Explore the Positively Languages Los Angeles Guide. Discover courses, accommodation options, student life, facilities, and everything you need to know about studying English in Los Angeles, USA. Start your international education journey with Positively Languages today.
LOS ANGELES
Formerly known as Kaplan Languages Group
LOS ANGELES
SCHOOL GUIDE
LOS ANGELES
SCHOOL GUIDE
CONTENT
NEXT STOP:
NEXT STOP: LOS ANGELES About Los Angeles
Why Study in our Los Angeles School?
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About Positively Languages Los Angeles
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Courses & Students
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Accommodation in Los Angeles
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Health and Safety
Los Angeles
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Laws, Local Customs & Rules
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Holiday Policy
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LOS ANGELES
SCHOOL GUIDE
LOS ANGELES
SCHOOL GUIDE
ABOUT LOS ANGELES
WHY STUDY IN OUR LOS ANGELES SCHOOL?
Known for its global entertainment scene, Los Angeles is home to famous beaches, iconic sports teams and lively neighbourhoods filled with cafés, restaurants and cinemas.
• Located between Hollywood and Santa Monica, within walking distance of UCLA • Situated in a cozy shopping district with a bustling nightlife • Study with a diverse nationality mix – over 60 different nationalities represented! • Enjoy the fabulous California climate with year-round beach weather • Experience the many nearby attractions, including the Getty Center, Universal Studios, Hollywood, and Beverly Hills
LOCATION AND CONTACT INFO Address 1100 Glendon Ave Ste L-1, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA Phone
WHY CHOOSE THIS CITY: • World center of entertainment • Great climate • World-class city • Close to spectacular nature (national parks and mountains) • Easy access to the beach CITY PERSONALITY: Active, alternative, artistic, big city, bike-friendly, bustling, coffee haven, cosmopolitan, famous, fashion, foodie scene, glamorous, hiking, laid-back, modern, music, natural landscape, ocean views, sports scene, university town, vibrant, year-round sunshine LANDMARKS: Hollywood Sign, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica Pier and Beach THINGS TO DO: Discover world-class museums, trek up to the iconic Hollywood Sign, catch some waves with a surfing session, spot celebrities, see beautiful sunsets TRANSPORT OPTIONS: Buses NEARBY CITIES TO VISIT: • San Diego - 2.5 hours away, $80 return ticket • Santa Barbara - 2 hours away, $80 return ticket
+1 (213) 514-8164 Airport Transfer +1 (310) 339-6300 Emergency contact +1 (332) 900-4199
SCHOOL INFORMATION School Director Rachel Mullin
Total number of teachers 8-10 (Full time teachers: 2-4) Languages spoken by staff English, Spanish, Arabic, Turkish, Russian, Armenian, Italian, Japanese Teacher qualifications Bachelor’s (or equivalent) with TESOL, CELTA, TEFL certificate (including practicum) or six months of ESL/EFL teaching experience.
ACCREDITATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS
Disclaimer: All the information on this school guide is for reference. Please contact your advisor for the latest information
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LOS ANGELES
SCHOOL GUIDE
LOS ANGELES
SCHOOL GUIDE
ABOUT POSITIVELY LANGUAGES LOS ANGELES
LIVING COST (SAMPLE PRICES) Bottle of water $3 Coffee $7 Meal out for two $30 Sandwich $10 Local transport ticket $1.75 Bike rental $15/hour SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Volleyball at Santa Monica Beach Free Bike Tour $20 Hollywood Sign Hike $30 Surf Lessons $90 NBA/MLB/NFL Game $80-$150 Weekend in Las Vegas $400
COURSES PROVIDED: General English, Semi-Intensive English, Intensive English, Academic Year Abroad, Business English Supplementary, TOEFL® & Academic English Add-on, Tailored Group Programs 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 (18 computers available), self study center, vending machine, student lounge. At no extra cost 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.
SAMPLE CLASS TIMETABLES
Language Foundation lessons
MORNING
AFTERNOON
08:30-10:00 14:15-15:45
CLASS BREAK CLASS
10:00-10:15 10:15-11:45
15:45-16:00 16:00-17:30
Specialist Skills lessons
MORNING (MON-THU)
AFTERNOON (MON-THU)
12:30-14:00
12:30-14:00
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL: You should plan to attend class on your first day. Please bring your passport (and visa information if required) NUMBER OF BUILDINGS: 1 NUMBER OF FLOORS: 1 NUMBER OF CLASSROOMS: 11 WHEELCHAIR / DISABLED ACCESS: Yes
SCHOOL LOCATION AND TRANSPORT
SAMPLE SOCIAL SCHEDULE
TIME TO...
ON FOOT
BY BIKE
BY BUS
DAYS
FIRST WEEK
SECOND WEEK
5 minutes 5 minutes 5 minutes 2 minutes 5 minutes 5 minutes
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Beverly Hills Walking Tour
Westwood Walking Tour Beach Bonfire (Seasonal)
THE NEAREST CAFÉ / RESTAURANT THE NEAREST SUPERMARKET THE NEAREST POST OFFICE
MONDAY TUESDAY
LA Lakers Game
Surf Lessons
Malibu Hike
WEDNESDAY
Venice Beach Bike Tour Basketball Tournament
Hollywood Sign Hike
THE NEAREST ATM / BANK
THURSDAY
Volleyball at Santa Monica Beach
THE NEAREST SPORTS CENTRE
FRIDAY
5 minutes
5 minutes
Trip to Las Vegas
Yosemite Trip
THE NEAREST HOSPITAL
SATURDAY
N/A
N/A
N/A
THE CITY CENTRE
Number of social activities per week: 2-3
For the most up-to-date prices, please visit www.metro.net
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LOS ANGELES
SCHOOL GUIDE
LOS ANGELES
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
PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION • Business • Communication & The Arts
SEE THE AYA BROCHURE
“The staff are great! The residence is excellent! Close to everything and comfortable... I really improved my English! And I was able to explore the whole city of Los Angeles!” Pierre from France
TOP 10 STUDENT NATIONALITIES: France, China, Japan, South Korea, Turkey, Switzerland, Brazil, Italy, and Belgium STUDENTS PER CLASS: 14–17 (Maximum: 17) MINIMUM AGE: 16 years old AVERAGE AGE: 22-25 years old STUDENTS PER AGE GROUP: • 18-21: 15%
• 22-25: 60% • 26-30: 15% • Over 30: 10%
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LOS ANGELES
SCHOOL GUIDE
ACCOMMODATION IN LOS ANGELES
SCHOOL GUIDE
ACCOMMODATION IN LOS ANGELES
ACADEMIC YEAR ABROAD RESIDENCE
WESTWOOD RESIDENCE
EXTERIOR
BEDROOM I
BEDROOM II
ADDRESS: 1421 & 1427 Barry Avenue, Westwood, CA ACCOMMODATION TYPE: Single, Economy Single, Deluxe Single & Twin accommodation options, Mixed-Gender Apartment Flats BEDROOM: Desk, couch/murphy bed, storage space KITCHEN: Fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances SERVICES: Washer and dryer, Wi-Fi, linens provided upon arrival. Cleaning service available at extra charge FACILITIES: Deluxe, Single and Economy Single rooms have private bathroom LANDMARKS NEARBY: Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica Beach, UCLA NOISE RESTRICTIONS? Yes, from 22:00 to 7:00
VISITORS OR GUESTS ALLOWED? Yes; no overnight guests SMOKING ALLOWED IN THE RESIDENCE? No 24-HOUR SECURITY? No RESIDENCE CLEANING: Rooms cleaned on arrival LINEN CHANGING: On arrival only, students are responsible for cleaning their own linen MINIMUM AGE: Over 18s only AVAILABILITY: Year-round MINIMUM NUMBER OF WEEKS: One week CHECK-IN: Saturdays and Sundays from 16:00 to 21:00. CHECK-OUT: On Saturdays by 10:00 ROOM DEPOSIT? No, but all students must sign a Code of Conduct on their first day
HOMESTAY INFORMATION
PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION
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, has current fire/safety checks, and smoke alarms are fitted • 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, make sure you discuss laundry with your host family after arrival; laundry facilities will depend on your individual homestay MEALS PROVIDED: Depends 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? Culver City, Palms, Santa Monica, Mid City, Beverly Hills, West Los Angeles WILL THE HOMESTAY ARRANGE TO PICK YOU UP FROM THE AIRPORT? No DISTANCE TO SCHOOL: Homestays are 45-70 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
TIME TO...
ON FOOT
BY BIKE
BY BUS
35-40 minutes
10 minutes 3 minutes 6 minutes 6 minutes 6 minutes 10 minutes 10 minutes
15-20 minutes
THE SCHOOL
6 minutes 15 minutes 15 minutes 15 minutes
N/A
THE NEAREST CAFÉ / RESTAURANT
12 minutes 12 minutes 12 minutes
THE NEAREST SUPERMARKET
THE NEAREST POST OFFICE
THE NEAREST ATM / BANK
20-25 minutes
12-20 minutes
THE NEAREST SPORTS CENTRE
24 minutes
15 minutes
THE NEAREST HOSPITAL
1 minute
N/A N/A
N/A
THE CITY CENTRE
N/A
120 minutes
THE MAIN AIRPORT
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LOS ANGELES
SCHOOL GUIDE
LOS ANGELES
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 20-22% 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 attendance 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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LOS ANGELES
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
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