Study English in
San Francisco/Berkeley

Study English in Berkeley, a world-renowned university city in the San Francisco Bay Area, offering the perfect blend of academic excellence, cultural diversity and authentic American English immersion.

LSI Stat

Ideal East Bay Study Environment 

A vibrant and welcoming location with everything students need to develop their English skills while experiencing life in California.
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Central Berkeley location

Located in the heart of Berkeley, just a few blocks from the University campus and surrounded by restaurants, cafes, cinemas and bookstores.
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Great student facilities

Including indoor and outdoor common areas, free internet access, a computer room and a student resource library.
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Official Test Centre

Official TOEIC test centre on campus, allowing students to take the exam directly at the school.
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Excellent transport links

Easy access via BART subway to downtown San Francisco, Oakland, Richmond and the wider East Bay area.

LSI San Francisco/Berkeley,2015 Center StreetBerkeley CA 94704 Tel. +1 510 841 4695 Email: info-ber@lsi.edu

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Why LSI San Francisco/Berkeley

  • Excellent location: LSI San Francisco is situated in Downtown Berkeley amidst bustling streets, major restaurants, shops, and public transportation. Only 2 blocks away from the University of California campus and the BART (subway) station.
  • Exciting weekly social program during high season is designed to introduce you to the city, make new friends, and complement your English language lessons.
  • Teachers are carefully selected to ensure you have a fully qualified, experienced, friendly, and helpful hand to guide you through your studies.
  • LSI manages its own pool of homestays, ensuring the quality of accommodation.
  • Best value language school. LSI is well known for providing an excellent academic and social program at fair prices.
  • Excellent student care. Upon request, weekly meetings with the School Director to provide every student with the opportunity for academic and personal support outside of the classroom.

Language Courses

LSI Language Levels
Beginners
Elementary
Lower Intermediate
Intermediate
Upper Intermediate
Advanced

General 20

  • 20 Lessons per week (4 lessons per day)
  • 1 lesson: 50 minutes
  • Hours per week: 16 hours 40 minutes (20 clock hrs/wk in the USA)
  • Course length: 1-50 weeks (Minimum of 8 weeks for beginner level only)
  • Age 16+

During the lessons you rapidly improve your communication skills in a variety of everyday situations. In 2 lessons each day you will cover the following areas: grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation. In a further 2 lessons you concentrate on: speaking, listening, reading, writing. You use a text book in conjunction with a wide variety of materials and exercises including roleplays, authentic materials, newspapers and magazines.

Intensive 30

  • 30 Lessons per week
  • Course length: 1-50 weeks (Minimum of 8 weeks for beginner level only)
  • 1 lesson: 50 minutes
  • Hours per week: 25 hours
  • Age 16+

The LSI Intensive 30 course concentrates on all the areas that you need to achieve a much greater fluency in a short period of time. This course is suitable for students who wish to study intensively and get a well rounded insight into the language and country. Students on the LSI Intensive 30 course study the same lessons as described for General 20 (lessons 1-4). In addition during lessons 5–6, there are a range of electives to suit all levels, needs and interests.

Intensive 25

  • 25 Lessons per week
  • Beginner to Advanced levels
  • Course length: 1-50 weeks (Minimum of 8 weeks for beginner level only)
  • 1 lesson: 50 minutes
  • 2 days (6.5 lessons), 3 days (4 lessons) per week

Afternoon 10

  • 10 lessons per week
  • 1 lesson: 50 minutes
  • Course length: 1-11 weeks (Minimum of 8 weeks for beginner level only)
  • Hours per week: 8 hours 20 minutes
  • Ages 16+

This course is suitable for students who wish to improve their fluency, vocabulary and pronunciation in a language. There is an emphasis on language for everyday situations and classes may involve discussing topics such as film and theatre, current events, politics, local culture and the internet.

Academic Term Abroad (20 lessons p/wk)

  • 20 lessons per week
  • 1 lesson: 50 minutes
  • Course duration: 12-23 weeks
  • Age 16+
  • Course options: General English Courses, Exam courses, Academic English, Pathways, Business English

Spend up to a year abroad, achieve a high level of fluency in your chosen language and make new friends from all over the world. ATA programmes differ from shorter courses at LSI because students receive a greater level of academic support and management, including two additional weekly sessions with a teacher. An individual study plan is designed for you to suit your level, individual aims and the duration of your course. We continue to check your progress with regular meetings to make sure you achieve your aims.

Academic Term Abroad (25 lessons p/wk)

  • 25 lessons per week
  • 1 lesson: 50 minutes
  • Course duration: 12-23 weeks
  • Age 16+
  • Course options: General English Courses, Exam courses, Academic English, Pathways, Business English

Spend up to a year abroad, achieve a high level of fluency in your chosen language and make new friends from all over the world. ATA programmes differ from shorter courses at LSI because students receive a greater level of academic support and management, including two additional weekly sessions with a teacher. An individual study plan is designed for you to suit your level, individual aims and the duration of your course. We continue to check your progress with regular meetings to make sure you achieve your aims.

Academic Term Abroad (30 lessons p/wk)

  • 30 lessons per week
  • 1 lesson: 50 minutes
  • Course duration: 12-23 weeks
  • Age 16+
  • Course options: General English Courses, Exam courses, Academic English, Pathways, Business English

Spend up to a year abroad, achieve a high level of fluency in your chosen language and make new friends from all over the world. ATA programmes differ from shorter courses at LSI because students receive a greater level of academic support and management, including two additional weekly sessions with a teacher. An individual study plan is designed for you to suit your level, individual aims and the duration of your course. We continue to check your progress with regular meetings to make sure you achieve your aims.

Academic Year Abroad (20 lessons p/wk)

  • 20 lessons per week
  • 1 lesson: 50 minutes
  • Course duration: 24-48 weeks
  • Age 16+
  • Course options: General English Courses, Exam courses, Academic English, Pathways, Business English

Spend up to a year abroad, achieve a high level of fluency in your chosen language and make new friends from all over the world. AYA programmes differ from shorter courses at LSI because students receive a greater level of academic support and management, including two additional weekly sessions with a teacher. An individual study plan is designed for you to suit your level, individual aims and the duration of your course. We continue to check your progress with regular meetings to make sure you achieve your aims.

Academic Year Abroad (25 lessons p/wk)

  • 25 lessons per week
  • 1 lesson: 50 minutes
  • Course duration: 24-48 weeks
  • Age 16+
  • Course options: General English Courses, Exam courses, Academic English, Pathways, Business English

Spend up to a year abroad, achieve a high level of fluency in your chosen language and make new friends from all over the world. AYA programmes differ from shorter courses at LSI because students receive a greater level of academic support and management, including two additional weekly sessions with a teacher. An individual study plan is designed for you to suit your level, individual aims and the duration of your course. We continue to check your progress with regular meetings to make sure you achieve your aims.

Academic Year Abroad (30 lessons p/wk)

  • 30 lessons per week
  • 1 lesson: 50 minutes
  • Course duration: 24-48 weeks
  • Age 16+
  • Course options: General English Courses, Exam courses, Academic English, Pathways, Business English

Spend up to a year abroad, achieve a high level of fluency in your chosen language and make new friends from all over the world. AYA programmes differ from shorter courses at LSI because students receive a greater level of academic support and management, including two additional weekly sessions with a teacher. An individual study plan is designed for you to suit your level, individual aims and the duration of your course. We continue to check your progress with regular meetings to make sure you achieve your aims.

IELTS

The IELTS test is internationally recognised in the English speaking world, highly regarded by companies and a requirement for enrolment at colleges and universities in many English speaking countries except in Canada and the USA. We offer preparation courses for this examination as part of an LSI Intensive 30 course.

  • 20 lessons per week on grammar and language skills
  • 10 lessons per week focus on study skills and exam practice

TOEFL

The TOEFL test is internationally recognised in the English speaking world, highly regarded by companies and a requirement for enrolment at colleges and universities in the USA and Canada. We offer preparation courses for these examinations as part of an LSI Intensive 30 course.

  • 20 lessons per week on grammar and language skills
  • 10 lessons per week focus on study skills and exam practice

Academic English 30

  •  Duration: 30* x 50 minutes
  • Intermediate to Advanced levels
  • Course length: 12-48 weeks 
  • Age 16+
  • Hours per week: 25 hours

Academic English combines general English with a focus on key academic skills and exam English. The programme includes regular, focussed grammar and vocabulary reviews, which allows students to target their individual language needs while developing their academic reading and writing skills. This is all supported by specialised, targeted, online resources through our online learning system, E-LSI.

Academic Term Abroad (20 lessons p/wk)

  • 20 lessons per week
  • 1 lesson: 50 minutes
  • Course duration: 12-23 weeks
  • Age 16+
  • Course options: General English Courses, Exam courses, Academic English, Pathways, Business English

Spend up to a year abroad, achieve a high level of fluency in your chosen language and make new friends from all over the world. ATA programmes differ from shorter courses at LSI because students receive a greater level of academic support and management, including two additional weekly sessions with a teacher. An individual study plan is designed for you to suit your level, individual aims and the duration of your course. We continue to check your progress with regular meetings to make sure you achieve your aims.

Academic Term Abroad (25 lessons p/wk)

  • 25 lessons per week
  • 1 lesson: 50 minutes
  • Course duration: 12-23 weeks
  • Age 16+
  • Course options: General English Courses, Exam courses, Academic English, Pathways, Business English

Spend up to a year abroad, achieve a high level of fluency in your chosen language and make new friends from all over the world. ATA programmes differ from shorter courses at LSI because students receive a greater level of academic support and management, including two additional weekly sessions with a teacher. An individual study plan is designed for you to suit your level, individual aims and the duration of your course. We continue to check your progress with regular meetings to make sure you achieve your aims.

Academic Term Abroad (30 lessons p/wk)

  • 30 lessons per week
  • 1 lesson: 50 minutes
  • Course duration: 12-23 weeks
  • Age 16+
  • Course options: General English Courses, Exam courses, Academic English, Pathways, Business English

Spend up to a year abroad, achieve a high level of fluency in your chosen language and make new friends from all over the world. ATA programmes differ from shorter courses at LSI because students receive a greater level of academic support and management, including two additional weekly sessions with a teacher. An individual study plan is designed for you to suit your level, individual aims and the duration of your course. We continue to check your progress with regular meetings to make sure you achieve your aims.

Academic Year Abroad (20 lessons p/wk)

  • 20 lessons per week
  • 1 lesson: 50 minutes
  • Course duration: 24-48 weeks
  • Age 16+
  • Course options: General English Courses, Exam courses, Academic English, Pathways, Business English

Spend up to a year abroad, achieve a high level of fluency in your chosen language and make new friends from all over the world. AYA programmes differ from shorter courses at LSI because students receive a greater level of academic support and management, including two additional weekly sessions with a teacher. An individual study plan is designed for you to suit your level, individual aims and the duration of your course. We continue to check your progress with regular meetings to make sure you achieve your aims.

Academic Year Abroad (25 lessons p/wk)

  • 25 lessons per week
  • 1 lesson: 50 minutes
  • Course duration: 24-48 weeks
  • Age 16+
  • Course options: General English Courses, Exam courses, Academic English, Pathways, Business English

Spend up to a year abroad, achieve a high level of fluency in your chosen language and make new friends from all over the world. AYA programmes differ from shorter courses at LSI because students receive a greater level of academic support and management, including two additional weekly sessions with a teacher. An individual study plan is designed for you to suit your level, individual aims and the duration of your course. We continue to check your progress with regular meetings to make sure you achieve your aims.

Academic Year Abroad (30 lessons p/wk)

  • 30 lessons per week
  • 1 lesson: 50 minutes
  • Course duration: 24-48 weeks
  • Age 16+
  • Course options: General English Courses, Exam courses, Academic English, Pathways, Business English

Spend up to a year abroad, achieve a high level of fluency in your chosen language and make new friends from all over the world. AYA programmes differ from shorter courses at LSI because students receive a greater level of academic support and management, including two additional weekly sessions with a teacher. An individual study plan is designed for you to suit your level, individual aims and the duration of your course. We continue to check your progress with regular meetings to make sure you achieve your aims.

Pathways (Intensive 30)

LSI’s Pathways programme prepares students for the academic challenges facing them on English or French speaking programmes at top colleges & universities in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and France. LSI provides support right from the start: offering advice on the most suitable course options for you, assisting in the application process and crucially preparing you with the general language and academic skills needed to thrive in an English or French speaking university or college.

  • 30 language lessons per week (25 hours)
  • Language lessons cover general and academic language and exam skills
  • 2 additional weekly sessions cover academic and professional development, and university application support (1.5 hours)
  • Intermediate to Advanced levels
  • Age 16+
  • Mid to long-term programmes (12-48 weeks)
  • Personal academic supervision delivered  through regular tutorials and progress testing

What skills do we teach?

  • University research and presentation skills 
  • Effective communication in academic situations 
  • Exam skills and techniques 
  • Note taking and organising 
  • Essay writing skills, including critical thinking and developing and presenting arguments
  • Optional classes include: - Cambridge English Exam courses, FCE/CAE/CPE/BEC - IELTS, TOEFL iBT, TOEIC, DALF, DELF

Business English 30

  • 10 lessons a week
  • Afternoon option on our LSI Intensive 30 course
  • Course length: 1-23 weeks
  • Intermediate to Advanced Level
  • Each module is separate and lasts for one week
  • Can be part of the ISY programme
  • Module start dates: contact school
  • Students can join every Monday*
  • Hours per week: 25 hours
  • Ages 16+

English is the international language of business. This is why we have developed a special modular course carefully designed to improve your business communication skills. In the mornings you will study on our LSI 30 Course. In the afternoons you will study business modules, covering topics such as Banking and Stock Markets, Marketing and Advertising, Recruitment, Sales and Negotiating. You may choose the particular modules that are of interest to you, or follow the complete course to attain an advanced knowledge of business English.

Executive English 10

English is the global language of business. Mastering it with confidence in professional settings is essential for building a successful international career. 

Our flexible, fast-paced course is designed to quickly elevate your business communication skills. Each week, you'll engage in a dynamic mix of written exercicses and interactive activities, including interview simulations, presentations, mock negotiations, networking practice and business meetings.

  • 10 afternoon lessons per week
  • Intermediate to Advanced levels
  • 10 lessons per week
  • Course length: 1-4 weeks
  • Students can join the first Monday of each month

The Executive English 10 can be booked independently or in addition to our morning General 20 lessons course. Check the availability of these programmes with the school.

Mini Group (20 lessons per week)

  • 20 lessons per week
  • Participants: maximum 5
  • Minimum age: 19 years
  • Intermediate to Advanced levels*
  • 4-8 weeks recommended
  • 1 lesson: 45 minutes (in the USA and Canada 50 minutes)
  • 15 hours per week (in the USA and Canada 16.7 hours)
  • Courses begin: every Monday

If you want a personal and interactive approach you should also consider the LSI Mini group course. Mini group courses include general grammar and skills. The focus on negotiations, presentations and meetings is relevant in business and non-business situations.  It is an exciting alternative to LSI General 20 and Intensive 30 courses for more mature learners.

* Course also available for Pre-Intermediate level. Contact individual schools for details.

Mini Group (30 lessons per week)

  •  30  lessons per week
  • 4-8 weeks recommended
  • Participants: maximum 5 (LSI Auckland: minimum 3 students)
  • Minimum age: 19 years
  • Intermediate to Advanced levels*
  • 1 lesson: 45 minutes (in the USA and Canada 50 minutes)
  • 22.5 hours per week (in the USA and Canada 25 hours)
  • Courses begin: every Monday

If you want a personal and interactive approach you should also consider the LSI Mini group course. Mini group courses include general grammar and skills. The focus on negotiations, presentations and meetings is relevant in business and non-business situations.  It is an exciting alternative to LSI General 20 and Intensive 30 courses for more mature learners.

* Course also available for Pre-Intermediate level. Contact individual schools for details.

Individual language lessons

Class Schedule

Accommodation

Available with our warm and welcoming homestay hosts or modern halls of residence.

Homestay

Experience American culture and the California lifestyle in a comfortable family setting while studying in Berkeley

45-60 minutes from LSI Berkeley by public transport

Single and twin room options

Bed & Breakfast or Half Board available

Download accommodation brochure

Downtown Berkeley YMCA Residence

Affordable student accommodation in the heart of Berkeley, just minutes from the school

1-minute walk from LSI Berkeley and 30 minutes by train to San Francisco

Single rooms available

Shared bathroom facilities

Download accommodation brochure

Other Accommodation Options

Explore additional accommodation options available

Download accommodation brochure

Student Reviews

Mix of Nationalities

Brazil Flag
Brazil 13%
Chile Flag
Chile 3%
China Flag
China 17%
Germany Flag
Germany 3%
Italy Flag
Italy 7%
Japan Flag
Japan 20%
Korea (South) Flag
Korea (South) 10%
Mexico Flag
Mexico 3%
Switzerland Flag
Switzerland 3%
Taiwan Flag
Taiwan 13%
Turkey Flag
Turkey 7%
Others 1%

Meet the Staff

Meet some of our dedicated team who are here to guide, support, and encourage you every step of your learning journey.

Robert Ettman
Robert Ettman
School Director

Frequently Asked Questions

Berkeley is one of the most exciting student cities in the USA, known for its world-famous univeristy, diverse international community and vibrant cultural scene. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, it offers the perfect environment for English immersion while providing easy access to San Francisco, Oakland and other key destinations.

LSI Berkeley's Intensive English programmes are designed to accelerate language development through structured lessons, practical communication activities and personalised support. Students improve their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills while preparing for academic study, career advancement or everyday communication.

LSI Berkeley combines high-quality English teaching with an unbeatable location in the heart of Berkeley. Students benefit from experienced teachers, engaging lessons and a welcoming international atmosphere, all within walking distance of cafes, restaurants, bookstores and the University of California, Berkeley campus.

Students have access to modern learning facilities, including a computer room with free internet access, a student resource library and comfortable indoor and outdoor common areas. These facilities provide a supportive environment for both study and socialising with classmates from around the world.

Students can explore Berkeley's renowned cultural venues, cafes, parks and independent bookstores, or take a short BART ride to San Francisco's famous landmarks, museums and waterfront attractions. The wider Bay Area offers endless opportunities to practise English while experiencing Californian culture, innovation and diversity.

Your new language awaits

Book your course today.

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