SAN DIEGO, USA

Although Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo sailed into San Diego Bay as early as 1542, and other Spanish expeditions followed, Spain did not establish a colony there until 1769. During that year, Father Junipero Serra founded California's first European fortress and mission at San Diego, with the intention of converting the local Indians to Catholicism. Two centuries of somewhat languid growth followed under the Spanish, Mexican, and United States flag.

San Diego dates its birth as a modern city to 1867, when a San Francisco merchant named Alonzo Horton founded New Town. Over the next 60 years, San Diego sprouted hundreds of new homes and businesses, established Balboa Park, welcomed countless U.S. Navy ships, opened the Hotel del Coronado, and hosted two world fairs-the 1915-16 Panama-California Exposition and the 1935-36 California Pacific International Exposition.

Famed as a port for the U.S. Navy and a year-round vacation resort, San Diego carries huge economic clout as California's second largest city. With magnificent beaches and two of the world's most famous zoos, the city enjoys a dazzling Mediterranean climate and a rich Hispanic heritage. Surrounding San Diego County embraces many more sunny beaches, as well as forested mountains and vast desert lands, richly diversifying the recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

How do I get to your school and get around in San Diego?
From San Diego airport:
Take a taxi: From the airport: Taxis should be ready and waiting.
Take a Airport shuttle Bus: The bus runs 24 hours a day, every day, for about $6. Catch one by crossing to the Ground Transportation Area, where one of the agents can direct you onto the appropriate shuttle when it comes around.
Rent a car: you can rent a car for the first few days or for the duration of your program. There are several car hire locations at the San Diego airport (Alamo, Hertz etc.). Please remember that you have to be 25 years of age or older to rent a car in the United States and you must have a valid drivers license for at least 5 years.
Train: AMTRAK chugs eight times daily between San Diego's Santa Fe Depot, near the Embarcadero, and Union Station in Los Angeles, with stops at various points in between. The fare to Los Angeles is $27.
Buses: Greyhound Bus Lines serves San Diego from almost everywhere. The terminal is centrally located in downtown.
Ferries: The Coronado Ferry. The 15-minute ride affords great views of the city. Catch your ride across San Diego Bay at the Broadway Pier on the hour. Return is from Coronado's Old Ferry Landing, on the half-hour. Tickets must be purchased before boarding at the waterfront booths. Fare is approx. $2 each way.

Our School
The school is located in La Jolla (San Diego), a beautiful district directly on the coast. Because of its weather San Diego is known as "Americas Finest City". Besides you have many attractions, such as San Diego Zoo, Sea World, Balboa Park and a cultural center that includes the opera-house and the theatre. By the time you are in La Jolla you can surf, swim, dive or practise windsurfing.

School Accommodation
Apartment accommodation: Fully equipped with one or two bedrooms. All apartments have a very high standard. We only sell them as comfort apartments; standard ones are not available. It only takes 25 minutes by bus from the apartments to the school.

Host Families: Single or shared room with half-board. Most of the families are located nearby the school. A maximum of 40 minutes from the school by car or bus.

*Remember that for the duration of your stay, you will be living among other course participants. You are expected to comply by the 'mutual' house rule and this means that all common living areas must be kept clean and tidy at all times. The kitchen that you will share is fully equipped so feel free to cook up a storm and enjoy the pleasure of working together with other participants to make your meal time an enjoyable one!

Typical Cultural Activities to Expect
Our optional cultural activities normally take place in the afternoons ( twice weekly ) and the evenings (twice weekly). These activities are normally offered free of charge or at a discounted rates to the students.

Most weekends the school organizes optional day trips and excursions to other towns and cities. Students have the opportunity to register for these weekend trips for a small fee.

Our cultural program allows you to meet and make friends with your new classmates, experience cultural activities together and practice your new language skills in real life situations. Best of all, they are fun!

Prices
Programs in San Diego start from $900.00 US for 2 weeks including accommodation and tuition. We have many program options and all year round start dates. If you want more detailed pricing or start date information, we suggest you request a brochure or call us Toll Free within North America at: Tel: 1 888 526 4758 (LANGPLUS) or outside of North America at 416 925 7117.

COUNTRY TIPS
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Is San Diego Safe?
The people in San Diego and in fact throughout the USA are very friendly and are always willing to help. Do however be cautious and well aware of your personal space at all times. Never let someone you do not know watch your luggage and never accept rides from anyone other than official taxi drivers.

When traveling, be sure to conceal your valuables—both on your person and in your car. Avoid known high-crime areas after dark, especially if you're alone. Common sense goes a long way towards keeping you free from harm.

What is the local currency?
American Dollars or "USD"

Are a passport, visa, or vaccinations necessary?
Canadians wishing to enter the United States need only present proof of identity and citizenship, such as a voter-registration card, birth certificate with an embossed seal, driving license or a passport.

Citizens of the United Kingdom, Japan, New Zealand, and most western European nations who travel with a valid passport do not need a visa, provided they are traveling as a tourist and the visit lasts no more than 90 days.

All other visitors entering the United States must present a tourist visa and a valid passport that does not expire for six months following the scheduled visit.

Visitors do not need inoculations.

Time?
California is on Pacific Coastal time, just three hours behind North American Eastern Standard Time.

How do you get there from here?
San Diego's International Airport (also called Lindbergh Field) is very conveniently located only 3 miles (5 kilometers) from downtown San Diego. San Diego has both excellent direct international flights and connecting domestic flights.

Tipping
Restaurants do not include a gratuity in the bill, except when very large groups are dining together. The standard tip for waiters and waitress is 15 percent of the total tab. The average tip for taxi drivers is 15 percent.

Business hours
Standard business hours in California (holidays excepted) are Monday–Friday, 9 AM-5 PM, though many businesses open between 8 and 10 AM and stay open until 6 PM or later.

Traditional banking hours—10 AM-3 PM—are not necessarily the rule in San Diego. Banks may open at 9 AM and stay open until 5 or 6 PM. Many banks also offer Saturday hours (usually AM-1 PM) as well as 24-hour automated teller service.

Should I bring local currency, traveler's checks or use credit cards?
Most currency exchange outlets are located either downtown or at the San Diego International Airport (Lindbergh Field). Major credit cards are almost universally accepted, except at cheap restaurants and small grocery markets. The wisest way to deal with money while traveling is to take a combination of cash, traveler's cheques, and credit cards. That way a traveler is assured of being able to pay for expenses no matter where or when the occasion arises.

How much will I spend a day?
This is very difficult to answer and depends on the person, however the prices below should give you a approx. idea:
Three-course meal with drink, 20-25 USD Budget meal 5-8 USD
Laundromat, self service wash 2 USD
Cafe meal: Sandwich, dessert and coffee 5 USD

What is the weather like and what do I wear?
The weather should not hinder a visit to San Diego at any time of year. The average high is 70° F (21° C), the low is 55° F (13° C), and the average annual rainfall is less than 10 inches (26 centimeters). Low humidity, lots of sun, and hardly any smog make San Diego the Riviera of the United States. Come mid-December through mid-March for whale-watching or early spring to catch the desert in bloom.

The people in San Diego dress casually, but not sloppily. Anyone planning to partake of the fancier nightlife, however, should pack some dress clothes. Bring sunblock for the beach.

Health & Safety
Every major city in the United States has excellent health-care facilities, as do most medium-sized towns. While health care in smaller towns may not be as comprehensive, it's usually adequate for most situations. We recommend that all students take health insurance coverage before traveling.

Will my electrical gadgets work?
Standard electrical current for most appliances is 120 volts AC, 60 cycles.

What is the best way to phone home?
There are numerous public phones around the city which use phone cards and/or coins. All these phones can be used for both local and long distance phone calls. Phone cards can be purchased in shops and kiosks.

THINGS TO SEE IN SAN DIEGO
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Museums
Aerospace Historical Center An excellent aerospace collection.
Hall of Champions Sports fans come here to relive golden moments with their favorite professional and amateur athletes through a number of heart-thumping exhibits.
Maritime Museum of San Diego Three historic vessels share space with historic navigational instruments and nautical models built to scale.
Museum of Man One of the country's most notable anthropological museums.
Museum of Photographic Arts Devoted exclusively to the photographic arts, MOPA features changing exhibitions.
Natural History Museum You can study the flora and fauna of southern California and Baja: Check out the gems in the Hall of Mineralogy, and visit the ecological and traveling exhibitions
San Diego Automotive Museum This world-class collection of rare and wonderful cars and motorcycles will thrill any car buff.
San Diego Museum of Art The museum's vast collection includes outstanding Italian Renaissance, Spanish Baroque, and Dutch works, as well as Southeast Asian pieces and Indian miniatures.
Timken Museum of Art The Putnam Foundation collection includes paintings by European old masters and 18th- and 19th-century American artists.

Historical & Architectural Sites
Gaslamp Quarter San Diego's 16-block National Historic District is currently the city's most exciting neighborhood, bustling with chic shops, fabulous restaurants, rave clubs, and architectural curiosities.
Mission San Diego de Alcala Established in 1769 as the first of Padre Junipero Serra's 21 missions, the mission was moved from its original Presidio Park location to its present site in 1774.
Old Town State Historic Park San Diego's first settlement.

Festivals and Cultural Activities
Mainly Mozart Festival The works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and other classical masters are featured in a ten-day festival each June. Locations of the performances vary.
Mother Goose Parade The Mother Goose Parade is almost a half-century old. It's held each year on the Sunday before Thanksgiving.
Street Scene For two unforgettable September days, the Gaslamp Quarter is transformed into a memorable music festival drawing more than 60 bands (many of them world renowned).
Summer Organ Festival Free concerts are held Mondays at 8 PM at Balboa Park, from late June through late August.
California Ballet Works ranging from contemporary to classical are performed at locations throughout the county.
La Jolla Playhouse Won a Tony Award for best regional theater.
Old Globe Theatre California's oldest professional theater stages contemporary and experimental works, as well as classics, in the 581-seat Old Globe.
San Diego Opera Big-name international artists, impressed by the San Diego Opera's sterling reputation, appear in a five-opera series from January through April.

Garden, Parks, Marine Centers & Zoo
Balboa Park San Diego's grand Balboa Park dominates the cultural life of San Diego to a greater degree probably than any other large city park in the country.
Botanical Building Part historical site, part garden, the Botanical Building shelters some 1,200 tropical and flowering plants within one of the world's largest lath structures.
Mission Bay Park This 4,600-acre (1,862-hectare) aquatic park is the city's sports paradise. 27 kilometers of ocean frontage, and 43 kilometers of bayfront beaches
San Diego Wild Animal Park About 3,000 animals—zebras, elephants, rhinos, tigers, giraffes, and the like—wander around more than 2,000 acres, while visitors view them from lookout points.
San Diego Zoo San Diego's world-famous zoo attracts hordes of visitors who come to marvel at the thousands of beasts, birds, and exotic plants contained within its extensive and beautifully grounds.
Sea World Sea World's marine zoological park, spread across 150 acres of tropical landscaping, houses famous exhibits such as Penguin Encounter, Shark Encounter, Wings of the World, and Shamu the orca.

Beaches and Resorts
Del Mar Del Mar has many wide, sandy beaches with easy access.
La Jolla Shores This good, family beach has lifeguards year-round.
Oceanside Oceanside has one of the longest wooden piers on the West Coast, and 3 kilometers of wide, sandy beaches.

Sports
With 113 kilometers of beaches, uncounted more miles of bayfront coves, and a splendid Mediterranean climate, San Diego County is ideal for watersports. Board surfers, windsurfers, swimmers, and sunbathers crowd the sands on weekends. Sailing is a popular sport for participants and spectators. Balboa Park's Morley Field is the ultimate one-stop athletic center for a myriad of sports.
Bicyclists enjoy an extensive network of bike lanes around town. Hikers and backpackers do not need to drive far to enjoy pristine desert and mountain trail and scenery.

Tours & Excursions
San Diego offers the visitor a wide array of touring options, whether around town, on the harbor, or down to Mexico. Among the most interesting excursions away from town go to Tijuana and to the desert preserves east of the mountains—Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Joshua Tree National Park.