San Francisco Centre Guide - Embassy English · PDF file · 2017-07-14San Francisco Centre Guide #EmbassyLife ... students get to explore their new city and see sites like Fisherman’s

San Francisco Centre Guide

#EmbassyLife

Welcome! San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States and is the perfect destination for students looking for a memorable experience. Famous for its steep hilly streets and charming cable cars, the city offers sweeping views of the ocean, Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge. The famous area of Fisherman’s Wharf is home to Pier 39 where you can explore a variety of attractions.

With beautiful beaches, year-round free concerts and cultural activities, plus some of the best food, music and art in the country, this cosmopolitan city offers a warm welcome and an unforgettable stay.

#EmbassySanFrancisco

Embassy English San Francisco Centre Guide

#EmbassyLife#EmbassySanFrancisco

Student LifeAt Embassy San Francisco, students get to explore their new city and see sites like Fisherman’s Wharf, Golden Gate Park, North Beach. Students are challenged to put their English skills to use as they meet native speakers and take on projects as part of our Bringing English to Life (#BETL) programme. You can see some of these projects and the types of fun and exciting activities and excursions our students experience on social media. The official centre social media channels are listed below. Find us online to see what life is like at Embassy San Francisco.

· #EmbassySan Francisco · Facebook: @Embassy English San Francisco · Instagram: @Embassy English · Google+: @Embassy English San Francisco

Also follow #EmbassyLife on social media for what is happening at all of our Embassy locations!



Meet the Director

Contacts

John Lograsso Centre Director

Address: 1 Beach Street 2nd Floor, San Francisco CA 94133

For information and bookings: [email protected]

Phone: +1 (415) 447 9014

Website: www.embassyenglish.com

Partner information and on-line bookings: embassyenglish.com/partners

Emergency telephone number: +1 (888) 881 5415

Phone from outside the USA: +1 (610) 906 3462



Location

Embassy San Francisco Study Centre

California, USA



City informationThe City

San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States. The city is full of steep hills which offer views of the ocean, Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge at every turn. Being in a bay, San Francisco is surrounded by water – you can enjoy a walk on the beach or watch crashing waves against rocks at Land’s End. Even the mysterious fog has its own beauty. Beyond its splendor though, it is an open and welcoming city where no matter who you are, you can find a home in the City by the Bay.

Population

825,863

Climate

The weather is very mild in San Francisco. San Francisco temperatures seldom dip below 50°F or reach 90°F. It is usually between 60°F and 70°. Its summers are famously foggy and autumn is sunny though brisk. Usually, sun and a cool breeze can be expected. Pack a jacket even in August!

Major local eventsChinese New Year Parade and Celebration in February www.chineseparade.com

The festivities ushering in the Year of the Snake include a Chinese New Year Flower Fair Miss Chinatown USA Pageant (February 16), and the Chinatown Community Street Fair. It’s all built around a fantastic parade.

Bay to Breakers in May

The Embarcadero to the Great Hwy www.baytobreakers.com

Since 1912, tens of thousands of people have gathered in San Francisco to see the world’s largest footrace unfold as more than 70,000 costume-clarunners and walkers push off at 8 am.

Gay Pride Parade

Gay Pride Parade attracts hundreds of thousands of people from around the world and is considered one of the biggest Pride parades in the world.

San Francisco’s Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival in August

Golden Gate Park www.sfoutsidelands.com

This huge event in Golden Gate Park has upped the ante on music festivals going green and “leveraged San Francisco’s food, wine, technology and activism cultures, “according to Rolling Stone, “for a one-of-a-kind world-class experience.”

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in October

Hellman Hollow, Golden Gate Park www.hardlystrictlybluegrass.com

This free celebration of music in the park includes a who’s who of top entertainment.

Useful city linkswww.sanfrancisco.travel



How to find usDirections to the San Francisco CentreThe San Francisco Study Centre is located on the corner of Beach Street and Grant. The entrance is on the Beach Street side directly across form Pier 39.

Transfer to your accommodationPlease use Google Maps to find the correct public transportation option to the center.

TrainThe nearest station for both BART and MUNI is the Embarcadero about a 25-minute walk form the school or a 15-minute street car ride on the historic F Line.

BusMUNI Bus Lines 47, 30, and 8 and the F Line.

Useful transport linksTransit.511.org and http://maps.google.com/ – Directions around the Bay Area

Nextmuni.com – This web site will tell you when your bus is coming.

BART – Bay Area Rapid Transit

This is like a subway – http://www.bart.gov/

MUNI: This is all public transportation in San Francisco including busses and transit lines.

http://www.sfmta.com/



FacilitiesThe San Francisco Study Centre is in a modern red brick building designed by a popular local architect. The classrooms have views of Fisherman’s Wharf.

The school is WiFi enabled.

Facilities list · 6 classrooms · Student lounge area · Computer Lab with 10 computers · Ping Pong Table · An official TOEIC testing center · Library



Courses · General English – including Beginners level · English for Academic Purposes · Language Semester Abroad · One-to-one Lessons · IELTS Exam (Pre-bookable Elective) · Communication Skills (Pre-bookable Elective) · Advanced Business English (Pre-bookable Elective) · IELTS Exam Preparation (Pre-bookable Elective)

Course descriptionsGeneral English A structured programme to suit all levels, this course follows a general English syllabus and it is an ideal way to develop your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills for everyday use. It is offered in two versions: Standard and Intensive. The standard programme follows a core general English syllabus and the intensive programme combines the core general English programme with electives. It enables you to study in more depth, to make faster progress and to customize your course. It is offered in two versions: Semi-intensive and Intensive.

Entry level A1 Elementary

Number of lessons available

Standard programme 20 x 45 minute lessons

Intensive Programme 28 x 45 minute lessons

Average class size 15

Start dates Every Monday

English for Beginners This is an intensive English course designed for students with little or no English who need to make fast progress.

Entry level Beginner


Standard programme 20 x 45 minute lessons




Communication SkillsThis course develops oral communication and presentation skills students need to success in both work and academic settings. Improve overall speaking ability and gain confidence in meetings, classes and social situations.

Entry level A1 Elementary

Course length Minimum one week


Standard Programme 20 x 45 minute core lessons

Intensive Programme 8 x 45 minute CS elective lessons





CoursesLanguage Semester AbroadA long-term general English course – the perfect solution for students looking to gain fluency during a gap year of study abroad. This course is the most cost-effective way to improve your English. One free exam is offered for each Intensive level booking – Cambridge First (FCE), Advanced (CAE), and IELTS.

Entry level A1 ElementaryCourse length One to four 12-week terms


Standard Programme* 20 x 45 minute lessons



Start dates 04 January – 25 March16 February – 6 May29 March – 17 June9 May – 29 July 20 June – 9 September1 August – 21 October12 September – 2 December

Regional Holiday Policy and Visa Conditions:

Holidays are flexible and one holiday per 12 week LSA semester may be booked according to the regional school policy and visa conditions.

Australia: Students must book all holidays through IAC Admissions before arrival in Australia. Contact the admissions directly if you would like to schedule study breaks during the LSA programme.

Students may pre-book up to 4 weeks study break per year after studying for 12 weeks. Students may not change the dates or duration of their pre-booked study break after arrival.

LSA semesters run consecutively. If an LSA semester ends in October or December and a student will continue studying into the following year, their next semester will be consecutive. Their end date will depend on the Christmas closure of the Centre as it does with General English.

IELTS Exam PreparationStructured courses with highly experienced teachers who help students achieve success in internationally recognised examinations.

Entry level B1 Intermediate

Course length Minimum four weeks


20, 28 20 x 45 minute core lessons8 x 45 minute elective lessons



Advanced Business English An Intensive course which follows a General English syllabus with Business English electives designed to develop General English skills with a particular emphasis on use of English in business situations.

Entry level B1 Intermediate; IELTS 4.5; TOEFL iBT 32 - 34

Course length 2-24 weeks


Intensive Programme 20 x 45 minute core lessons8 x 45 minute ABE elective lessons



One-to-one lessons Private lessons designed to meet individual students’ needs and goals.

Entry level Beginner


Blocks of 5 lessons weekly, added to either standard or intensive programme

5 x 45 minute lessons

10 x 45 minute lessons





Sample timetableTime Monday Tuesday Wendesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

08:30 - 11:45 AM Core Class Weekend Trips to Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Yosemite Park11:45 - 12:45 Lunch

11:50 - 12:35 Standard Plus

12:45 - 14:15 Elective Classes

14:45 - 18:00 PM Core Class

Sample Social Programme

Chinatown, the Castro, the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, Angel Island, Sausalito, Golden Gate Park, SF Giants baseball, Conversation club, Writing club, Happy Hour, Taco Tuesdays, Ping Pong Tournament, School Karaoke, Culture Days, etc.

Your first day

On the first day of school, please report to the centre at 8:45AM. Please bring the following documents: passport, visa, I20 insurance and Financial Guarantee Letter (if applicable).

08:30-09:15 Welcome / Document Collection

09:15-10:15 Placement Test – Written Portion

10:15-11:00 Orientation

11:00-11:30 Placement Test – Speaking portionID Card Photos and Entry Key

11:30-14:00 Break for lunch

14:00-14:30 Return documents and distribute schedules



AccommodationWe want to make sure you’re comfortable and safe throughout your time with us. We also want to ensure that your English language learning continues outside the classroom. Choose to stay with a host family in their home or enjoy the community feeling of living in a residence. Either way, your accommodation will help to make your Embassy Experience a memorable one.

Trying to decide between staying in one of Embassy’s Residences and finding an apartment on your own?

Consider these differences…

Embassy Student Residence Non-Embassy accommodation

Social environment Isolated at home

Make new friends with classmates you live with!

Isolated at home

Embassy and Residence staff at your service!

Maintenance problem? Good luck getting the landlord’s help!

Fully furnished rooms with bed, desk, TV, chair, wardrobe, linen, lamp, etc.*

Buy all your furniture

Small or no deposit Often one to three months’ rent deposit

All utility bills included Internet, cable, electric, gas, water bills add up quickly!

Professional Security Minimal security

Flexible room booking 12 month commitment required for most apartments

HomestayLive with an English-speaking host and practice your English every day!

Most families live less than 60 minutes away by public transport. Choose between half board (breakfast and evening meal) or just breakfast. Students can also choose between single or shared rooms. We value our students and our homestay providers very highly and believe that your accommodation is just as important as your academic course. We try to match you with the right homestay host so that you can enjoy each other’s company and also have the chance to learn about similarities and differences in culture and lifestyle. We have dedicated staff that will help you with any concerns you have, please make sure your preferences are stated clearly in the application.

* Premium rooms also have kitchenettes

Minimum age 18

Dates available Year-round, minimum stay of 30 nights

Room type Single Twin

Bed type Single Two single beds1

Bathroom Shared

Price $462 $287

Placement fee $75

Deposit (refundable) Yes Single $425, shared $275

Kitchen Shared kitchen

Board Self-catered

Nearest station/transport Montgomery

Travel time to school 20 minute walk

Check in/out Saturday or Sunday Check in 15:00 Check out 11:00

Security 24 hour security

Reception hours 24 hour access

Internet Free Wi-Fi

Cleaning Rooms cleaned weekly

Linen Bed linen and towels provided and laundered weekly

Laundry Washing machine ($1.75) and dryer ($1.50)

Facilities Shared kitchen

Room furnishing Desk, chair, wardrobe, flat screen satellite TV

1 One room with two single beds that can be booked by students travelling alone

Columbus Residence - San Francisco 2017 Residence Fact Sheet

The residence Located in a renovated historic building in Jackson Square, North Beach neighbourhood, the Columbus Residence showcases the charm of old San Francisco. The area There are dozens of cafés and restaurants for students to try. Students can walk, bike, or even skateboard, to the Embassy Study Centre, located only 15 minutes from the residence. Transamerica Pyramid, the Ferry Building, Union Square and Chinatown are near by.

Why choose Columbus Residence• 20 minute walk from the

Embassy Study Centre • Ideal location for the independent student• Several cafés and restaurants around

the residence

Accommodation refunds after arrivalStudents leaving their accommodation must give at least four weeks’ notice. Accommodation fees in excess of this period will be refunded.

From the airportWe recommend using Embassy’s transfer service where you will be greeted at the airport by one of our authorised drivers.

Alternatively take the BART train from SFO towards Pittsburg/Bay Point and alight at Montgomery Street. It is a short walk from this station.

To the school 1. Head southeast on Columbus Ave toward Jackson St. 2. Turn right onto Jackson St. 3.4.5.6.7.8.

Turn left onto Kearny St.Take the 8 bus to the Fisherman's Wharf.Get off at Bay & Midway St. Head west on Bay St toward Stockton St.Turn right onto Stockton St. Turn right onto Beach St.

Transport costsA single bus fare is $2.25. For more information on fares and passes please visit: sfmta.com

IAC International Admissions Centre [email protected]

Visit Partners at embassyenglish.com/partners for availability or contact the International Admissions Centre at [email protected]

Columbus Residence112 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133

Map data ©2015 Google

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Minimum age 18

Dates available Year-round


Bed type Single Two single beds

Bathroom Shared

Price $490 $329

Placement fee $75

Deposit (refundable) $20 cash key deposit

Kitchen No Microwave and mini-fridge in room

Board Half-board (13 meals per week)

Nearest station/transport Bus at Sutter St & Gough St

Travel time to school 26 minutes by buss or 52 minute walk


Security/reception 24 hour

Internet Free Wi-Fi in common area



Laundry Washing machine ($2) and dryer ($1.50)

Facilities 24 hour reception

Room furnishing Desk, chair, wardrobe, TV

Kenmore Residence - San Francisco2017 Residence Fact SheetThe residence Located atop Cathedral Hill in the Pacific Heights district of San Francisco, many of the city’s best restaurants and stores just a few blocks away in the Fillmore Street, Japan Center or Polk Gulch districts.The area Safe, quiet, residential neighborhood that is just a 15 minute ride away from Union Square in downtown San Francisco.

Why choose Kenmore Residence• Safe, quiet, residential neighborhood• Combines the best features of a hotel

and an apartment• Many of the city’s best restaurants and

stores just a few blocks away



Alternatively take the train from the airport to Montgomery station and then the 2 bus to Sutter and Gough streets from where there is a 2 minute walk to the residence.

To the school 1. Head east on Sutter St toward Gough St to Van Ness & Sutter.2. Take the 47 bus to Fisherman's Wharf.3. Get off at Powell & Beach St.4. Head north on Powell St toward Beach St.5. Turn right onto Beach St.

Transport costsA single bus fare is $2.25. For more information on fares and passes please visit: sfmta.com.



Kenmore Residence1570 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94109 USA


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Minimum age 18 (16 between 11 Jun and 27 August)

Dates available Year-round



Bathroom Shared

Price $469 $329

Placement fee $75

Deposit (refundable) $20 cash key deposit

Kitchen No

Board Half-board (13 meals per week)

Nearest station/transport Bus stop on Sacramento St & Franklin St

Travel time to school 20 minutes by bus



Internet Free Wi-Fi



Laundry Washing machine ($2) and dryer ($0.50 for 15 minutes)

Facilities Common areas include television lounge and game room


Monroe - San Francisco2017 Residence Fact Sheet

The residence A classic San Francisco Victorian building built in 1906, the Monroe is fully equipped with a spacious game room and television lounge. The area Located in the prestigious Pacific Heights Area, close to Flimore St., Lafayette Park, Japantown and Russian Hill - culturally-rich neighbourhoods great for exploration

Why choose Monroe• Half-board for value and convenience• Combines the best features of a hotel

and an apartment• Steps away from the bus stop and one

block from the cable car line


From the airportWe recommend you use Embassy’s transfer service and you will be greeted at the airport by one of our authorised drivers.

Alternatively take the train from the airport to Embarcadero station and take the 1 bus to Sacramento and Franklin streets and it is a short walk to the residence.

To the school 1. Walk to Van Ness & Clay St.2. Head east on Sacramento St toward Van Ness Ave.3. Take the 47 bus to Fisherman's Wharf.4. Get off at North Point & Mason St.5. Head east on North Point St.6. Turn left toward Beach St.7. Turn right onto Beach St.




Monroe1870 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94109


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Minimum age 18

Dates available Year-round, minimum stay of 32 nights



Bathroom En-suite

Price $462 $294

Placement fee $75

Deposit (refundable) $250 + $25 cleaning fee (credit card)

Kitchen Shared

Board Self-catered

Nearest station/transport Bus stop at Van Ness and Turk

Travel time to school 31 minutes by bus



Internet Free Wi-Fi



Laundry Washing machine ($2) and dryer ($1)

Facilities Self-catering fully equipped community kitchen


Vantaggio Turk - San Francisco2017 Residence Fact Sheet

The residence The Vantaggio Turk is a comfortable residence with a friendly sociable environment. The building has an elegant facade and is a 10 minute walk from the Civic Centre and Asian Art Museum. The area The Vantaggio is located on a tree-lined residential street, located at the northern edge of the Gough/Hayes Valley, a quaint section of town close to the Opera, Symphony Hall and City Hall.

Why choose Vantaggio Turk• Community kitchen and dining area• Friendly and social environment• Free continental breakfast



Alternatively take the train from the airport to 16th and Mission and take the 49 bus to Van Ness and Market. The residence is a short walk from here.

To the school 1. Head east on Turk St toward Franklin St.2. Turn left onto Van Ness Ave & Eddy St.3. Take the 47 bus to Fisherman's Wharf.4. Get off at Powell & Beach.5. Head north on Powell St toward Beach St6. Turn right onto Beach St




Vantaggio Turk835 Turk Street San Francisco, CA 94102


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Student services ActivitiesAll centres have dedicated student support staff, who can provide assistance with the following;

· Course Changes: Upgrades, Downgrades, Extensions, Curtailments and Vacations

· Accommodation Assistance · Student ID Card · Student Proximity Card (entry key to building) · Activity Program · Insurance and suggestions for local hospitals, clinics and dentists.

· Incoming mail – Students are welcome to have mail sent directly to the school.

· WiFi connection · Airport Transfers

Embassy offers a wide range of activities. The activities program can be viewed on the Embassy notice board. On your first day, you will learn about the different activities available. If you have any ideas about sports/events you would like to see organised, please feel free to make some suggestions.

All students are encouraged to attend activities as it is a great way to meet new people and have fun at the same time. There are a variety of activities. Some activities have limited numbers, so you will need to sign up quickly or you will miss out.

Activity Price (USD $)

Walking tour of North Beach and views from Coit Tower $9

SF Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) Free first Tuesday of the month

Professional Baseball Game $35

Outlet Shopping Trip $20

Napa Valley Wine Tasting $95

* Please note that these are approximate prices and are subject to change.

Documents

San Francisco Centre Guide - Embassy English · PDF file · 2017-07-14San Francisco Centre Guide #EmbassyLife ... students get to explore their new city and see sites like Fisherman’s