Explore the Positively Languages Santa Barbara Guide. Discover courses, accommodation options, student life, facilities, and everything you need to know about studying English in Santa Barbara, USA. Start your international education journey with Positively Languages today.
SANTA BARBARA
Formerly known as Kaplan Languages Group
SANTA BARBARA
SCHOOL GUIDE
SANTA BARBARA
SCHOOL GUIDE
CONTENT
NEXT STOP:
NEXT STOP: SANTA BARBARA About Santa Barbara
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Why Study in our Santa Barbara School?
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About Positively Languages Santa Barbara
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Courses and Students
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Accommodation in Santa Barbara
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Health and Safety
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Santa Barbara
Laws, Local Customs & Rules
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Holiday Policy
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SANTA BARBARA
SCHOOL GUIDE
SANTA BARBARA
SCHOOL GUIDE
A relaxed coastal atmosphere defines Santa Barbara, while historic State Street brings cafés, shops, cinemas and a welcoming student-friendly energy to the heart of the city ABOUT SANTA BARBARA
WHY STUDY IN OUR SANTA BARBARA SCHOOL?
• Located on the amazing Santa Barbara City College campus just moments away from beautiful white sand beaches with volleyball courts, bike rentals, and surf sites. • Surrounded by over 50 restaurants, cafés, and bakeries. • Study in a safe and friendly city with year-round sunshine. • Take part in the many outdoor activities, like hiking, skate boarding, biking, sailing. • Enjoy weekend trips to Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Las Vegas.
LOCATION AND CONTACT INFO Address 721 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93109 Phone +1 (805)-966-1620 Emergency contact +1 (332) 900-4199
WHY CHOOSE THIS CITY: • Safe atmosphere • Friendly locals • Close to many stunning beaches • Beautiful campus • Small town environment CITY PERSONALITY: Active, architecture, bike-friendly, boutiques, charming, eco-friendly, friendly, hiking, coastal, small town, colonial architecture LANDMARKS: State Street, Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara Courthouse, The Mission THINGS TO DO: Go surfing on the California coast, hike in the nearby hills and cliffs, go sightseeing around Santa Barbara TRANSPORT OPTIONS: Buses NEARBY CITIES TO VISIT: • Los Angeles - 90 minutes away, $100 return ticket • Las Vegas - 6 hours away, $200 return ticket
SCHOOL INFORMATION School Director Tyler Wilson Total number of teachers 5-7 (Full time teachers: 0-5) Languages spoken by staff Spanish Teacher qualifications
ACCREDITATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS
Bachelor’s (or equivalent) with TESOL, CELTA, TEFL certificate (including practicum) or six months of ESL/EFL teaching experience.
Disclaimer: All the information on this school guide is for reference. Please contact your advisor for the latest information
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SANTA BARBARA
SCHOOL GUIDE
SANTA BARBARA
SCHOOL GUIDE
ABOUT POSITIVELY LANGUAGES SANTA BARBARA
LIVING COST (SAMPLE PRICES) Bottle of water $2 Coffee $3 Meal out for two $25 Sandwich $8 Local transport ticket $2 Bike rental $10
COURSES PROVIDED: General English, Semi-Intensive English, Intensive English, Academic Year Abroad, TOEFL® Add-on LEVELS OF ENGLISH OFFERED: All levels (Beginner, Elementary, Lower Intermediate, Intermediate, Higher Intermediate, Advanced, Proficiency) OTHER SERVICES: Accommodation, Airport Transfer, Medical Insurance (see price list for details) SCHOOL FACILITIES: Air conditioning, heating, Wi-Fi, computer lab / multimedia center (6 computers available), campus cafe and vending machines SCHOOL MATERIALS: P+ Course Books, P+ Learning Space for all students. P+ Extra for Semi-Intensive and Intensive students BEFORE YOU ARRIVE: Be sure to check your email the week before your start date for your class and orientation schedule! Also, don’t forget to complete the placement test and send in any required documents FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL: You should plan to attend class on your first day. Please bring your passport (and visa information if required)
SAMPLE CLASS TIMETABLES
Language Foundation lessons
MORNING
AFTERNOON
09:00-10:30 14:30-16:00
CLASS BREAK CLASS
10:30-10:45 11:00-12:15
16:00-16:15 16:15-17:45
Specialist Skills lessons
AFTERNOON CLASS (MON-THU) 12:45 - 14:45
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Soccer Free Farmers’ Market Free Hiking $10 Trip to the movies $12 Outlet Shopping $60 Surf Lessons $60
NUMBER OF BUILDINGS: 1 NUMBER OF FLOORS: 1 NUMBER OF CLASSROOMS: 9 WHEELCHAIR / DISABLED ACCESS: Yes
SCHOOL LOCATION AND TRANSPORT
SAMPLE SOCIAL SCHEDULE
TIME TO...
ON FOOT
BY BIKE
BY BUS
BY METRO/TRAIN
DAYS
FIRST WEEK
SECOND WEEK
2 minutes 5 minutes 5 minutes 5 minutes 5 minutes 20 minutes 2 minutes
1 minute 2 minutes 2 minutes 2 minutes 2 minutes 10 minutes
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Welcome Party Beach Volleyball
Welcome Party Farmers’ Market
THE NEAREST CAFÉ / RESTAURANT THE NEAREST SUPERMARKET THE NEAREST POST OFFICE
MONDAY TUESDAY
Hiking
Surfing Movies
WEDNESDAY
Velvet Jones Evening Out
THE NEAREST ATM / BANK
THURSDAY
Outlet Shopping
THE NEAREST SPORTS CENTRE
FRIDAY
Weekend Trip to San Francisco
Disneyland
THE NEAREST HOSPITAL
SATURDAY
1 minute
THE CITY CENTRE
Number of social activities per week: 2-3
For the most up-to-date prices, please visit www.sbmtd.gov
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SANTA BARBARA
SCHOOL GUIDE
SANTA BARBARA
SCHOOL GUIDE
Enhance your English in an immersive environment. Whether you want to upgrade your language fluency, prepare for university or gain career skills, you will have 6, 9 or 11 months to study the language, live like a local and make lifelong friendships. ACADEMIC YEAR ABROAD HIGHLIGHTED PROGRAMME
Courses & STUDENTS
LANGUAGE AND CULTURE • Semi-Intensive • Intensive • Multi-Destination Year
UNIVERSITY PREPARATION • English for Academic Pathways
SEE THE AYA BROCHURE
“An experience to have at least once in your life! The staff is available if needed, very welcoming. The campus is well located just a few steps from the beach.” Célina from France
TOP 10 STUDENT NATIONALITIES: China, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland STUDENTS PER CLASS: 14–17 (Maximum: 17) MINIMUM AGE: 16 years old AVERAGE AGE: 18-21 years old STUDENTS PER AGE GROUP:
• 18-21: 30% • 22-25: 30% • 26-30: 30% • Over 30: 10%
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SANTA BARBARA
SCHOOL GUIDE
ACCOMMODATION IN SANTA BARBARA
SCHOOL GUIDE
ACCOMMODATION IN SANTA BARBARA
ACADEMIC YEAR ABROAD RESIDENCE
LA BREZZA STUDENT APARTMENTS
BATHROOM
BEDROOM
KITCHEN
ADDRESS: 620 West Gutierrez Street, Santa Barbara CA 93101
VISITORS OR GUESTS ALLOWED? Yes; no overnight guests SMOKING ALLOWED IN THE RESIDENCE? No 24-HOUR SECURITY? No RESIDENCE CLEANING: Bedooms cleaned on arrival; students are responsible for cleaning their rooms LINEN CHANGING: Clean linens provided on arrival; students are responsible for washing their linens MINIMUM AGE: Over 18s only AVAILABILITY: Year-round MINIMUM NUMBER OF WEEKS: One week CHECK-IN: From 16:00 on Saturdays and anytime on Sundays.
HOMESTAY INFORMATION
PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION TYPE: 2-bedroom, mixed-gender apartments with bathroom, living/dining area, kitchen shared with other Positively Languages students. Deluxe Single, Deluxe Twin, Single, Twin rooms available BEDROOM: Wardrobe/ closet, desk, lamp, chair KITCHEN: Fridge, oven, stovetop, toaster, cutlery & crockery, kitchen utensils SERVICES: Laundry (extra charge), Wi-Fi, bed linen provided upon arrival FACILITIES: Credit card-operated laundry facilities LANDMARKS NEARBY: Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara City College and West Beach NOISE RESTRICTIONS? Yes, from 22:00 to 7:00
Only students aged 18 and over can go into private accommodation. If you are 16 or 17 years old you will be housed in a homestay and should be home by 22:00 each night. SOME TIPS TO FIND YOUR OWN APARTMENT OR SHARE A HOUSE WITH FRIENDS: • The school’s accommodation team can provide a local alternative accommodation list • Check whether the accommodation you are going to see is in a safe area • Take a friend with you when you go to view any accommodation • If you are sharing an apartment or house find out who has access to it • Make sure the accommodation is safe and has current fire/safety checks • Make sure your room is secure and that you have insurance for your laptop, camera, and other valuable items • Keep in mind that in addition to rent, you may be responsible for paying for additional fees and taxes
THINGS YOU NEED TO BRING: Toiletries, personal items to make your room feel like home, prescription medication, phone card SERVICES INCLUDED: Bed linen, towels, telephone use for emergencies. At no extra cost MEALS PROVIDED: Yes, depending on booking type. If you book 14 meals per week you will have breakfast and dinner. If you book 7 meals per week, you are responsible for your own dinner and you may not have access to the kitchen at certain times Breakfast: Usually a light meal consisting of cereal, fruit, toast, juice, or coffee. Hosts will usually ask you to prepare your own breakfast Lunch: You will be responsible for buying your own lunch at school, from a local restaurant, or the local shops Dinner: You will usually eat dinner with your host, or occasionally you may prepare your own meal with food supplied by your host WHERE ARE THE HOMESTAYS LOCATED? Carpinteria, Goleta, and Santa Barbara WILL THE HOMESTAY ARRANGE TO PICK YOU UP FROM THE AIRPORT? No DISTANCE TO SCHOOL: Homestays are 60-90 minutes of commute time to the school TRANSPORT TO SCHOOL: Your host will help you to find your way to and from school on your first day and will show you how to use public transport
CHECK-OUT: On Saturdays by 10:00 ROOM DEPOSIT? No deposit required
TIME TO...
ON FOOT
BY BIKE
BY BUS
20 minutes 10 minutes 10 minutes
10 minutes 5 minutes 5 minutes
10 minutes 5 minutes
THE SCHOOL
THE NEAREST CAFÉ / RESTAURANT
N/A N/A
THE NEAREST SUPERMARKET
N/A
N/A
THE NEAREST POST OFFICE
20 minutes 20 minutes 30 minutes
10 minutes 10 minutes 20 minutes
20 minutes 10 minutes 20 minutes
THE NEAREST ATM / BANK
THE NEAREST SPORTS CENTRE
THE NEAREST HOSPITAL
N/A N/A
N/A N/A
N/A
THE CITY CENTRE
20 minutes
THE MAIN AIRPORT
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SANTA BARBARA
SCHOOL GUIDE
SANTA BARBARA
SCHOOL GUIDE
HEALTH & SAFETY MEDICAL INSURANCE: All students must have travel and medical insurance for the duration of their stay in the US. Positively Languages offers you a low-cost Travel and Medical Insurance Plan that we advise you to take. If you are not taking Positively Languages Insurance you are required to show proof of alternative medical insurance. Please make sure your insurance includes evacuation and repatriation.
LAWS
• No one under the age of 21 in the US may buy or consume tobacco or alcohol, including beer and wine. It is against the law to buy tobacco or alcohol for someone you know is under the age of 21. • Driving under the influence of alcohol is a very serious crime and police make regular random checks. • You will need international ID to enter bars, clubs or pubs (e.g. passport, ID card, driving licence). • Buying, selling and using drugs is illegal.
PROTECTING YOUR BELONGINGS: We strongly recommend you take out insurance for your personal belongings, especially cameras, mobile phones, music players and laptops. Personal items cannot be covered by Positively Languages homestay or residence insurance. PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION: Remember to bring enough of your prescribed medication with you as US pharmacists will not fill a foreign prescription. International customs agents may ask you questions about your medication upon your departure or arrival, so be sure to pack it carefully. Bring any important medical records (blood type, prescriptions) that might be useful for medical care abroad as well as contact information for your health care providers at home.
IF YOU GET SICK: If you fall ill while in the US you should visit a doctor. You can ask school staff or your host where the nearest doctor is. If you have a minor illness you can ask staff at a local pharmacy for advice. Remember to bring any relevant insurance or medical documentation with you. You may need to register with a doctor.
LOCAL CUSTOMS
• All individuals regardless of gender identification and sexuality are expected to be treated equally and should always be treated fairly. • American people talk to strangers in public areas. This is a great way to practice English, but caution should be taken. You should not give out your address and telephone number, or accept inappropriate invitations. • “Please” and “thank you” are very important words! Always use them if you ask someone to do something for you, or if they help you or give you information. • The US is a culturally diverse nation where people of all ethnic backgrounds are treated equally. • People in North America leave a tip for good service in restaurants, hair salons and other places. The tip rate at most restaurants is about 20-22% of the bill and is not usually included. Fast-food is not tipped unless it is delivered. Porters in stations, airports and hotels should be tipped approximately $1 per bag. Taxi drivers are generally given a 15-20% tip.
MEDICAL COSTS Medical costs are at the discretion of your local doctor or hospital. Minimum medical costs are as follows: CONSULTATION WITH A DOCTOR: $60 DENTAL TREATMENT: $150 EYE TEST OR NEW GLASSES: $150
EMERGENCY SERVICES Call 911 in case of fire, medical emergency or if you need the police
POSITIVELY RULES
• If you leave your Positively Languages course without informing us, your Form I-20 (if applicable) will be terminated and you may fall out of status. • You must attend all classes. If you do not, your representative will be informed. If you are under 18, your parents will be informed. If you do not then improve your attendence you may receive a notice of expulsion. • Be on time for all your lessons • Always tell Positively Languages if you are going to be absent from school for any reason and tell your host if you are going away overnight. • If you commit a criminal offence or have to be severely disciplined, you will be sent home and no refund will be given. We will also inform the immigration authorities.
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SANTA BARBARA
SCHOOL GUIDE
HOLIDAY POLICY
US PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
1st January 2026 19th January 2026 25th May 2026 19th June 2026
NEW YEAR’S DAY
MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY
MEMORIAL DAY
JUNETEENTH
3rd July 2026
INDEPENDENCE DAY
7th September 2026 26th November 2026 27th November 2026 25th December 2026
LABOR DAY
THANKSGIVING
DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING
CONTACT US
CHRISTMAS DAY
SCHOOL CLOSURES: The school will be closed from 21st December 2026 to 28th December 2026 with an additional closure for New Year’s Day on 1st January 2027. ACADEMIC YEAR ABROAD STUDENTS: There are preset session breaks for all Academic Year Abroad students. These dates depend on your start date and cannot be changed. Please check with the school if you are not sure when these are. 28th December 2026 These dates are observed as holidays in the year. If you arrive on a week where the Monday is a holiday, your first day of school will be a Tuesday DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS DAY
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