San Francisco English schools - the best places for ESL in "The City" Part 1

Top San Francisco ESL Schools, Part 1

San Francisco boasts quite a number of English as a Second Language (ESL) schools. The popularity of the City by the Golden Gate as a destination location adds to the attractive nature of these specialized private schools, and attracts large numbers of students throughout the year. Considering that for international learners - mainly established business people, but to varying degrees the general student population as well - their current and future career success is dependent on their ability to become proficient in English. Additionally, many people from around the world see the importance of acquiring English language skills for travel, intercultural use and connections.

In addition to state laws covering these schools, there are other accreditation and educational organizations that use specific parameters for quality compliance and oversee a school's merit. Acquiring these various certifications allows students, who are the buyers of school services, to feel more confident when selecting a school for study. Not every school is up to the same high level, therefore it is important to research, ask questions, and seek recommendations when considering which school to attend.

The ESL schools profiled here are accredited to high standards and have made recent changes or additions to their general or specific programs, range of academic offerings, or school site improvements. All information is up to date and based on direct in-person interviews with school directors or acting directors.

Part 2 of this profile article follows next...

ELS Language Center

ELS in San Francisco is one of more than 50 English Language Center schools in the USA and Canada. The school is located on the Golden Gate University campus although it is independent of the university. ELS, like several other English as Second Language (ESL) schools, has a partnership with various universities, which is an advantage to students when choosing a school to attend.

Students who complete the academic program at an ELS school can transition into the partner university program without the generally required minimum TOEFL score. The demanding ELS curriculum replaces TOEFL and is a more enjoyable and culturally enriching experience for learners.

Ira Cohen, the very knowledgeable and amiable ELS Center Director since 2004, spoke of the almost 25% yearly enrollment increase the school has had in the past three years. The demand for the academic program is higher than for the general program, as across California and the nation universities have increased recruitment of both out-of-state and international students due to budget cutbacks to higher education, and the national recession. Consequently, university partnership programs such as at ELS, become an even greater incentive for international students seeking entry into American universities.

For students from countries where an American university degree is essentially a passport to a more profitable and secure career back home, the university connection route is a very popular one.

The school is also in its 6th wave of accommodating the many Saudi students who have been sent to the U.S. by the Saudi government on scholarship. The Saudi mission is specific for the future growth of Saudi Arabia to become a modern global participant. ELS continues to be the #1 location for Saudi students.

At ELS, the academic program is a two-stream process: the morning classes offer English for Academic Purposes; the afternoon classes are academic electives. As of January this year, ELS also has different classes for different purposes, to better fulfill the specific needs of career-bound students.

Contact: ELS Language Centers, c/o Golden Gate University, 536 Mission Street, Suite 5221, San Francisco, CA 94105, 415.369.5454

ILSC (International Language Schools of Canada)

ILSC San Francisco is the first U.S. branch of this top Canadian school. Founded in 1991, ILSC is headquartered in Vancouver, B.C. The San Francisco school boasts beautiful new offices located on the Lobby Level of One Embarcadero. With glass enclosed classrooms and a dynamic, modern approach to language learning that makes sense, ILSC is drawing on its well-respected reputation to become a destination school in San Francisco. The school also teaches other languages in addition to its large ESL program: Spanish, French, and German are examples.

Energetic Program Director Jeannie Buso emphasized the student-centered focus of the school, with its featured programs: English in Action and English on the Road. Both programs are structured to maximize student learning by incorporating the real world outside of the classroom into the broader learning experience. The school is quite innovative and responsive to student input. The English Yoga is one example of something different in language learning that draws learners into the school.

ILSC has a strong Business English program, with classes addressing business needs and skills students should be prepared for, such as: English for the Workplace, Business Writing and Interview Skills, and Business Culture and Presentation Skills. The school offers a variety of certificate programs, such as TOEFL and FCE (First Certificate in English). There is so much happening academically and culturally with English here that all learners, whether studying for general or business language purposes will be satisfied. 

The school offers both day and evening classes, and can accommodate businesses onsite with workplace ESL.

Contact: ILSC, One Embarcadero Center, Lobby Level, Suite 100, San Francisco, CA 94111, 415.677.9961

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