tout est très facile et les gens sont très sympathiques. Le personnel de l’école est très sympathique, dès les premiers jours on se sent chez nous. J’ai adoré mon expérience et je la recommanderais les yeux fermés. Le style de cours est super, on ne se sent pas à l'école mais plutôt comme dans un groupe d’amis. Je ne parlais pas un more d’anglais avant d’arriver et après 2 mois là bas j’ai acquis de meilleurs base en anglais ! J’ai eu la chance d’avoir Crystal comme professeur, elle est très gentille, très compréhensive et super fun (Je pense C’est pareil pour tout les autres professeurs). J’ai adoré aller en cours tout les jours et participer aux activités après journée. Merci à Carmen, Crystal, Simone, ... et tout les autres professeurs de l’ecole Esl Santa Barbara sans eux mon séjour n’aurait pas été le même !!!!
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10 weeks, September – November 2019
Value for money (4 / 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 (4.7 / 5)
Course materials
Relations with the teachers
Classroom atmosphere
Leisure (4.7 / 5)
Leisure activities offered by the school
Trips offered by the school
Staff availability
Do you think you've made progress?
« Étant donné que je ne parlais pas un mot d’anglais à mon arrivée, je pense avoir fais de sacrés progrès maintenant je peux me débrouiller. Je ne suis pas bilingue mais je peu tenir une petite discussion. »
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School highlights
« J’ai tout adoré. Tout étais très positif »
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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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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 - Chile
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%
41 students rated this school. See the testimonials of former students.
Special offers
  • English Language Center (ELC) - 0
  • English Language Center (ELC) - 1
  • English Language Center (ELC) - 2
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  • English Language Center (ELC) - 4
  • English Language Center (ELC) - 5
  • English Language Center (ELC) - 6
  • English Language Center (ELC) - 7
  • English Language Center (ELC) - 8
  • English Language Center (ELC) - 9

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  • Best price guarantee

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    Get the price difference refunded if you find a better deal for the same programme with another agency.

  • Free service

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    Enjoy our free and personalised services – 97% of our clients would recommend us to their friends and relatives.