Student handbook

EF SAN DIEGO STUDENT HANDBOOK

YOUR NEW CITY

WELCOME TO EF SAN DIEGO This handbook is your guide to creating an unforgettable experience in San Diego. You are here to learn English, make friends from around the world, and explore your new home! In this handbook you will find everything you need to know about the school, as well as useful information on becoming a local in America’s Finest City! Our staff is ALWAYS here to help, and answer any questions you have. We’re so glad you’re here! The city is waiting for you!

Best Wishes, EF San Diego Staff 1

EF CONTACT INFORMATION OFFICE HOURS: Monday—Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM SCHOOL PHONE NUMBER: 858-689-9700 FAX NUMBER: 858-689-9799 EMERGENCY NUMBER: 619-321-9216 SCHOOL ADDRESS: (Use for mail sent here) Alliant Campus/EF International 10455 Pomerado Road, Building M4 San Diego, CA 92131

SAFETY & SECURITY If you have a serious emergency that involves immediate safety or health for you or another student DIAL 911!

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Meet the Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Department Information Academics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Residence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Host Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Live Like a Local San Diegan!

Neighborhood Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Restaurants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Bars and Breweries (21+) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Things to do for All Ages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Live Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Museums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Shopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Your San Diego Bucket list!!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 3

MEET THE EF SAN DIEGO STAFF CAITLIN CORCORAN – SCHOOL DIRECTOR 

Concerns about your program that have not been resolved by another staff member

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Problem or conflict with an EF staff member

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Personal problems; depression, homesickness

ELIZABETH KERR – ACADEMIC DIRECTOR 

Questions about your academic course, teacher, or schedule

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Questions about your attendance and grades

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Questions about your exams (TOEFL, TOEIC, etc.)

MATT HASLER – ACADEMIC COORDINATOR 

Questions about your academic course, teacher, or schedule

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Questions about your attendance and grades

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Questions about your exams (TOEFL, TOEIC, )

TODD GUZIK – ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR 

Activities schedules and sign-up

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Directions to attractions/events

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Information on renting or buying a car

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Trip information

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What to do in San Diego, how to get there, and how much it will cost 4

JIMMY DELUCIA – HOUSING DIRECTOR 

Accommodation information or concerns

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Problems with your roommate

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Lost keys or meal card

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If you have been visited by security personnel

AMY CLINE – HOMESTAY COORDINATOR 

Host family information

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Assistance with host family or roommate concerns

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Questions about changing your host family

NIA PRATTI – ADMIN. COORDINATOR 

Questions about how your program works (holidays, breaks, graduation, etc.)

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Immigration issues (passports, I-20s, visas, etc. )

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Course extensions, cancellations, transfers and payments

ARIANNA DELEON – ADMIN. ASSISTANT 

Airport Transfers

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Mail and packages

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Where to find a doctor

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General questions

We’re here to help you! Come talk to us in building M4 and we will be happy to answer any questions you have.

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ACADEMICS We’re here for your academic success. Come talk to us if you have questions. GO TO CLASS!

YOUR COURSE STUDY:

Your classes include reading, writing, grammar, listening, speaking and other language skills. Your General English class is divided into ten, 80-minute classes per week. Two of these classes will take place in the iPad room and one of these classes will take place in the iLab room. It is very important for your language study that you are always speaking English in and out of the classroom.

Special Interest (SPIN) Courses:

You will be assigned Special Interest classes (SPINS) according to your preference, level and availability. Intensive students will attend two SPIN courses per week, resulting in four 80 minute classes per week. General students will receive one SPIN course, resulting in two 80 minute classes per week. New SPINs may be chosen every five to six weeks.

Culture Lecture:

Guest speakers lecture & discuss various topics of interest relating to American culture.

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PLACEMENT:

The curriculum for EF’s General English course materials is divided into six stages which correspond to the Council of Europe Common European Framework (CEFR). Each of these six stages is subdivided into three levels giving 18 levels in all.

You will be placed in a level depending on the score of you placement exam. If you feel you have been placed in the wrong level speak to your instructor immediately. Your instructor will then help you determine whether or not you are in the correct level.

CERTIFICATES:

To earn a certificate you must finish your course with 80% attendance or higher along with a grade average of C or higher. If you live on campus you can get your certificate when you check out of your dorm. If you live in a host family or your own accommodation, pick up your certificate on your last day in M4.

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ACTIVITIES If you have any questions about things to do and places to see visit M4. Have fun and stay classy San Diego!

The EF Activities Program organizes and coordinates activities throughout San Diego and California. We organize weekend excursions out of town, sports, and social activities like dances and beach barbecue parties. The Activities Coordinator will help students with their own travel plans, how to buy a car, information on local events and concerts, and obtaining discounts to certain attractions. In M-4, you may pick up the EF Activity Schedule this lists all the activities planned for the month.

LOCAL TRIPS:

The Activities Department plans a monthly schedule of local trips, great for people without cars on campus.

A minimum number of 5 students is required for the trip to go. If fewer than 5 students meet the payment deadline for a trip, then the trip might be postponed to a later date. If you would like to go on these trips, please make sure you sign-up and pay before the deadline in advance with the EF Activities Office.

OFF CAMPUS:

Free trips every Tuesday! Suggestions welcome. Theme parks, sporting events, museums, hiking etc.

ON CAMPUS: At least two, free, activities per week hosted by your Resident Advisors. Meet friends in the student lounge 8

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: 

5 Person minimum: all activities require at least 5 students to sign up and pay for the activity to happen

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14 person maximum: all weekday activities have a 14 passenger maximum unless otherwise stated.

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No Refunds

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All activities are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice

RESERVATIONS: Sign up on My.EF.com or come to M4.

YOU MUST SIGN UP AND PAY 24 HOURS BEFORE THE ACTIVITY SPORTS:

We have organized sporting events and also rent out sports equipment to students (soccer balls, basketballs, volleyballs, frisbees, and American footballs). Just leave your student ID at the front desk when checking out the equipment

EXPEDITION AMERICA:

Join popular trips to Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco and more (costs around $220 per person)! Special excursions for students will also be available to unique places such as Big Bear for skiing, sea kayaking, the State parks for hiking and camping, or Lake Havesu over Spring Break.

Meet students from other San Diego schools and other EF schools by going on these trips!

SIGN UP: Come to M4 or look for Brian from Expedition America who hangs out in M4 or outside by the café!

FACEBOOK: Like “EF San Diego” and add “Todd EF” to get updates and information about the school and activities

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ADMINISTRATION I’m here to help you with any questions about immigration, insurance, transferring schools, and other general questions.

IMMIGRATION PASSPORT: Never give anyone your passport! If your passport is lost or stolen, contact your consulate immediately.

Most countries have consulates in Los Angeles.

I-94: You can find this online at: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94 F-1 STUDENT VISA: You are eligible to stay in the United States for 60-days after your course ends. If you leave the U.S. during this period you cannot re-enter. Your I-20 can be extended if you extend your course!

ESTA/ TOURIST VISA: You are eligible to study general course for up to 12 weeks.

TRAVELING TO MEXICO AND CANADA If you plan to leave the USA (even temporarily) during your program and intend to return, your I-20 must be signed by the School Director or Administrative Coordinator before your departure. Bring your passport and signed I-20 when you travel! If you are on a tourist visa you need to bring your passport and ESTA.

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TRANSFERING SCHOOLS After completing your course at EF, if you would like to become a student at another school in the USA, we will assist you. You will need to get a transfer form and acceptance letter from the school you wish to go to in order for us to transfer your I-20.

TRANSFERING TO ANOTHER EF If you are a semester or year student you can only transfer during breaks. Tell us far in advance so we can make sure there is space for you in housing and classes at the new destination

LOST AND FOUND If you lose something, please check at the Front Desk

PARKING You may park your car for free, but you must get a parking permit in M-12 (Public Safety) immediately (Hours: 8am to 2pm M-F)

PHONE CARDS We recommend that you buy these online. A good website for international calling cards is www.zaptel.com.

PRINTING AND FAXING If you need to print you may use the library. If you need something faxed or scanned ask the front desk for help!

DOCTOR Urgent Care, Sharp Hospital is located at: 10243 Genetic Center Drive, SD 92126. 8 AM—8 PM Daily

MEDICAL INSURANCE You are required to have ERIKA insurance OR private insurance from your country. Bring your insurance with you for any medical visits. If you have to pay for anything KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS and see the Administrative Coordinator to file a claim.

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RESIDENCE I am available to help you with any housing issues during school office hours when the Resident Advisors are not on duty.

ROOM ASSIGNMENTS Room assignments are made before you arrive. Roommates are assigned based on sex, nationality, age and native language..

Whenever possible, students speaking different languages are placed together. Any room changes must be requested in the Housing Office. All residence students are expected to know, understand, and follow all rules and to ask for help if they do not.

Lost Key = $50.00 Lost Meal Card = $20.00 Resident Advisors: Tanika, Samantha, Brandon, Manny, Jessica

Community Standards The Community Standards are extremely important and must be followed by all EF students no matter what type of accommodation you have. Please see Rachelle with any questions you may have about this.

For assistance in the residences, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 AM please don’t hesitate to call the RA on duty at (858) 414-8326. For maintenance issues during office hours, please call (858) 397-3049.

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HOST FAMILY Hi! To make the most out of your homestay experience spend as much time with your family as possible! Any concerns? Please see me.

HOUSING POLICIES Please note that each host family has different family rules.

Please be respectful of these rules as you would in your own home. For example most host families have a set dinnertime.

Please call to let them know if you will not be home for dinner so they know not to expect you. Also, let your host family know if you will be spending the night away from home. You may have household responsibilities such as: vacuuming, cleaning the bathroom, washing dishes or taking the trash out, these are very common American customs. Students living in a host family often improve their English skills quickly because you often have the opportunity to have conversations in English.

Remember you will be responsible to:  

Make your bed in the morning Wash your own clothes (either in the host home or in a local Laundromat  Help with some household chores

Getting to and from School: You can use Google maps to find the best bus route from your host family’s house. Talk to Ti if you need help. The EF shuttle is available for host family drop offs at 13:30, 15:30 and 22:30 (FREE) each day for $5.00.

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EXPECTATIONS What does EF expect of the students? 

To be open and share himself/herself and his/her culture with the host family and roommates 

To be a good representative of his/her country

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To be flexible, adaptable and positive

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To try his/her best at all times

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To participate in host family, community and school activities

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To accept and show respect for a new culture

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To talk with the Housing Director at EF about any problems that cannot be solved directly with the host family/roommates What does EF expect from the host families? 

To be flexible, allowing the student to adjust to their new home

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To treat the student as an adult member of the household as much as possible and not a guest or renter 

To support the student’s learning and development throughout their stay 

To set reasonable household rules and chores for the student

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To let the student(s) know when they are happy and unhappy

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To talk with the Housing Director at EF when there are problems that cannot be directly worked out with the student 

You will have to pay for: Personal telephone calls (it would be a good idea to make only collect calls; otherwise you have to use a pre-paid calling card)

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Repairing or replacing articles damaged or lost during your stay

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All local transportation (including to/ from the EF School)

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Medical costs

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Your snacks are not provided by your host, so be prepared to purchase any snacks yourself

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Expectations continued…

Be polite and respectful: 

Tell your host if you will be away for meals or if you will not be coming home that night

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Please note that you can not be on campus after 10PM

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Discuss weekend or vacation plans in advance

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Ask before you invite friends or other EF students to your host’s home

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Upon departure, take all of your belongings and leave your room clean and tidy

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Always lock the house when you go out, if this is the norm

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Do not lose your key to the house or loan it to anyone

NO ACCOMMODATION 

Please see the housing director or homestay coordinator for assistance finding your own accommodation

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YOU MUST PROVIDE US WITH YOUR ADDRESS for emergency and immigration purposes. All students must notify the school of any address change within 7 days.

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LIVE LIKE A LOCAL Discover San Diego beyond the tourist destinations and treat the city like your home. Here are some suggestions and staff favorites...

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NEIGHBORHOODS Check out the diverse scenes of San Diego by visiting these areas:

PACIFIC BEACH (PB) San Diego’s favorite neighborhood among college students, PB is known for its night clubs, dive bars, and three mile beach boardwalk great for riding bikes.

(Location: Garnet Ave. and Mission Blvd.)

NORTH PARK An urban, artistic, neighborhood where you can find craft beer, unique restaurants, and live music. This is a popular place to go out at night.

(Location: 30th St. and University Ave.)

GASLAMP/ DOWNTOWN The heart of San Diego and the district for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Here you will find many night clubs, restaurants, and Petco Park! (Location: 5th Street and Broadway)

HILLCREST A colorful neighborhood with quaint restaurants, used book stores, thrift stores, and boutiques. Hillcrest is the center of San Diego’s LGBT Community (Location: 5th St. and University Ave.)

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LITTLE ITALY Home to San Diego’s best Italian food, this neighborhood has many trendy bars, restaurants, and small art stores and galleries.

(Location: India St. and W. Cedar St.)

OCEAN BEACH (OB) A friendly, laid back, beach community with funky shops, cafes, bungalows and surf shops. (Location: Newport Ave. and Sunset Cliffs Blvd.)

LA JOLLA An upscale beach neighborhood known for it’s beautiful views. The La Jolla coves are popular for kayaking and snorkeling. (Location: Prospect St.)

OLD TOWN The first European settlement on the West Coast, visit Old Town to see San Diego’s historical sights, buy souvenirs, and eat great Mexican food! (Location: 4002 Wallace St.)

CORONADO ISLAND Drive across the bridge or take the ferry to the upscale community of Coronado.

This island is known for great views of San Diego and the historical Hotel Del! 19

RESOURCES Here are some helpful resources that local San Diegans use to travel, find events, meet friends, and read reviews.

TRANSPORTATION 

Maps.google.com (maps and directions)

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Amtrak.com (train schedules and tickets)

TRIPS AND TRAVEL 

Kayak.com (best prices on flights and hotels)

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Hotel Tonight (smart phone app for hotel deals)

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Airbnb.com (rent a room or full house in any city)

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Couchsurfing.org (stay with locals in other cities. Free!)

Social and Events 

Meetup.com (meet people with similar interests)

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Groupon.com (deals on a many activities)

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Casbahmusic.com (schedules for live music and shows)

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Hey Lets (smartphone app with local recommendations)

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Vavi.com (join sports leagues)

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Stubhub.com (tickets for concerts, sports, theater)

Other Resources 

Craigslist.org (resource for everything– find a place to live, buy a bike, join groups etc.)

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Yelp.com (reviews on restaurants and businesses)

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TRANSPORTATION Here are some ways to get around San Diego:

1. TAKE THE EF SHUTTLE The shuttle runs every day in the afternoon to San Diego’s hot spots and costs $10 for a roundtrip ticket. Pick up a schedule in M4.

2. RENT A CAR The best way to get around San Diego is by car! Call these rental companies to get a quote. They will pick you up!

Dirt Cheap Car Rental

Sun Diego Car Rental

(619) 234-9300 3860 Rosecrans Street San Diego, CA 92110

(866) 704-8267 6904 Miramar Road #108 San Diego, CA 92121

3. TAKE A TAXI

Yellow Cab San Diego: 858-444-4444

4. USE A RIDESHARE APP - CHEAPER THAN A TAXI Download Uber or Lyft on your smartphone. These apps allow you to request a driver within minutes and the ride is charged to your credit card.

5. USE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION 

Rapid Transit : rapidmts.com

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Google Maps: find bus routes: maps.google.com

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RESTAURANTS

Great places to eat and drink according to your EF Staff!

OSCAR’S MEXICAN SEAFOOD 746 Emerald Street San Diego, CA 92109

WOODSTOCK PIZZA 1010 Turquoise Street, Suite 205 San Diego, CA 92109 (Pacific Beach)

COMMON THEORY

WATERFRONT BAR & GRILL

4805 Convoy Street San Diego, CA 92111

2044 Kettner Blvd.

(Kearny Mesa)

San Diego, CA 92101 (Little Italy)

SUSHI DELI

THE FISH SHOP

135 Broadway

1775 Garnet Ave

San Diego, CA 92101

San Diego, CA 92109

(Three Locations)

(Pacific Beach)

LA TORTA

HODAD’S

8356 Allison Ave.

5010 Newport Ave San Diego, CA 92107 (Three Locations)

La Mesa, CA 91942

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BARS/BREWERIES MUST BE 21+ (Bring your passport as proof of age to enter bars/clubs)

BALLAST POINT: Walking distance from campus!

10051 Old Grove Road, San Diego, CA 92131 (Scripps Ranch)

TYPHOON SALOON: Student pick for Taco Tuesday!

1165 Garnet Ave. San Diego, CA 92109 (Pacific Beach)

LAHAINA BEACH HOUSE: Outdoor deck on the sand 710 Oliver Ave, San Diego, CA 92109 (Pacific Beach)

MONKEY PAW: Pub/ dive bar in East Village 905 16th St. San Diego, CA 92101 (Downtown)

BARREL REPUBLIC: Beer Freedom! Sample everything 710 Oliver Ave, San Diego, CA 92109 (Pacific Beach)

SEVEN GRAND: Whiskey and cocktails 3054 University Ave. San Diego, CA 92104 (North Park)

FLUXX: Club/Dancing 500 4th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (Downtown)

MODERN TIMES: Brewery/ craft beers 3725 Greenwood St, San Diego, CA 92110 (Point Loma)

THE STATION TAVERN: Outdoor bar with burgers 2204 Fern St. San Diego 92104 (South Park) 23

THINGS TO DO...

There is ALWAYS something to do. You are in control of your experience!

BEACH BONFIRES Grab your friends and firewood and head to the beach! 

Ocean Beach (Newport and Abbot St. San Diego, 92107)

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Moonlight Beach (400 Moonlight Ln. San Diego, 92024)

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La Jolla Shores (8200 Camino Del Oro, La Jolla, 92037)

FARMERS MARKETS Outdoor markets with live music, food trucks and handmade goods. 

Little Italy: Saturdays 8 AM - 2 PM (660 W. Cedar St. SD, 92101)

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Ocean Beach: Wednesdays 4 - 8 PM (Newport Ave, SD 92107)

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Hillcrest: Sundays 9 AM - 2 PM (Lincoln St. and Normal Ave. SD 92103)

COFFEE SHOPS Check their websites for events like live music, poetry and comedy. 

Claire De Lune Coffee Lounge: clairedelune.com (North Park)

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Lestat’s Coffee House: lestats.com (Normal Heights)

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Rebecca’s Coffee: rebeccascoffeehouse.com (South Park)

AMUSEMENT PARKS 

Seaworld, San Diego Zoo, Belmont Park, Seaport Village 24

FOR ALL AGES

Under 21...can still have fun!

COMEDY CLUBS 

Mad House Comedy: 502 Horton Plaza, SD, 92101

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National Comedy Theatre: 3717 India St. SD, 92103

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Comedy Heights: comedyheights.com (Schedule of events in SD)

GREAT HIKES 

Potato Chip Rock: 14644 Lake Poway Rd. Poway, CA 92074

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Torrey Pines: 12600 N. Torrey Pines Rd. La Jolla, CA 92037

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Mount Soledad

PARKS– HAVE A PICNIC 

Balboa Park: 1549 El Prado, San Diego, 92101

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Kate Sessions Park: 5115 Soledad Rd, San Diego, 92109

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Sunset Cliffs: 1253 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego 92107

MOVIE THEATERS 

Edwards Mira Mesa: 8230 Mira Mesa Blvd. San Diego, 92126

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AMC Fashion Valley: 7037 Friars Road. San Diego, 92108

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UA Horton Plaza: 475 Horton Plz, San Diego, 92101

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Gaslamp Stadium: 701 5th Avenue, San Diego, 92101

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LIVE MUSIC

Many Shows are 21+ Check before you go!

Check out these venues for concerts and local bands:

BELLY UP TAVERN

HOUSE OF BLUES

(Solana Beach) 143 Cedros Ave Solana Beach, CA 92075 www.thebellyup.com

(Downtown/Gaslamp) 1055 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 HouseofBlues.com/SanDiego

THE CASBAH (Little Italy) 2501 Kettner Blvd San Diego, CA 92101 www.casbahmusic.com

SODA BAR

SOMA (Point Loma) 3340 Sports Arena Blvd, San Diego, CA 9211 www.somasandiego.com

NORTH PARK THEATER

(Normal Heights) 3615 El Cajon San Diego, CA 92104 www.sodabarmusic.com

(North Park) 2891 University Ave. San Diego, CA 92104 www.thenorthparktheater.com

BAR PINK

HUMPHREY’S BY THE BAY

(North Park) 3829 30th Street, San Diego, CA 92104 www.barpink.com/schedule

April— October only 2303 Shelter Island Drive San Diego, CA 92106 Www.humphreysconcerts.com 26

MUSEUMS BALBOA PARK MUSEUMS Every Tuesday visit some of the museums for free! 

San Diego Air & Space Museum (Space & aviation history)

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Museum of Photographic Arts (Photography, film & video)

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Reuben H Fleet Science Center (Interactive exhibits and IMAX)

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San Diego Museum of Man (Anthropological exhibits)

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San Diego Natural History Museum (Natural world)

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The San Diego Museum of Art (Exhibits from around the world)

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Mingei International Museum (Craft & design from all cultures)

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San Diego Model Railroad Museum (Largest model railroad)

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San Diego Automotive Museum (Features historic autos)

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San Diego History Center (SD past, present, and future)

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WorldBeat Center (Preserving indigenous cultures of the world)

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San Diego Hall of Champions (San Diego’s sporting legacy)

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Martson House (1905 Arts & Crafts style museum home)

OTHER MUSEUMS 

USS Midway Museum (Aircraft Carrier and restored aircraft)

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Maritime Museum of San Diego (Museum ships/ Star of India)

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California Surf Museum (Located on Pier way in Oceanside)

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Museum of Music Making (History of American music industry) 27

SHOPPING NEARBY SHOPPING CENTERS 

Scripps Ranch Village Shopping Center (1.5 miles- 10016 Scripps Ranch Blvd, San Diego, 92131)Vons Supermarket, Starbucks Coffee, Post Office, small restaurants, hairdresser, barber, etc.

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Mira Mesa Shopping Center (3 miles- 10606 Camino Ruiz, San Diego, CA 92126) Movie Theater, Bookstore, restaurants, clothing stores etc.

MALLS 

Fashion Valley– 7007 Friars Road, San Diego, CA 92108 (Shuttle)

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Horton Plaza– 324 Horton Plz, San Diego, CA 92101 (Shuttle)

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Westfield UTC– 4545 La Jolla Village Dr. San Diego, 92122

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Westfield North County– 272 East Via Rancho Pkwy, SD 92025

OUTLET MALLS (Discounts on name brands) 

Las Americas– 4125 Camino De La Plz, San Diego, CA 92173

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Carlsbad Premium Outlet –5620 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, 92008

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SD BUCKET LIST Your list of must-do things before you leave. READY, SET, GO! Visit the Balboa Park museums (Free Tuesdays!)

Go surfing!

Visit the World Famous San Diego Zoo Have a beach bonfire Watch a live sporting event Go to a concert Eat a California Burrito Watch the sunset at Sunset Cliffs See San Diego at night from Mount Soledad Go to an outdoor farmer’s market Hike Torrey Pines Have a picnic in a park Make an American friend Ride the rollercoaster at Belmont Park Visit the diverse neighborhoods of San Diego Go biking on the PB/Mission Beach boardwalk Eat Mexican food in Old Town Study and use English everywhere you go!

#SDbucketlist to share your experiences with your EF family!

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