SAN DIEGO
Far beyond the classroom: discover what it’s like to live, study, and make the most of one of California’s most sought-after cities with Connect English.
Why choose San Diego?
San Diego combines year-round pleasant weather, famous beaches, vibrant neighborhoods, and an ideal routine for those who want to study English with quality of life.
Pleasant weather
Incredible beaches
Outdoor lifestyle
Outdoor lifestyle
Good mobility
Good mobility
Local culture
A relaxed routine for studying
The city also offers parks, hiking trails, markets, cultural centers, and transportation options that help students enjoy a more complete exchange experience. Balboa Park, for example, brings together museums, gardens, and the famous zoo in a vast area of the city, while places like Old Town, Seaport Village, and Little Italy allow students to explore a variety of local experiences.
Practical tips for arriving in San Diego
Cell phone plan
AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon are well-known options to get connected in the city.
Public transportation
Use the PRONTO system to pay for bus and trolley fares. The official app allows you to load balance and use your phone as a digital pass; physical cards and contactless payment are also available on many services.
Banking
The Wells Fargo branch in Pacific Beach can be a good reference for students looking for more accessible service.
Grocery stores for everyday needs
Target, Vons, Walmart, Food4Less, and Grocery Outlet.
Car rental
Dirty Cheap Car Rental is a practical option for trips and specific transportation needs.
Places to explore in San Diego
Beaches
Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Coronado, La Jolla, and Blacks Beach.
Sunsets
Sunset Cliffs and Cabrillo National Monument / Point Loma.
Hiking
Mission Trails, Cowles Mountain, Mount Woodson (Potato Chip Rock), and Three Sisters Falls.
Running & outdoor life
Balboa Park and Miramar Lake.
Tourist attractions
Seaport Village, Gaslamp Quarter, Old Town, USS Midway Museum, Balboa Park, Liberty Station, Cabrillo National Monument, and Little Italy.
Shopping
UTC Mall, Fashion Valley, Las Americas Premium Outlets, and Carlsbad Premium Outlets.
In San Diego, learning English doesn’t happen only inside the classroom.
The city invites students to live new experiences every day: walking through parks, watching the sunset by the coast, visiting vibrant neighborhoods, exploring local markets, and enjoying a more active and relaxed routine.
The Little Italy Mercato, for example, takes place every Saturday year-round, and Balboa Park is one of the city’s major cultural landmarks.
Where the Connect team likes to go in San Diego
A special selection by the Connect English team, featuring places that are part of their routine and help you experience the city more authentically.
Fish tacos
American BBQ
Coffee shops
Fast food
Asian cuisine
Burgers
Vegan restaurants
Your exchange starts with choosing the right city
If you’re looking to study English in a place with great weather, stunning landscapes, a relaxed routine, and plenty of opportunities to practice the language in your daily life, San Diego might be the perfect choice.
