Language Studies International (LSI): Berkeley
2015 Center Street, Berkeley, California 94704, USA
Language Studies International (LSI): Berkeley
Course Overview includes:
• 30 lessons per week
• Lesson: 50 minutes
• 1–24 week program
• Minimum age 16+
• Intermediate level and above
The TOEFL iBT test is the English examination required for admission to universities and colleges in the USA and Canada. This test is internationally recognized in the English-speaking world, highly regarded by companies and a requirement for enrollment at colleges and universities. The TOEFL iBT Test Preparation course combines 20 lessons per week of grammar and language skills and 10 lessons per week of study skills and specific exam preparation. Standardized tests require both general English abilities as well as specific test knowledge; this course offers small classes and advice on exam strategies from experienced teachers to ensure that each student will be fully prepared for his or her examination. Courses are for intermediate to advanced levels.
Course topics include: Accuracy with grammatical structures, communicative skills and ability, functional structures, vocabulary extension, active study skills, and exam skills needed to obtain a high score.
LSI Berkeley does not hold classes on the holiday dates above. The school does not compensate for these holidays, so make sure to choose your start date accordingly.
Class schedule may change depending on availability and season.
Maximum | 16 students |
Age range | 16 years old and older |
Average | 22 years old |
LSI San Francisco/Berkeley is located in the very centre of Berkeley, close to bus and underground stations and just a few blocks from the University campus in an area full of restaurants, cafes, cinemas and bookstores. Facilities include indoor and outdoor common areas, computer room with free internet access and a student resource library - everything you need to help you develop your skills as you study English in the USA. Our language school is an official TOEIC test centre, so you can take the exam in the school. We also offer TOEFL and Cambridge Examination (CAE) preparation courses, as well as more general English programmes.
The school occupies a two-story building with indoor and outdoor common areas and a large, glass-covered atrium. We are located just a short walk from the University of California, restaurants, theater, shopping, and transportation.
LSI Berkeley offers many facilities to the students. The computer lab has 9 computers with access to internet and a printer which students can use for printing homework, flight details, directions, etc. In the student lounge, students will find a relaxing area with several couches and tables, as well as a large, flat screen TV, on which students can watch their favorite TV shows or the news. Other facilities are the student kitchen, resource room, game room with ping pong table, and free Wifi throughout the school.
SI Berkeley has had students from 39 different countries in the past year. Nationalities and percentages vary depending on the time of year. In the summer months, we have many students from South American and European countries. In the winter, we have many students from Saudi Arabia and Asian countries.
How many students do you have during high and low seasons?
We have up to 175 students during the high season (summer months) and about 65-80 students during the low season (winter months).
LSI Berkeley has partnerships with the following universities and colleges in USA. You can gain full or conditional acceptance into one of these institutions.
The nationality and age mix at Language Studies International (LSI): Berkeley varies over different time periods, courses and levels. In the summer, the average age is 22.
LSI Berkeley teaches students from all over the world, including:
LSI Berkeley does not hold classes on the holiday dates below. The school does not compensate for these holidays, so make sure to choose your start date accordingly.
LSI San Francisco/Berkeley is located in the very centre of Berkeley, close to bus and underground stations and just a few blocks from the University campus in an area full of restaurants, cafes, cinemas and bookstores. Facilities include indoor and outdoor common areas, computer room with free internet access and a student resource library - everything you need to help you develop your skills as you study English in the USA. Our language school is an official TOEIC test centre, so you can take the exam in the school. We also offer TOEFL and Cambridge Examination (CAE & FCE) preparation courses, as well as more general English programmes.
I like classes and teachers! It’s so great to make friends and can learn some English slangs and phrases. But because I lived in Fremont, it was so far to go there. Furthermore, I received it the day before that the first day of class had to be rescheduled, and the first day was just an exam, which ended. I don't like this kind of operation
Show details » Read more...The location of the school is very convenient. It is easy to find even for those students who flew to Berkeley for the first time.
I really liked the organization of the training, which included grammar, reading, listening and game formats that allow you to successfully assimilate the educational material. Training is conducted by professionals who really know how to work with students from different countries.
As for my wishes, I would advise you not only to study at school, but also to involve students in joint activities, excursions.
After all, it is very important when guys from different countries can spend time and get to know each other in an informal setting. Perhaps the organization of such events is currently limited due to the pandemic.
Another wish is a personal curator who would be able to accompany the newcomer from the day of his arrival in Berkeley.
A beginner feels lonely in a foreign country and often needs advice in the domestic sphere.
I can’t say anything about accommodation, as the school did not confirm the hostel and transfer.
As for the atmosphere at the school, I was really surprised by the friendly attitude. Since I am a citizen of Russia, I expected hostility and hatred. But thank God I saw understanding and sympathy!
And I sincerely appreciate this attitude!
Great experience! I loved that the teachers are totally native, and being with a totally multicultural group accelerates the learning process, the location is very good because it can be quickly reached by subway, I highly recommend it, and I would take classes here again in the future.
Show details » Read more...Language Studies International (LSI) is located at very convenient place. Not only BART but also AC Transit buses will take students every places where they want to go after lessons. There are many restaurants near the school, so students can enjoy lunch from wide varieties of dishes , Chinese, Japanese, Turkish, Indian etc.
Another thing I should mention is nice staffs of the school. They are always friendly and kind. Though my English was not good, they tried to understand my points and did their best to help me. Their kind and soft attitude help me not to hesitate to ask them all the time.
The class operations seemed like flexible than solid to class curriculum on a web page. As far as students have questions or interests to class conversations, the teacher tried to teach English along to student's interests than curriculum. I took 4 weeks Business English course in June. The course had morning grammar classes and afternoon business English classes. The class size was seemed small than other months and i could have more chances to speak out my English. Especially afternoon class were changed to free discussion class than business English, the teacher paid attention to teach English to express student's own thought effectively. That was nice for me.
It was a really good experience for me.
First, the classes and teachers were great. I had two different teachers that always were trying to make the lesson interesting so you could learn more and they were open to answer questions and help.
Second, people from LSI are really helpful and friendly. They make after school activities everyday that helps to get to know different places, others students outside de classroom and make friends.
And finally, even thougth LSI´s facility were nothing fancy, it was ok. It was clean and it is located about a block from the metro station and not even one from YMCA.
I really appreciated my class and everything I did at school. My host family was nice even if the location was too far from the school.
Show details » Read more...Homestays are carefully selected and offer students the opportunity to learn more about the local culture in a comfortable setting while studying English in Berkeley. These homes are often between 15 - 45 minutes away from the school by public transport. Families usually offer affordable meal plans that allow you to sample the local cuisine. If you have special requests or diet restrictions (because of religion or health reasons), please let us know in advance. Your housing starts on the Sunday before your first day of class and ends on the Saturday after your last day of class, unless otherwise noted. Learn more about homestay housing
Student residences are more suitable for an independent student, who is looking for clean, basic accommodation at an economic price. All students must be 18+. Your housing starts on the Sunday before your first day of class and ends on the Saturday after your last day of class, unless otherwise noted. Student residences often do not include any meal plan. Learn more about student residence accommodation
We cannot apply for visas on behalf of students. However, the school can supply you with all the documentation you need to support your visa application.
If you are studying full time in the United States for more than 18 hours per week, you will receive an I-20 that you need to submit to the US embassy along with your F-1 student visa application. The I-20 has a SEVIS tracking number on it. Students who wish to apply for a student visa must pay the SEVIS fee online before going to the US embassy or consulate for their visa interview.
Your I-20 will be sent to your home address by regular mail at no charge to you. If you wish to receive your paperwork by express mail, you will be charged $95 when you register.
Please note that United States law states that an I-20 can only be issued to students who intend to pursue full-time English language studies. United States law does not permit students to study part-time with an F-1 Student Visa. If you are studying for less than 18 hours per week, you have to apply for a Visitor Visa (B1/B2) on your own.
Please note that we do not book flights for our students. If you are researching airfare costs, we recommend using Kayak.com, a search engine that lets you compare flight options from your home country to Berkeley based on your budget, schedule and preferences.
Study abroad worry-free with Language International's health and personal effects insurance coverage. When you book a course with us, you can opt to purchase an international insurance plan that covers not only your health care cost but also loss of your personal belongings. You must book your insurance in advance when you register.
Have questions? Get answers from Language Studies International (LSI): Berkeley staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.
Ask a questionLanguage Studies International (LSI): Berkeley