2016 Converse International School Brochure

Maximum 8 Students per Class

English Language Training in California Programs and Courses for Adults Since 1972

COURSES

ABOUT CISL What CISL Offers

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D E S T I N AT I O N S & AC T I V I T I E S

Intensive English Program

San Diego

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Standard Course

4

San Francisco

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Intensive Course

4

Activities 12

Business Course

4

Accommodation 13

Private Lessons

4

Additional Services

Exam Preparation Courses TOEFL Preparation Course

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IELTS Preparation Course

5

Cambridge Courses

5

Academic Preparation Pre-University Academic Year

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English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

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CISL Pathway Program

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Career English Program

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Premier English Programs

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Executive English (San Diego)

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Global Success (San Francisco)

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Communicate with Confidence in English sm

In today’s world, the ability to communicate effectively and with confidence in English is often necessary for professional and academic success. With over 40 years of experience, Converse International School of Languages (CISL) is a leader in English language training.

Since 1972, motivated students from around the globe have received rigorous English language training from CISL. The mission of CISL is to help our clients learn to communicate effectively and with confidence in English. Our experienced instructors help identify students’ needs and challenge them every day to maximize their learning potential in a friendly, stimulating environment.

C O N V E R S E I N T E R N AT I O N A L S C H O O L O F L A N G UAG E S O F F E R S :

• Over 40 years of teaching experience: CISL has been successfully teaching English to international students and professionals since 1972.

• Small classes and individual attention (maximum of four students for Premier programs and a maximum of eight students for all other programs).

• Modern schools located in exciting

• The CISL Interactive Teaching Method to learn to communicate effectively and with confidence in English.

• Levels from Basic to Advanced.

SAN FRANCISCO

• Motivated students from all over the world (diverse mix of nationalities).

• Accommodation placement options (homestays and student residences).

SAN DIEGO

urban environments.

CISL is fully accredited by the Commission for English Language Accreditation (CEA), which is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and is the only specialized accrediting agency for English language programs in the United States.

Accredited English Language Training 03

Intensive English Courses Our integrated curriculum combines grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, listening, and speaking instruction.

MAXIMUM

8 students per class

Small classes (maximum 8 students) ensure that students receive a great amount of personal attention from our professional staff, all of whom are trained in our Interactive Teaching Method. This engages students in the learning process to guarantee that they quickly develop skills and confidence. Courses start every Monday. One lesson is 50 minutes.

Minimum age is 18. Minimum proficiency level is A1 (Basic). If your proficiency level is lower than A1, you must sign up for private lessons.

S TA N DA R D C O U R S E

BUSINESS PROGRAM

• Provides an integrated, general English

• Includes the Standard Course with

curriculum to help students communicate effectively. The course improves students’ English skills and develops their confidence so that they can continue to use and improve their English even after they leave the school. The course also improves intercultural awareness and interpersonal skills. Each unit presents a wide variety of conversational activities: discussion, listening comprehension, using idioms and role-playing, as well as reading, vocabulary, grammar, and writing practice.

• 20 lessons per week: 9:00 a.m. – 12:40 p.m., Monday – Friday

additional lessons that develop the skills needed to communicate effectively in a business environment. These include making introductions, emailing, negotiating, writing business letters, and other topics of interest to the specific group.

• Required level: CISL Low Intermediate • 28 lessons per week: 9:00 a.m. – 12:40 p.m.

(Standard General English) Monday – Friday, and 1:30 p.m. – 3:10 p.m.

(Business English) Monday – Thursday

• Maximum 8 students per class

• Maximum 8 students per class P R I VAT E L E S S O N S INTENSIVE PROGRAM

• Includes the Standard Course with additional

• Private lessons are an extremely effective

method of language learning as the focus is entirely on the individual’s specific needs. lessons providing more opportunities to Students may enroll solely in private lessons focus on specific areas such as pronunciation, or may add them to any other course. vocabulary development, writing skills, and idiomatic expressions, as well as discussion • Up to 30 lessons per week of current events.

Schedule: based on student and instructor availability.

• 28 lessons per week: 9:00 a.m. – 12:40 p.m.

(Standard General English) Monday – Friday • One student per class and 1:30 p.m. – 3:10 p.m.

(Intensive English) Monday – Thursday

• Maximum 8 students per class

04 Converse International School of Languages

Exam Preparation Courses Exam Preparation courses at CISL are designed to prepare students for success on internationally-recognized English exams.

MAXIMUM

8 students per class

TO E F L P R E PA R AT I O N C O U R S E (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

I E LT S P R E PA R AT I O N C O U R S E (San Diego Only)

C AMBRIDGE ENGLISH L A N G U AG E A S S E S S M E N T

The TOEFL exam is recognized throughout the world by universities and businesses as a measure of English proficiency. It is also required by most U.S. colleges and universities for the admission of international students. The preparation course will help students develop skills to do well on the exam. Practice tests are given during the course so that students can see their progress. Registration for the official exam must be done on the ETS website: www.ets.org

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular English test for study and immigration. Our preparation courses are divided into two levels to meet the needs of our clients. The intermediate level is for students at the B-2 level who would like to improve their band score to 5 or higher. The advanced course is aimed at students already in the C-1 level who would like to achieve a score in the band range of 7 or higher. Registration for the official exam must be done through the website: www.ielts.org

Many companies and schools throughout the world accept Cambridge English Language Assessment Exam results as proof of an individual’s ability to communicate successfully both in written and spoken English. The examinations cover all language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking plus grammar and vocabulary.

• Required level: CISL Intermediate • 20 lessons per week: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:40 p.m.

• 6-week course (4 weeks in summer) Several start dates each year

• Required level: CISL Intermediate • 20 lessons per week: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:40 p.m.

• 11-week course with three start dates each year

These courses include a range of tasks that assess each candidate’s ability to use English so that in preparing for the examinations, candidates develop the skills needed to make practical use of the language in a variety of contexts. Above all, Cambridge English Language examinations assess the ability to communicate effectively and with confidence in English.

Cambridge English First (FCE)

• Required level: CISL Intermediate • 20 lessons per week: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:40 p.m.

• 28 lessons per week: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:40 p.m. plus Monday – Thursday, 1:30 – 3:10 p.m.

• 9 or 11-week courses with several start dates each year Cambridge English Advanced (CAE)

• Required level: CISL High-Intermediate • 20 lessons per week: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:40 p.m.

CISL SD and CISL SF are authorized Cambridge English Language Assessment centres CISL San Diego: BEC, PET, FCE & CAE CISL San Francisco: FCE & CAE

• 28 lessons per week: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:40 p.m. plus Monday – Thursday, 1:30 – 3:10 p.m.

• 9 or 11-week course with several start dates each year

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Academic Preparation These unique programs prepare long-term, academic-focused students to experience an American campus with American students.

The Pre-University Academic Year gives students the opportunity to improve their English in a CISL classroom and then continue to develop their English and academic skills among American students at a traditional American college campus.

This is a 12-week afternoon course offered throughout the year. Students must have a high intermediate (CEFR: B2) or advanced (CEFR: C1/C2) level of English. The course will give non-native speakers of English the reading, writing, and research skills necessary to succeed in a college or university in the United States. It is also recommended for students who need skills of analysis, discussion, negotiation and persuasion.

U.S. university

• Development of an in-depth understanding of American culture

• Academic classes with American students • A truly intercultural opportunity • 16 weeks of an Intensive English course at

Ç AG IL, T U R KEY

per class

E N G L I S H F O R AC A D E M I C PURPOSES (EAP)

• Preparation for successful study at a

“

8 students

PRE-UNIVERSITY AC A D E M I C Y E A R

This program is designed for students seeking to study abroad for a single semester or for those seeking to remain in the United States for their university education. The Pre-University Academic Year Program offers:

I have been studying at CISL San Diego for 4 weeks in level 9, and at this time my English is improving very fast. Because there are not more than 8 students in the English classes, each student has enough time to ask questions and have conversation with the teacher.”

MAXIMUM

CISL which includes 12 weeks of the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course

• One semester at an American college • Services of the CISL Academic Year Program Advisor Program Requirements:

• Minimum of High-Intermediate English proficiency level at start of English course

• Completion of secondary school in home country

The course can be included as part of the following programs: Pre-University Program: For Gap-Year students enrolled in our Pre-University Program, the EAP Afternoon Elective has been added to best prepare them for their academic year abroad.

Pathway Program: For academically focused students, completion of the EAP course entitles them to be conditionally accepted into several colleges or universities in the United States.

The course is also available to all other students as an afternoon option. For example: A. Standard English or Global Success (morning) + EAP (afternoon) B. TOEFL / CAE / FCE Preparation (morning) + EAP (afternoon) Course Schedule: Monday – Thursday afternoons from 1:30 p.m. – 3:10 p.m.

06 Converse International School of Languages

C I S L PAT H WAY P R O G R A M The CISL Pathway Program offers students the chance to enter a U.S. college or university upon completion of an English course at CISL. This program is open to all students who have completed the equivalent of a U.S. high school education. There is no minimum level of English proficiency required to enter this program; however, students must successfully complete the CISL English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course before beginning classes at college or university.

Students cannot start the EAP course until they have achieved a high-intermediate level of English proficiency at CISL. After students apply for admission to one of our partner colleges or universities, the partner school will determine whether students qualify for admission. If students meet the requirements for admission but do not have the required level of English, the partner school will grant the student Conditional Admission. This means the student will be able to start classes at the college/university only after successfully completing the CISL EAP course.

Grossmont College

Berkeley City College

Some of our Partner Schools Include: Berkeley City College (Berkeley, CA)

Seattle Central Community College (Seattle, WA)

Fisher College (Boston, MA)

Alliant School of Management (Multiple Cities)

California College of Arts (San Francisco and Oakland, CA) The Los Angeles Film School (Los Angeles, CA) Whatcom Community College (Bellingham, WA) El Camino College (Torrance, CA)

California International Business University (San Diego, CA) Southwestern Oregon Community College (Coos Bay, OR) New York Film Academy (New York, NY) Mission College (Santa Clara, CA)

Contact the school or visit our website: www.cisl.edu for a frequently updated list of partner schools.

Career English Program Our Career English Program gives students the opportunity to improve their English in a real-life working environment while developing relationships with American colleagues.

Career English Program positions are unpaid and are focused on improving the student’s English skills. This is not a job training program. Placement is subject to a successful interview. Students provide their top three choices of desired fields and should have prior education or experience in those fields. Specific fields/positions are not guaranteed. We offer the following program options:

Option B 6+ weeks English classes followed by 6-8 weeks placement with a local business. (course length: 6- 8 weeks)

Option A 4+ weeks English classes followed by 8 weeks morning classes + afternoon/weekend placement with a local business. (course length: 8+ weeks)

• An official letter of recommendation upon

This program includes:

Program Requirements

• Minimum English proficiency level of CISL High-Intermediate

• At least one year of experience or education in the requested field

• English proficiency/needs assessment via Skype prior to arrival

• Supervision by the CISL Career English Coordinator successful completion of the course Note: Placement between December 15 and January 15 is limited.

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Premier English English Language Training for Executives, Professionals and Ambitious Learners

MAXIMUM

4 students per class

EXECUTIVE ENGLISH PROGRAM - SAN DIEGO Executive English courses are designed for motivated students and business professionals who want to focus on the skills needed to effectively conduct business in English. The classes are very small; students can enroll in either group classes with 4 students maximum or private lessons in order to benefit from a maximum level of attention and involvement in the class activities.

Courses are designed to cover a variety of real-life business situations, as well as each student’s specific needs and goals. The committed instructors are experienced in both English education and the business world, and will challenge and guide the students through this rigorous program.

Students with English levels elementary to advanced are accepted.

• Improve writing skills for business reports and correspondence

• Gain confidence in giving presentations, conducting meetings, and handling negotiations

• Increase business and industry-based vocabulary

• Discuss topics such as finance, leadership, conflict management and problem-solving, and then put that knowledge into practice

• Learn useful tips for communicating more effectively in the business environment

• Benefit from challenging curriculum and assignments Course Options and Schedules: 20 lessons per week: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:40 p.m.

28 lessons per week: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m .– 12:40 p.m and Monday – Thursday, 1:30 p.m. – 3:10 p.m.

“

An opportunity to communicate with interesting business people, including the teacher.”

CONSTANTINE , R U SSIA

08 Converse International School of Languages

GLOB AL SUCCESS ENGLISH PROGRAM - SAN FRANCISCO Global Success courses are designed for ambitious learners, executives, and professionals who want to be successful in the global economy. These courses are taught in small groups (1:1 or 1:4 per class) to ensure that students benefit from a high level of individual attention. Every lesson has clear objectives designed to achieve results. Classes are structured to maximize the contact time between students and the instructor.

All CISL Global Success teaching staff are highly qualified native speakers with business knowledge who are committed to making sure that students achieve their goals.

The Global Success program is based on a balanced practice of integrated language skills in groups of up to 4 participants. This includes building vocabulary and spoken language skills, improving analysis of written texts, coaching in writing letters, emails, and reports, and giving presentations.

The program also includes:

• Daily mini-presentations • Group lessons to increase command of grammar structures, idioms, vocabulary, and spoken and written expression

• Group projects for real-life practice in presentations and group communications

• Gain confidence in speaking for meetings and presentations

• Improve writing skills for business reports, emails, and business letters

• Increase general and industry-specific vocabulary

• Increase comprehension and speed of reaction

• Learn effective communication in everyday situations

• Cross-cultural integration Course Options and Schedules: Global Success: Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 12:40 p.m.

Global Success PLUS + Business English in the afternoon:

Monday – Thursday 1:30 p.m. – 3:10 p.m.

+ Intensive English in the afternoon:

Monday – Thursday 1:30 p.m. – 3:10 p.m.

+ Private Lessons in the afternoon

Private Lessons: 15, 20, 25, and 30 private lessons per week available. Each lesson is 50 minutes.

“

Every class I have to talk about something. First it was difficult for me to speak English, but now I have confidence to speak English. I like everything at CISL San Francisco.”

I S H I K AWA , J A PA N

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San Diego, California Come discover why San Diego is one of the most desirable cities in the world!

With its wonderful climate, sunny skies, and beautiful beaches, islands, and peninsulas, this modern, safe, and clean city attracts people from all over the world. San Diego’s warm weather allows its residents to enjoy outdoor sports, such as golf, tennis, and sailing, year-round.

“

My English lessons at CISL were really good, challenging, and helpful. I also loved the city of San Diego, and the school’s location is right in the heart of the city! ” MICH A ELA , ITA LY

10 Converse International School of Languages

The CISL San Diego campus is conveniently located in the city center near public transportation. Just a short walk from the school is picturesque San Diego Bay. Stroll along the Embarcadero and enjoy the view of beautiful Coronado Island. Our school is only a short walk to the Horton Plaza shopping district, the historic Gaslamp Quarter, and the new baseball stadium. Balboa Park and the world famous San Diego Zoo are also nearby.

San Francisco, California Spend one day in San Francisco and you will see why it is one of the most beautiful and exciting cities in the world!

San Francisco is one of the most interesting and diverse cities in the world, full of vibrant neighborhoods and wonderful people from many different cultures and backgrounds. Its famous hills, the Golden Gate Bridge, the beautiful coast, and a mix of charming Victorian and modern architecture are only a few of San Francisco’s many attractions.

CISL San Francisco is on the two top floors plus one additional floor of an historic building downtown. On our large roof deck you can enjoy views of the city, have lunch, do your homework, or just relax. Shopping and entertainment choices are only a couple of blocks away in the Union Square area. The school is just across the street from the Montgomery public transportation station.

On the weekends students can enjoy hiking in scenic Yosemite National Park, skiing at Lake Tahoe, wine tasting in the famous Napa Valley, or driving along the spectacular coast. CISL staff are happy to help students arrange these excursions. Students can visit Golden Gate Park or a variety of museums, take a ride on a cable car, stroll along the piers, or attend one of the many musical and cultural festivals in the area.

“

I especially like the people of San Francisco. The city is exciting and very interesting. Also, it’s very easy to access many places of nature, like the sea and the mountains, to relax.”

YO U N G , KO R E A

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Activities Socializing and immersing oneself in a new culture are two important parts of the Converse International School of Languages total learning experience.

We encourage our students to make friends and practice their English while participating in activities and social excursions, which is why both of the CISL campuses have an Activities Coordinator available at school every day to answer student questions and help them plan their next adventures.

We offer many after-school and weekend activities for our students.

Interesting weekend excursion destinations include:

AC T I V I T I E S I N C L U D E :

• Afternoon activities* • Cultural activities • Sports activities • Weekend excursions • Volunteer activities

* Visit www.cisl.edu to download the monthly activity calendars.

Las Vegas Grand Canyon Hollywood Disneyland Yosemite National Park The World Famous San Diego Zoo Monterey/Carmel/Big Sur Sausalito/Muir Woods Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Lake Tahoe

12 Converse International School of Languages

“

It was always my dream to go surfing. Finally, I was able to learn. I made many friends.”

DA N I E L , V E N E Z U E L A

Accommodation We offer our students several housing options to help them find the accommodation that best suits their needs.

Students can choose to immerse themselves in daily American life by living with a host family, or they can choose to be more independent and live in a student residence club, apartment, or hotel.

American homestay • Develop a relationship with an American family

E X E C U T I V E AC C O M M O DAT I O N (San Diego Only) We offer a variety of executive type, fullyequipped studios and one or two bedroom apartments with amenities such as fitness centers, swimming pools, etc. within walking distance of the school.

• Meal options: breakfast and dinner, or breakfast only

• Private room Residence Clubs

• Live with other students • Private or shared rooms and bathrooms Hotels* • High level of comfort * Hotels are booked directly, not through CISL

“

My homestay family is lovely.

The school is centrally located. I have met a lot of new friends and the teachers are very helpful. I like San Diego very much. I am happy to be here!”

NA DIA , SW IT Z ERLA ND

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Lombard Street, San Francisco

San Diego Public Library

Additional Services STUDENT VISA

I N F O R M AT I O N

CISL is authorized by the United States Immigration Service to issue the Form I-20.

Students will need this form to apply for a student visa. Our admission advisors will be happy to answer questions regarding student visa requirements. More information is available on our website: cisl.edu

A Client Services Coordinator is available at the school to answer student questions about shopping, local activities and events, weekend travel, nightlife, local customs, medical service, etc.

AIRPORT TRANSFER CISL can arrange transfers to and from the airport. Students will be greeted by a professional driver and taken to their residence. In San Diego, if a student has reserved host family accommodation and is arriving on the weekend during specified hours, the host family will pick up the student from the airport at no additional cost.

“

“I started to understand much better than before and I feel more confident in English now. It was one of the best and practical learning in my life.”

TATIANA, RUSSIA

San Diego Trolley 14 Converse International School of Languages

For more information about how you can learn to communicate effectively and with confidence in English or to book a course, go to cisl.edu

Accredited English Language Training 15

Converse International School of Languages cisl.edu

CISL SAN DIEGO

CISL SAN FRANCISCO

636 Broadway, Suite 210 San Diego, California 92101 U.S.A.

605 Market Street, Suite 1400 San Francisco, California 94105 U.S.A.

Ph. +1 619 239 3363 Fx. +1 619 239 3778 sandiego@cisl.edu

Ph. +1 415 495 7470 Fx. +1 415 495 7467 sf@cisl.edu

The mission of Converse International School of Languages is to help our clients learn to communicate effectively and with confidence in English.

Photo credits: Art Van Beek, Monica Davey, William Dinan, Sheron Fitzgerald, Stephanie Frier, Doris Meier, Christian Telmosse and Shutterstock Brochure design: MangoMundo LLC and Claudia Reinert

Š 10/04/2015 CISL