Learn English in San Diego

Whether you are just beginning to learn English, want to improve your English, or practice job-specific English skills, the IRC in San Diego offers opportunities for learning and practice. Our Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL) classes can improve both your readiness for the U.S. job market and basic English skills for entry-level employment. The Conversation Café is a unique on-line opportunity for women of all ages to gather to practice English in a casual and supportive environment.

+1 (619) 641-7510 [email protected] 5348 University Ave Suite 205 San Diego, CA 92105

Students show their assessments to a staffer

Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL) Classes

Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL) classes help you learn English language skills that are needed for getting and keeping a job. The program is a 6-week course.

You will be able to learn and improve your English language skills and your basic computer skills. The classes also provide you with work readiness training that can teach you the English skills necessary for entry-level jobs. In class, you may cover work-specific topics such as driver permit training, computer skills, home-based business skills, and industrial sewing.

You will be enrolled in a specific course based on your interests and need. Examples of these specific courses include:

Learning how to drive safely with hours of behind-the-wheel training on a driving simulator (when you obtain your California driver’s permit, you will be able to have behind-the-wheel training with a licensed driving instructor at no cost to you)
Improving your knowledge and practice of finance and budgeting skills
Understanding public safety
Obtaining a childcare license
Maintaining healthy relationships

Conversation Cafe

The IRC in San Diego’s English Conversation Cafe is a community group for women of all ages, countries of origin, and language backgrounds to meet with a volunteer leader and practice conversing in English. The English Conversation Cafe is held virtually on Zoom on Friday mornings from 9-10:30 am. This meeting is not a formal English class but a chance to practice casual conversations in English and learn new vocabulary in a supportive environment.