I just started here this past month. I've already gotten much more comfortable in each class, even…read morethough I have so much to learn!!! The format is great, the instructors translate in real time our conversations in each class and send you the notes after. Also they have all been so kind. I like that it's over Zoom so I can be in the comfort of my space. It really is conversational learning but I've heard becomes more technical as you advance. I have had a hard time learning Spanish over the years, the learning apps have not been able to do the trick. But using your language learning apps along with these classes will be helpful to add words into the conversations. I am looking forward to continue my learning with Pura Buena Onda!

I'm so glad I found PBO! I've never taken any Spanish classes before, and this was a great way to…read morestart practicing conversation in a laid-back, warm, and welcoming atmosphere. I love the convenience of the Zoom format, and there are plenty of time slots for beginners (A1). I use PBO for conversation practice, and I also use a language app and an easy textbook. I already feel like I've learned a lot in just a few months' time.

Do this place actually want customers? If so, I would suggest that they not be condescending and…read moresnarky in their responses to legitimate queries. I tried to call this place because I had some questions about pricing and registration. No answer, no voice mail, so I sent them an email. They then replied to my email with pasting material from their web site in the email. Yes, thank you, I read that already. I should have just left it there, but I wrote back saying that it would be just be easier if someone could give me a call. No call. I wrote back again asking about one class in a particular and I also asked whether they have free trial lessons. Their response: "I am sorry but that is not the way we work. But, if you ever find a free teacher let us know." Have a look around at other language schools, dance schools, ZUMBA places, etc. many businesses will offer you a chance to test out their classes for free to get a feel for fit. And why do they do this? Because generally what they offer is excellent, so people will come back. Completely unprofessional and disinterested in obtaining new customers. Keep looking, folks!

I have been taking Spanish Classes from Nora for 3 years now and she is amazing teacher/friend. She…read moreis really passionate about teaching for and also she is a yoga teacher which is awesome!

I've tried other conversation based learning in San Diego and Culture and Language center is light…read moreyears ahead. My teacher Izak is exceptional and Lalo, the owner , is incredibly professional, responsive and he cares greatly about his business/students. There are always extracurricular events such as trips of nights out and it great to build a community and friendships. The model is to have only 4 students per teacher and this makes a huge difference, furthermore, there is a curriculum on which the class is based on. So we spend a portion of the class chatting, a portion learning and the third part is to practice what we just learned. I always feel like my spanish improves after every class and I cannot say the same for the other conversational based learning.

My husband and I are enrolled in weekly classes here and we LOVE our experience! We both met with…read moreLalo to begin with for placement, and he was so kind, personable, and reassuring. Through my conversation with Lalo, a lot of my anxiety immediately melted away. Once we were placed, we signed up for weekly classes based on our skill level and have had nothing but a positive experience. Our teacher is Andrea - she is charismatic, professional, and skillfully integrates on-the-fly lessons to our broader goals (i.e., when we are confused by a concept Andrea organically integrates it into our lesson and explains it in such a clear way). Everything we do is in Spanish - 45 minutes of conversation, then 45 minutes of lessons/activities/homework review. The Culture and Language Center has really helped cure so much of my speaking anxiety and given me a lot of confidence - now I feel safe to speak, play, and even make mistakes. :) I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this program to anyone. If you are on the fence, you won't regret this experience!

Time flies. It has already been 3-4 years since I took the TEFL class in SDSU ALI. I can't help but…read morewrite a review as soon as I found this on Yelp. This program has not only good reputation, but also amazing instructors. All the instructors were so great. They have so much experience teaching in this field and was able to share many teaching skills and theories. One of my favorite parts was that I had a chance to teach in an actual class. I had to observe a class, learn how to teach from a mentor, and also got to know students and help them to learn English. It was a fabulous experience and it helped me a lot to find a job in Korea, where I used all the stuff I have learned in my classes. I still get update emails about job openings from all over the world from ALI and SDSU. How nice !! Wish I can write everything I have done. I can just say it's the most amazing program ever.

I am so happy and satisfied with American Language Institute at SDSU. I earned my TESL/TEFL…read morecertificate in November last year. They offer 130+ classroom hours, mentor-ship with working teachers, classroom observation, teaching real ESL students and qualified instructors. Even after completing the 11 week program, instructors and directors at ALI continue to help me with letters and applications to schools abroad. I am excited to start working abroad! My favorite part is meeting so many like-minded classmates who are now lifetime friends. I would highly recommend ALI!

Over the past 5 years, I have tried several language schools in my quest to learn Spanish. The…read moreother schools are exclusively "online teaching" and have registration systems that are difficult to work with and require questionable security commitments. I was hacked because of one of these exposures. With Spanish Language Center, you contact them, find a lesson time and teacher that meets your needs, show up and get a great person to person lesson. Payment takes place at the first lesson... in person! The owner, Luz Kutchins in the author of a complete course for Spanish Learning. Spanish Language Center is "Numero Uno"!

I highly recommend Luz and her team at Spanish Language Learning Center to anyone who is interested…read morein starting their Spanish language journey or expanding their existing knowledge of the Spanish language. They utilize a unique approach centered on repetition and practice based on real life situations. When my wife and I were travelling to Costa Rica, they incorporated words, phrases, and real-world scenarios into out classes that would be beneficial for us to know while travelling. The knowledge and skills we gained at Spanish Language Learning Center gave us the confidence to ask a waitress at the restaurant near the hotel to help us practice our Spanish; she made sure we sat in our section every night and we told her about Luz and her team and were able to order our food - all in Spanish. Those skills we gained were invaluable and have continued to help in all facets of our life, from communicating with coworkers in a work environment to family and friends. The warm, inclusive environment in the classroom led to relationships that will last a lifetime and made us feel like family.

Recently took an online class. Second class teacher threw so much stuff at us. No repetition…read more I've taken several language classes elsewhere and repitition has always been part of my experience in learning a new language. A total waste of $$.

Awful customer service. I was eager to enroll my 3 children into classes and had read many good…read morereviews through Yelp. When I contacted the email address the lady, Nima, was very informative, helpful...eager to take my money. I was SO surprised at their prices. Yes, I understand for one person $199 is a good deal, but if I am bringing 2 additional people at least try and make it worth my while. She said "$199-first person, $189-second person, $99-third person". $10 is not a discount... I expressed to her how surprising this was. And perhaps we could negotiate because there is competition out there. Her last email was very curt and short. Horrible customer service, Nima. I can see why your company is receiving so many negative reviews on this. I will make sure I take my business elsewhere and I will spread the word.

I am taking Korean classes now and I like it very much. I also like the parking and talking it…read moreinternational students on my break.

Wow. This company is truly awful. I called them before purchasing the groupon for 8 lessons to…read moremake sure that we were able to set up lessons. They assured us that we could start the following week. Then after purchase it took them a month to set up lessons. Rocky start but fine. Then finally we set up a date to start but apparently they have two locations, we were at the wrong one. So when we finally rushed over to meet our teacher she had no lesson plan and we discovered this was going to be "immersive" learning as the teacher didn't speak much English. Her boyfriend helped with the first class or I would have no idea what was going on. The next two lessons had a plan and were better but after 3 lessons the teacher could no longer do the agreed upon time so classes were ended. We agreed that we would start again after the holidays for everyones inconvenience. I have been messaging with Brian weekly since then with NO results and lots of false promises. He had me contact the parent company tesol training for a refund who said that there was no refund available because I already took 3 classes then stopped responding to my emails. This has been a true nightmare to deal with and I highly doubt I will be able to finish my classes so I am just out the money paid to groupon. VERY disappointing and POOR business practices all around. DO NOT WORK WITH THIS COMPANY.

I took the TESOL certification class with Bryan at ELI San Diego and it was certainly a worthwhile…read moreexperience! Bryan does a good job covering the core values of successful ESL teaching while offering real world advice. There is a class presentation in a foreign language, test, paper, & specialization assignment; so be prepared to work for your certification. Their contextualized, project-oriented approach to the course material personally resonated with me. Do not be afraid to ask questions: Bryan encourages a lot of discussion and offers potential opportunities to practice teaching/tutoring! ELI definitely assures you with its friendly environment that they care about their students' long-term success. I am looking forward to working with the ELI staff during the job placement process as I intend to teach English in Brazil! Chau, Trey

The best language school in the heart of the San Diego where you can learn English andread more

I have been helped in many ways while learning at CLA. They are really understanding and helpful…read more Lessons are really effective and theachers (espicialy Rachel). They are responding all questions that i asked and they never get bored. I really feel that i can ask all questions in my mind. Thnx for everything

I have the misfortune of living near this school. From what I have witnessed, it is a blight upon…read morethe neighborhood. Twice a day the pick up lines cause dangerous traffic. When you walk by in the sidewalk you are stared at and made to feel extremely unwelcome. And this is just an outside impression of the school. I just get bad vibes all around.

This school is so bad 1. the security guard doesn't let you drop of your children unless you park…read morein the driving lot 2. The kids do not listen there's a fight every day if the staff suspend them they only do it for 1 day and they come back the same they absolutely refuse to expel the students 3. Everywhere in the school is absolutely disgusting they is trash EVERYWHERE empty milk cartons on the floors kids have food fights dust everywhere 4. The teachers are horrible they always scream give u 1 warning and give u 1 week of no recess if we go past 1 warning+ a parent call in the middle of class 5. these are all the reasons you should not let your kids go to iftin charter school WE WANT IFTIN SHUT DOWN