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.

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!

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

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.

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!

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.

This is a wonderful place for learning a language! I live close to this school so I sent my cousin…read morecome here every Wednesday and Friday. She learns a lot and I can tell her Chinese skills improve every week. Teachers are super professional. I will recommend this place for learning Chinese. By the way, they have other language classes, such as Spanish, Korean, and French. Good place to learn!

I have been thinking about learning Korean language for quite sometime now. The reason behind is…read morebecause I love Korean food. I also love Korean dramas. Third, is Asiana Airlines is my go to for direct flights from LAX to Seoul. Then Seoul to Clark Philippines. Fourth, I want to be able to communicate with them when I'm in Korea. My lay over in Incheon, South Korea to LAX is almost 8 hours. I've been looking at this sign that reads, "Brilliant Foreign Language" in East Palomar St, Otay Ranch, Chula Vista. for the past year or so. Then, I finally had the courage to walk in their office and inquire about their program. There is a one time registration fee of $50 which includes the book, and $30/hour one on one lessons. If there are more than 2 students, you only pay $20/hour. The two staff who talked to me were very helpful and friendly. My Korean teacher is really nice. Her method of teaching is really good. If you're looking to learn another language, I strongly recommend this school.

Staff and teachers are wonderful and friendly. Have weekly fun activities and get to do lots of…read moreoutings, volunteering, and cultural days. Have massages for $45 by awesome people at ICHOHS. Got to try a massage after classes!

Just wanted to try out the school so I gave them a shot and attended half day class but it wasn't…read morewhat I expected! Lack of organization and discipline, small classrooms and the parking sucks in that area. 2 stars simply because they offer free classes!

I started my Japanese language study at San Diego Japanese school years ago. Studied with both…read moreHasegawa-sensei and Fukuda-sensei. They taught wonderful beginning adult language classes. I knew nothing and they were very patient. They spent a lot of time making sure that I knew how to speak politely. I was able to travel to Japan and speak successfully, as well as transition to other Japanese language schools when I moved away from San Diego.

San Diego Japanese school is a small, little gem I really wish more people knew about. That being…read moresaid, as somebody who was a student here from middle school up until early high school, my opinion is definitely more from the high-school student perspective. Hasegawa-sensei and Fukuda-sensei are both sweet, personable and attentive teachers who get to know their students personally and oversee their studies with care, interest and patience. There are various age and skill groups that students are split off into, all of which are taught by various competent teachers and some of which I've kept in contact with over the years (here's looking to you, Chris-sensei!). In the middle of the session there is a small break in which the teachers make and sell homemade onigiri (still warm!), followed by group raijo taiso. You really get a sense of family here- it's honestly hard NOT to fit in and make friends easily here. In addition to language classes, they have some culture classes and occasionally have interesting and informative guests you wouldn't be able to find anywhere else. If I remember correctly, we once had some people from the Toyko Philharmonic come and play for us, and every year students get a tour of the Japanese Self Defense Force boat in the harbor. Cool! That being said, you really have to have some self discipline to really get the most out of this school. Meeting only once a week means there is a lot of things to go over in one day, and it is imperative that you upkeep your studies, go through your textbooks and do your lessons in the days between classes! Like with most schools, it can sometimes be easy to be distracted by the social aspect of going every week, so one definitely needs to remember that it is a school, not a place to hang out. I loved it here. Honestly, if anyone was looking to seriously learn Japanese, I would without hesitation refer them to the San Diego Japanese School. Anyone who comes here is in some seriously capable and caring hands.

We won't return to the classes my son enjoyed and felt proud and accomplished in. As frequent…read moretravelers into Baja California and my son also being a specialist with us as a family, from the ages of 3-10 years old, in the Mexican cuisine and culture, we knew we were taking a chance that our special learner may have challenges.. He gives this class 5 stars, especially the students he was so happy to see. And the disruptions happy kids cause in classrooms is totally not ideal for everyone trying to learn, and most importantly, the teacher trying to teach. Somewhere, over the rainbow, there is a happy medium where a guy who truly does want to learn, can do just that. Occasionally he needs help and guidance to do so. And because no other guides, an IEP, or any special needs kids are not accommodated or welcome, we are on the search to find someone who does accept special learners. This particular class recognizes none of this. I recommend looking over the paperwork introducing classes such as this one, and going over it with the instructor. We try things out, we disclose as much as we can. These are elementary school aged kids. And no one is perfect. All of this was so upsetting for me as I felt we finally found something successful. Good luck, everyone.

Must say this! Owner Maritza is a secret gem in our community. She has a sincere heart and passion…read morefor teaching children & adults the beauty of the Spanish language, foods, art, & culture. She provides a festive learning environment AND also offers art classes and art & sip events at her studio! I've been a participant in both the Spanish & Art programs. She also has Spanish classes at area schools in the district. She's a gift I hope you will enjoy too!