CEL College of English Language Junior Centre San Diego, USA
What we like about the school
- The popular Horton Plaza shopping mall is within a few-minute walk from the school.
- Orientation and city tour for new students.
What we dislike about the school
- Lessons are 45 minutes long, which is shorter than in other schools.
- Lessons are 45 minutes long, which is shorter than in other schools.
Location: CEL College of English Language Downtown San Diego is located in the vibrant coastal city of San Diego, California, USA. Housed in the heart of Downtown San Diego and close to Broadway, the school is in a unique location for any student wishing to study in the centre of the bustling and popular American city. There are many amenities, links to public transport and attractions nearby. Such attractions within walking distance of the school include the Balboa Theatre, the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy, the Maritime Museum of San Diego, the San Diego Air & Space Museum, Balboa Park and much more.
Course selection: The Teen programmes provide young learners with a fun and engaging way to learn English. Students will have classes in the mornings, followed by exciting afternoon activities such as paddleboarding, baseball, trips to Disney World, and more! Those interested in surfing can also join the English & Surfing programmes. Additionally, the Global Leaders course offers students the chance to participate in project-based learning, helping them build valuable presentation and debating skills.
Accommodation: CEL Downtown San Diego offers accommodations with host families, providing students with the opportunity to practice English outside of the classroom and form meaningful connections with their hosts. Students will enjoy breakfast and dinner daily, as well as packed lunches on Sundays. The homes come with Wi-Fi, and rooms are provided with towels and linens. While shared rooms are the standard for CEL homestays, students also have the option to request single room accommodations.
English Courses
General Language
Summer Camp Teen Program - Full Package (14 to 18 years old)
20 lessons per week | 15 students (max)from$1,455 / week Includes accommodationMore
Summer Camp Teen Program - Full Package (14 to 18 years old)
20 lessons per week | 15 students (max)
from
$1,455 / week
Includes accommodation
More
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our price ($) | 0 | 3,120 | 4,470 | 5,820 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
See Availability
- Starting dates
- 2026: 04 Jul 2026, 11 Jul 2026
- UM Service: San Diego Airport (SAN) USD 100/way, Los Angeles Airport (LAX) USD 200/way,
- Surcharge host family single room: USD 100/week,
- Surcharge for all homestay types per person: USD 50/week for lactose free and vegan diet, USD 75/week for halal diet,
- Surcharge surf lessons: USD 100/week,
- Surcharge surf package: USD 225/week.
Prices
- Course price includes accommodation
- Homestay, Double room, Full board on weekdays, half board on weekendsInterested in this course without accommodation? Please contact us.
Course specific data
- General course schedule
- 4 daily lessons of 45 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:45 - 12:00 - Possible course durations
- 2, 3, 4 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 14 years
- Age range:
- 14 - 18 years
Students per class- Maximum: 15 / Average: 12
Lesson duration- 45 min
Special note for 2027 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2027 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2026 many schools were fully booked during the holidays and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2027 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
Junior
Future Global Leaders - Full Day (14 to 18 years old)For the summer, only limited places left!20 lessons per week | 15 students (max)from$895 / week More
Future Global Leaders - Full Day (14 to 18 years old)
For the summer, only limited places left!
20 lessons per week | 15 students (max)
from
$895 / week
More
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our price ($) | 0 | 1,840 | 2,710 | 3,580 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
See Availability
- Starting dates
- 2026: 06 Jul 2026, 13 Jul 2026
Course specific data
- General course schedule
- 4 daily lessons of 45 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:45 - 12:00 - Possible course durations
- 2, 3, 4 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 14 years
- Age range:
- 14 - 18 years
Students per class- Maximum: 15 / Average: 12
Lesson duration- 45 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
Future Global Leaders - Full Package (14 to 18 years old)For the summer, only limited places left!20 lessons per week | 15 students (max)from$1,455 / week Includes accommodationMore
Future Global Leaders - Full Package (14 to 18 years old)
For the summer, only limited places left!
20 lessons per week | 15 students (max)
from
$1,455 / week
Includes accommodation
More
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our price ($) | 0 | 3,120 | 4,470 | 5,820 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
See Availability
- Starting dates
- 2026: 06 Jul 2026, 13 Jul 2026
Prices
- Course price includes accommodation
- Homestay, Double room, Breakfast, lunch & dinnerInterested in this course without accommodation? Please contact us.
Course specific data
- General course schedule
- 4 daily lessons of 45 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:45 - 12:00 - Possible course durations
- 2, 3, 4 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 14 years
- Age range:
- 14 - 18 years
Students per class- Maximum: 15 / Average: 12
Lesson duration- 45 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
Future Global Leaders - Half Day / Course Only (14 to 18 years old)For the summer, only limited places left!20 lessons per week | 15 students (max)from$398 / week More
Future Global Leaders - Half Day / Course Only (14 to 18 years old)
For the summer, only limited places left!
20 lessons per week | 15 students (max)
from
$398 / week
More
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our price ($) | 0 | 870 | 1,230 | 1,590 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
See Availability
- Starting dates
- 2026: 06 Jul 2026, 13 Jul 2026
Course specific data
- General course schedule
- 4 daily lessons of 45 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:45 - 12:00 - Possible course durations
- 2, 3, 4 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 14 years
- Age range:
- 14 - 18 years
Students per class- Maximum: 15 / Average: 12
Lesson duration- 45 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
Summer Camp Teen Program - Full Day (14 to 18 years old)For the summer, only limited places left!20 lessons per week | 15 students (max)from$895 / week More
Summer Camp Teen Program - Full Day (14 to 18 years old)
For the summer, only limited places left!
20 lessons per week | 15 students (max)
from
$895 / week
More
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our price ($) | 0 | 1,840 | 2,710 | 3,580 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
See Availability
- Starting dates
- 2026: 04 Jul 2026, 11 Jul 2026, 18 Jul 2026, 25 Jul 2026
Course specific data
- General course schedule
- 4 daily lessons of 45 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:45 - 12:00 - Possible course durations
- 2, 3, 4 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 14 years
- Age range:
- 14 - 18 years
Students per class- Maximum: 15 / Average: 12
Lesson duration- 45 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
Summer Camp Teen Program - Full Package + Surf lesson (14 to 18 years old)20 lessons per week | 15 students (max)from$1,680 / week Includes accommodationMore
Summer Camp Teen Program - Full Package + Surf lesson (14 to 18 years old)
20 lessons per week | 15 students (max)
from
$1,680 / week
Includes accommodation
More
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our price ($) | 0 | 3,570 | 5,145 | 6,720 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
See Availability
- Starting dates
- 2026: 04 Jul 2026, 11 Jul 2026, 18 Jul 2026, 25 Jul 2026
This option includes 1 surf lesson per week, every Wednesday. Surf lessons are 1.5 hours long.
Prices
- Course price includes accommodation
- Homestay, Double room, Breakfast, lunch & dinnerInterested in this course without accommodation? Please contact us.
Course specific data
- General course schedule
- 4 daily lessons of 45 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:45 - 12:00 - Possible course durations
- 2, 3, 4 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 14 years
- Age range:
- 14 - 18 years
Students per class- Maximum: 15 / Average: 12
Lesson duration- 45 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
Summer Camp Teen Program - Half day / Course Only (14 to 18 years old)For the summer, only limited places left!20 lessons per week | 15 students (max)from$398 / week More
Summer Camp Teen Program - Half day / Course Only (14 to 18 years old)
For the summer, only limited places left!
20 lessons per week | 15 students (max)
from
$398 / week
More
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our price ($) | 0 | 870 | 1,230 | 1,590 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
See Availability
- Starting dates
- 2026: 04 Jul 2026, 11 Jul 2026, 18 Jul 2026, 25 Jul 2026
Course specific data
- General course schedule
- 4 daily lessons of 45 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:45 - 12:00 - Possible course durations
- 2, 3, 4 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 14 years
- Age range:
- 14 - 18 years
Students per class- Maximum: 15 / Average: 12
Lesson duration- 45 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
Our prices for CEL College of English Language Junior Centre include
- INCLUDED Organized activities
- INCLUDED Wireless LAN zone at school
- INCLUDED Free certificate of course attendance
- INCLUDED Language level placement test before arrival
CEL College of English Language Junior Centre (CEL)
- English teacher qualifications
- 100% hold a university degree100% hold a recognised language teaching qualification
- Languages spoken by school staff (cannot be guaranteed by school)
- Student gender mix
- 50% male / 50% female
- Offer for returning students
- You will be refunded/waived the school's administration fee if you already attended previously a course at CEL College of English Language Junior Centre and you book here.
- Year of school foundation
- 1981
General school facilities
Microwave for student use
Drink vending machine
Lounge
Student support desk
Copy machine
Free WIFI
Non-smoking (all indoor and all outdoor areas of school)
Paid parking (<500m)
Facilities for islamic students
Homestay option that can prepare halal food
Homestay option for female islamic students where no men are living in household and that prepare halal food
Classroom equipment
TV in all classrooms
Air conditioning in all classrooms
Heating in all classrooms
Ample natural light in all classrooms
- Number of classrooms: 12
Facilities for disabled students
Wheelchair access to classroom
Accessible Toilet
Wheelchair access to reception
Student Age / Nationality
Top student nationalities
| Student Nationality | Percentage of students |
|---|---|
| Japan | 21% |
| Brazil | 12% |
| Switzerland | 12% |
| Korea | 12% |
| Saudi Arabia | 6% |
| Germany | 6% |
| Italy | 5% |
| Other nationalities | 26% |
Age of students
| Percentage of students | |
|---|---|
| 1-18 years | 20% |
| 18-24 years | 45% |
| 25-34 years | 20% |
| 35-50 years | 11% |
| >50 years | 4% |
- Average number of students
- In summer: 100Throughout the year: 80Junior courses - In summer: 100
- Minimum age of students
- 14 years for specific Junior courses
- Average number of levels
- Adult courses In summer: 6Adult courses Throughout the year: 6Junior courses In summer: 4Junior courses Throughout the year: 4
- Average age of students
- In summer: 25 yearsThroughout the year: 25 years
Information for all courses offered by CEL College of English Language Junior Centre
- Lesson duration
- 45 minutes
- Course material
- Generally course material is distributed free to students and will stay in student property.
- Comments about courses
Extra fees:
- UM Service: San Diego Airport (SAN) USD 100/way, Los Angeles Airport (LAX) USD 200/way,
- Surcharge host family single room: USD 100/week,
- Surcharge for all homestay types per person: USD 50/week for lactose free and vegan diet, USD 75/week for halal diet,
- Surcharge surf lessons: USD 100/week,
- Surcharge surf package: USD 225/week (3 times per week),
- Health insurance: USD 4 per day.
During the summer period, students aged 16, 17 and 18 years old can choose to study a junior programme or take the adults course at the Pacific Beach location.
- UM Service: San Diego Airport (SAN) USD 100/way, Los Angeles Airport (LAX) USD 200/way,
- Individual classes
- Single individual lessons of tuition can be reserved at 85 US$. The combination of group and individual lessons is highly recommended. Individual lessons will encourage you to actively speak the foreign language and will offer you the opportunity to discuss individual problems and weaknesses.
- Days without class
- In 2026 (including national and regional bank holidays):
04 Jul 2026, 02 Aug 2026 - 31 Dec 2026, 01 Jan 2026, 03 Jul 2026.School policy regarding bank holidays:Private classes are recuperated or refunded. Same as for nearly all language schools, group classes falling on bank holiday are not refunded and not recuperated. - Level test
- A test to assess your exact language level takes place before the start of the course via an online form.
Lessons needed per English language level
Data above gives some guidance. For more details consult our page How long does it take to learn a language or reach a specific level.
Airport transfer
- Los Angeles International Airport:
- $500 one way
$1,000 return (both ways) - San Diego International Airport:
- $150 one way
$300 return (both ways)
Leisure activities
Examples of leisure activities organized by the school
Junior - Free activities
- As part of teen program: Paddleboarding, SeaWorld, Disneyland, Belmont Park, Escape Room, Fashion Valley, Baseball game, and more.
Junior - Paid activities
- Surf lessons, additional Sunday excursions
FAQ about CEL College of English Language Junior Centre, San Diego
Is it possible to book tuition and activities without accommodation?
“Yes, we have the following courses:
Half day: English lessons only.
Full day: English lessons + lunch + activities(in the afternoon).
Full package: English lessons + lunch + activities(in the afternoon) + Homestay(Twin/HB). ”
Half day: English lessons only.
Full day: English lessons + lunch + activities(in the afternoon).
Full package: English lessons + lunch + activities(in the afternoon) + Homestay(Twin/HB). ”
Ellie Satto, Admissions & Housing Coordinator from CEL College of English Language Downtown - Feb 11, 2020
Is airport pickup offered by CEL College of English Language Junior Centre?
“Yes. The school offers pickup from Los Angeles International Airport (500 US$), San Diego International Airport (150 US$)”
Which countries are students of CEL College of English Language Junior Centre from?
“The highest Nationality percentage at CEL College of English Language Junior Centre comes from Japan with a 21% representation, followed by students from Brazil (12%) and Korea (12%).”
CEL College of English Language Junior Centre offers courses for which ages?
“CEL College of English Language Junior Centre offers courses from 14 years to 18. Average age is 25 during the summer and 25 for the rest of the year.”
Terms of CEL College of English Language Junior Centre
- First day of course
- Students should arrive at 8:45
- Payment methods accepted for payments made directly to the school



- Legal name/parent company
- College of English Language Inc. | Tax registration ID: 33-0169378
Visa Documents
Nationals from Germany can travel and study a language course up to 18 hours a week and for a maximum of 90 days without a full visa. It is just necessary to apply online for an ESTA card (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).
Check visa requirements for nationals from other countries.
Nationals from countries that require a visa will receive documents from the school, related to booking confirmation, which is required for the visa application.
- Full payment of all fees required before school dispatches documents required for visa application
- No
- Express shipment fee (via courier)
- 75 US$
- Free shipment via regular mail
- Yes
- Preferential cancellation terms in case of visa refusal
- School agreed that students booking online on this site will benefit from preferential cancellation fees in case of visa refusal, and in this case will never exceed EUR 180.
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4.7
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This course consists of 20 lessons per week as well as accommodation in a twin room at a homestay, bus pass, activity programme, certificate and access to the CEL student app.