General 20 plus 5 one-to-one lessons

Language Studies International (LSI): Berkeley

school-reference
detail

Course description

Course Overview includes:

• 20 lessons per week (4 lessons per day)
• Duration: 20 x 50 minutes (16.67 hours per week)
• 15 students max. per class
• Beginner to Advanced levels
• Course length: 1–50 weeks programs
• Age 16+

During the lessons you rapidly improve your communication skills in a variety of everyday situations. Classes cover grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, speaking, listening, reading , and writing. You use a text book and a wide variety of materials and exercises including role-plays, authentic materials, newspapers, magazines, YouTube and other internet content.

On their first day, sign-in is at 8:45am, placement test at 9am, and the orientation starts at 11:10am.

The other days, the course will start class the next day at 9:10am. Classes run from Monday to Friday 9:10 – 10:50 & 11:10 – 12:50

Course topics

The classes stress the use of language in everyday situations. In 2 lessons each day, students will work on grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary, while in the other 2 lessons, they will focus on reading, writing, speaking and listening. Textbooks and a variety of other materials are used in instruction, including role-playing, newspapers, magazines and other materials.

Class schedule

Course duration
1-52 weeks
Start dates
Every Monday (except for beginners)
Classes per week
25 lessons per week (each lesson lasts 50 min)
Class days
Monday - Friday
School holidays
20 Jan 2025, 17 Feb 2025, 18 Apr 2025, 21 Apr 2025, 26 May 2025, 19 Jun 2025, 04 Jul 2025, 01 Sep 2025, 13 Oct 2025, 11 Nov 2025, 27 Nov 2025 - 28 Nov 2025, 22 Dec 2025 - 02 Jan 2026

LSI Berkeley does not hold classes on the holiday dates above. The school does not compensate for these holidays, so make sure to choose your start date accordingly.

Class times

Morning session
09:10 AM - 10:50 AM
Break
10:50 AM - 11:10 AM
Morning session
11:10 AM - 12:50 PM

Class schedule may change depending on availability and season.

Class level

Elementary
Pre-intermediate
Intermediate
High intermediate
Advanced
You will take a placement test on your first day to determine your class level.

Class size

Average 12 students
Maximum 16 students

Student age

Age range 16 years old and older
Average 20 years old
(22 in the summer)

Certificate

A certificate of completion will be issued at the end of the course.
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school
photos

Photos

  • Common room at Language Studies International (LSI): Berkeley 1/28
  • Corridor inside Language Studies International (LSI): Berkeley 2/28
  • Building of Language Studies International (LSI): Berkeley 3/28
  • Classroom at Language Studies International (LSI): Berkeley 4/28
  • Classes at Language Studies International (LSI): Berkeley 5/28
  • Corridor inside Language Studies International (LSI): Berkeley 6/28
  • Entrance to Language Studies International (LSI): Berkeley 7/28
  • Building of Language Studies International (LSI): Berkeley 8/28
  • City of Berkeley 9/28
  • Computer room at Language Studies International (LSI): Berkeley 10/28
  • Language Studies International (LSI): Berkeley 11/28
  • Students of Language Studies International (LSI): Berkeley 12/28
  • Students of Language Studies International (LSI): Berkeley 13/28
  • Student residence offered by Language Studies International (LSI): Berkeley 14/28
  • Student residence offered by Language Studies International (LSI): Berkeley 15/28
  • Student residence offered by Language Studies International (LSI): Berkeley 16/28
  • Student residence offered by Language Studies International (LSI): Berkeley 17/28
  • Student residence offered by Language Studies International (LSI): Berkeley 18/28
  • Student residence offered by Language Studies International (LSI): Berkeley 19/28
  • Student residence offered by Language Studies International (LSI): Berkeley 20/28
  • Student residence offered by Language Studies International (LSI): Berkeley 21/28
  • Student residence offered by Language Studies International (LSI): Berkeley 22/28
  • Student residence offered by Language Studies International (LSI): Berkeley 23/28
  • Student residence offered by Language Studies International (LSI): Berkeley 24/28
  • Student residence offered by Language Studies International (LSI): Berkeley 25/28
  • Student residence offered by Language Studies International (LSI): Berkeley 26/28
  • Student residence offered by Language Studies International (LSI): Berkeley 27/28
  • Student residence offered by Language Studies International (LSI): Berkeley 28/28
reviews

Reviews

100% recommend

based on 6 reviews
5 stars
3
4 stars
3
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing

"It’s good to learn but I think I think if given the opportunity, you should focus on strengthening students' weaknesses."

茗閎 許, student from Taiwan

I like classes and teachers! It’s so great to make friends and can learn some English slangs and phrases. But because I lived in Fremont, it was so far to go there. Furthermore, I received it the day before that the first day of class had to be rescheduled, and the first day was just an exam, which ended. I don't like this kind of operation

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
24 Jul 2023 - 18 Aug 2023
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Don't be afraid to dream! Even if it seems that your dream is impossible!:)"

Tatiana Makarevich, student from Russia

The location of the school is very convenient. It is easy to find even for those students who flew to Berkeley for the first time.
I really liked the organization of the training, which included grammar, reading, listening and game formats that allow you to successfully assimilate the educational material. Training is conducted by professionals who really know how to work with students from different countries.

As for my wishes, I would advise you not only to study at school, but also to involve students in joint activities, excursions.
After all, it is very important when guys from different countries can spend time and get to know each other in an informal setting. Perhaps the organization of such events is currently limited due to the pandemic.

Another wish is a personal curator who would be able to accompany the newcomer from the day of his arrival in Berkeley.
A beginner feels lonely in a foreign country and often needs advice in the domestic sphere.

I can’t say anything about accommodation, as the school did not confirm the hostel and transfer.

As for the atmosphere at the school, I was really surprised by the friendly attitude. Since I am a citizen of Russia, I expected hostility and hatred. But thank God I saw understanding and sympathy!
And I sincerely appreciate this attitude!

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
14 Mar 2022 - 25 Mar 2022
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Great!"

Monica Cruz, student from Mexico

Great experience! I loved that the teachers are totally native, and being with a totally multicultural group accelerates the learning process, the location is very good because it can be quickly reached by subway, I highly recommend it, and I would take classes here again in the future.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Date of study
5 Aug 2019 - 9 Aug 2019
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Great Location and Nice Staffs"

Hideto Fujita, student from Japan

Language Studies International (LSI) is located at very convenient place. Not only BART but also AC Transit buses will take students every places where they want to go after lessons. There are many restaurants near the school, so students can enjoy lunch from wide varieties of dishes , Chinese, Japanese, Turkish, Indian etc.
Another thing I should mention is nice staffs of the school. They are always friendly and kind. Though my English was not good, they tried to understand my points and did their best to help me. Their kind and soft attitude help me not to hesitate to ask them all the time.

The class operations seemed like flexible than solid to class curriculum on a web page. As far as students have questions or interests to class conversations, the teacher tried to teach English along to student's interests than curriculum. I took 4 weeks Business English course in June. The course had morning grammar classes and afternoon business English classes. The class size was seemed small than other months and i could have more chances to speak out my English. Especially afternoon class were changed to free discussion class than business English, the teacher paid attention to teach English to express student's own thought effectively. That was nice for me.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
27 May 2019 - 21 Jun 2019
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"It was a really good experience"

Pamela Flores Mora, student from Chile

It was a really good experience for me.

First, the classes and teachers were great. I had two different teachers that always were trying to make the lesson interesting so you could learn more and they were open to answer questions and help.

Second, people from LSI are really helpful and friendly. They make after school activities everyday that helps to get to know different places, others students outside de classroom and make friends.

And finally, even thougth LSI´s facility were nothing fancy, it was ok. It was clean and it is located about a block from the metro station and not even one from YMCA.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
2 weeks
Date of study
1 Oct 2018 - 19 Oct 2018
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"A good experience for me and my son. Great!"

Stefania Multari, student from Italy

I really appreciated my class and everything I did at school. My host family was nice even if the location was too far from the school.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Date of study
31 Jul 2017 - 4 Aug 2017
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.
housing

Housing

LSI Berkeley offers the following housing types:
homestay

Homestay - Twin room - Bed and Breakfast

£ 233
weekly
Age range: 16 years old and older
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast (7 meals per week)
Distance to school: 15 - 45 minutes
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
Restriction: 2 students must book together
£ 233
Welcoming and friendly atmosphere

Carefully selected by our Accommodation Officers and visited on a regular basis

Choice of twin rooms with bed and breakfast or half-board

All bed linen and towels provided

Laundry facilities available in the home or at local laundry for about $5

Good and reliable transport links. Commutes range from 15 to 45 minutes.

Executive Supplement available

Homestay - Single room - Bed and Breakfast

£ 271
weekly
Age range: 16 years old and older
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast (7 meals per week)
Distance to school: 15 - 45 minutes
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
£ 271
Welcoming and friendly atmosphere

Carefully selected by our Accommodation Officers and visited on a regular basis

Choice of single rooms with bed and breakfast or half-board

All bed linen and towels provided

Laundry facilities available in the home or at local laundry for about $5

Good and reliable transport links. Commutes range from 15 to 45 minutes.

Executive Supplement available

Homestay - Twin room - Half Board

£ 296
weekly
Age range: 16 years old and older
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Distance to school: 15 - 45 minutes
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
Restriction: 2 students must book together
£ 296
Welcoming and friendly atmosphere

Carefully selected by our Accommodation Officers and visited on a regular basis

Choice of twin rooms with bed and breakfast or half-board

All bed linen and towels provided

Laundry facilities available in the home or at local laundry for about $5

Good and reliable transport links. Commutes range from 15 to 45 minutes.

Executive Supplement available

Homestay - Single room - Half Board

£ 337
weekly
Age range: 16 years old and older
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Distance to school: 15 - 45 minutes
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
£ 337
Welcoming and friendly atmosphere

Carefully selected by our Accommodation Officers and visited on a regular basis

Choice of single rooms with bed and breakfast or half-board

All bed linen and towels provided

Laundry facilities available in the home or at local laundry for about $5

Good and reliable transport links. Commutes range from 15 to 45 minutes.

Executive Supplement available

Executive homestay - Single room - Bed and Breakfast

£ 346
weekly
Age range: 16 years old and older
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast (7 meals per week)
Distance to school: 15 - 45 minutes
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
£ 346
Welcoming and friendly atmosphere

Carefully selected by our Accommodation Officers and visited on a regular basis

Choice of single rooms with bed and breakfast or half-board

All bed linen and towels provided

Laundry facilities available in the home or at local laundry for about $5

Good and reliable transport links. Commutes range from 15 to 45 minutes.

Executive Supplement available

Executive Homestays are often of a higher standard than other home stay accommodation. They are evaluated in terms of décor and some have a private bathroom (en-suite or sole use) and/or extra facilities such as a television in the bedroom.

Excecutive homestay - Single room - Half Board

£ 412
weekly
Age range: 16 years old and older
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Distance to school: 15 - 45 minutes
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
£ 412
Welcoming and friendly atmosphere

Carefully selected by our Accommodation Officers and visited on a regular basis

Choice of single rooms with bed and breakfast or half-board

All bed linen and towels provided

Laundry facilities available in the home or at local laundry for about $5

Good and reliable transport links. Commutes range from 15 to 45 minutes.

Executive Supplement available

Executive Homestays are often of a higher standard than other home stay accommodation. They are evaluated in terms of décor and some have a private bathroom (en-suite or sole use) and/or extra facilities such as a television in the bedroom.
student-residence

Downtown Berkeley YMCA Residence - Single room (no meals)

£ 304
weekly
Age range: 18 years old and older
Housing type: Student residence
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: No meals
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, wireless internet, tV room, 24/7 supervision, and sports facilities
Distance to school: 1 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
£ 304
Location: 1 minute walk to LSI\

Rooms: Single & double (available when 2 people book)

Meals: Morning coffee & tea

Facilities: Fitness facilities (3 swimming pools, cardio and exercise equipment, and fitness classes), internet
lounge with wireless internet, laundry facilities and community kitchen

Availability: Year-round minimum booking of 2 weeks

Other: 24 hour CCTV security. Minimum age is 18
visa

Visa support

We cannot apply for visas on behalf of students. However, the school can supply you with all the documentation you need to support your visa application.

If you are studying full time in the United States for more than 18 hours per week, you will receive an I-20 that you need to submit to the US embassy along with your F-1 student visa application. The I-20 has a SEVIS tracking number on it. Students who wish to apply for a student visa must pay the SEVIS fee online before going to the US embassy or consulate for their visa interview.

Your I-20 will be sent to your home address by regular mail at no charge to you. If you wish to receive your paperwork by express mail, you will be charged $95 when you register.

Please note that United States law states that an I-20 can only be issued to students who intend to pursue full-time English language studies. United States law does not permit students to study part-time with an F-1 Student Visa. If you are studying for less than 18 hours per week, you have to apply for a Visitor Visa (B1/B2) on your own.

Learn more about how to get a US student visa »

Flights and airport transfer

Please note that we do not book flights for our students. If you are researching airfare costs, we recommend using Kayak.com, a search engine that lets you compare flight options from your home country to Berkeley based on your budget, schedule and preferences.

Travel insurance

Study abroad worry-free with Language International's health and personal effects insurance coverage. When you book a course with us, you can opt to purchase an international insurance plan that covers not only your health care cost but also loss of your personal belongings. You must book your insurance in advance when you register.

Learn more about our insurance plan »

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questions

Questions and answers

Have questions? Get answers from Language Studies International (LSI): Berkeley staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.

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