San Diego's Best Events - Spring 2011

San Diego has so many event options for students at English schools in San Diego, and everyone else as well. Check our calendar frequently to see the new events that we recommend for you. These are the events that our teachers, students and friends have enjoyed in the past, and that we think international students in San Diego will love in the future.

If you want more real advice and recommendations about these events, contact Student Services Director Nick Sacco at Connect English in Mission Valley: info@ConnectEnglishSanDiego.com.

If you want to recommend other events (concerts, festivals, etc.) that you have heard about, please notify Connect English. You can submit event information through the Connect English website.

Spring 2011:
SEE SUMMER 2011 EVENTS


Tribute to the Reggae Legends
Date/Time: Monday, February 21st at 1:00pm
Location: Valley View Casino Center/San Diego Sports Arena
Price: $41-61
Why should I do this? So many amazing reggae bands and singers are at Tribute to the Reggae Legends (formerly known as Bob Marley Day). If you're a reggae fan, or if you want to start being a reggae fan, this is a can't-miss event. The fantastic music of Jamaica awaits. WARNING: You might smell strange smoke inside the arena of this event.
Website: http://tributetothelegends.com

San Diego Brazil Carnival
Date/Time: Saturday, March 5th from 7:00pm until 2:00am
Location: 4th & B, Downtown San Diego
Price: $25-$75
Why should I do this? BrazilCarnival.com presents an exciting Carnival event in the Brazilian style, here in San Diego. The event features Samba dancers, Brazilian singers, contests, Capoeria performers, food and drinks. Student volunteers are also needed for this event, so if you want to get involved in this energetic cultural event, contact them today. Christine and Brittany invite you aboard!
Website: http://www.brazilcarnival.com

Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp Quarter
Date/Time: Tuesday, March 8th from 6:00pm until midnight
Location: Gaslamp/Downtown San Diego
Price: $20 (in advance)
Why should I do this? San Diego Mardi Gras is one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations in the US besides New Orleans. Enjoy this American version of Carnival in the streets of the Gaslamp with thousands of other San Diegans as they celebrate the last day before the Lent observance.
Website: http://gaslamp.org

ShamROCK St. Patrick's Day festival
Date/Time: Thursday, March 17th from 4:00pm until midnight
Location: Gaslamp/Downtown San Diego
Price: $20-$30
Why should I do this? The streets of the Gaslamp Quarter turn into the rolling hills of Ireland when they are covered with green AstroTurf for this event. Three stages of live music, DJs, drink sponsors, and plenty of people pretending to be Irish for one day in the USA.
Website: http://www.sandiegoshamrock.com/

Carlsbad Flower Fields
Date/Time: March 1st - May 8th, 9:00am until 6:00pm every day
Location: Carlsbad, North County San Diego
Price: $10
Why should I do this? It is an opportunity to enjoy a relaxing day in a beautiful place. The flower fields are huge and colorful. Connect English students organized a trip to the flower fields last year and they loved it.
Website: http://www.theflowerfields.com/

The Del Mar Car Show
Date/Time: April 1st - 3rd, 2011
Location: The Del Mar Fairgrounds
Price: $17
Why should I do this? Three days of some of the coolest classic cars you'll ever see in your life. More than 2000 cars will be at this event, which also includes vendor booths, a swap meet area, seminars and beautiful car models. When you are done with the show, go to the beaches of Del Mar and enjoy this fantastic spring weather.
Website: http://www.sandiegocoastlife.com

Rise Against + Bad Religion
Date/Time: April 8th, 2011
Location: RIMAC Arena, UCSD
Price: $31.50
Why should I do this? Rock superstars Rise Against and classic punk rock legends Bad Religion put on a show of some new favorites and some legendary high-energy rock music from years past. Tickets will sell out fast, so get yours soon!
Website: http://www.riseagainst.com

CityBeat Festival of Beers
Date/Time: Saturday, April 9th from noon until 4:00pm
Location: University Heights, San Diego
Price: $32
Why should I do this? San Diego is famous for how many premium-quality, local breweries we have. Each year our local brewers win dozens of awards at national and international festivals. While visiting each individual brewery location around San Diego would be fun, you can instead have a few sips of every beer at this one excellent street party right in the middle of San Diego. Arrive early, though. The breweries bring a finite amount of each beer, so if you arrive late, you may not be able to try all of the favorite varieties.
Website: http://www.sandiegomusicfoundation.org

Taste of Hillcrest
Date/Time: Saturday, April 16th from noon until 4:00pm
Location: Hillcrest
Price: $30
Why should I do this? Hillcrest is a neighborhood of San Diego that is full of excellent and exotic restaurants. To try them all individually would take months. This event, however, is your opportunity to pay one price for a ticket and then try food from every restaurant in one day. Take a self-guided tour to more than 40 area restaurant booths that are staffed and stocked by some of San Diego's top chefs. Bring your appetite and your open attitude toward new things.
Website: http://fabuloushillcrest.com/


San Diego EarthFair
Date/Time: Sunday, April 17th from 10:00am until 5:00pm
Location: Balboa Park
Price: Completely FREE!
Why should I do this? EarthFair in Balboa Park is the largest free annual environmental fair in the world. Each year, the EarthFair draws around 60,000 visitors. This year the event features exhibitors, special activities for kids, live music on three stages, the eARTh gallery, a food pavilion, a showcase of cleaner cars and a lot more.
Website: http://www.earthdayweb.org

Coachella
Date/Time: April 15th - 17th, 2011
Location: Indio, California
Price: $170+
Why should I do this? This is the largest and most excellent music festival in Southern California. This year's performers include Kings of Leon, Kanye West, The Strokes, Duran Duran, The Arcade Fire and maaaaaany more.
Website: http://www.coachella.com/

STOMP
Date/Time: April 19th - 24th, 2011
Location: Balboa Theatre
Price: $20
Why should I do this? STOMP is explosive, provocative, sophisticated, sexy, utterly unique and appeals to audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered an armful of awards and rave reviews, and has appeared on numerous national television shows.
Website: www.stomponline.com/

Discover Pacific Beach Bocce Ball Tournament
Date/Time: Saturday, April 30th, 2011
Location: Vacation Isle, Mission Beach, San Diego
Price: $40 for individual players, $160 for teams
Why should I do this? It will be a beautiful spring day in San Diego. Go to Mission Beach and watch one of the most relaxing sports in the world. Like the OTL tournament on our Summer 2011 events calendar, this event features funny teams and team names, excited fans, food, drinks and prizes. If you don't play in the tournament, you can just go there to watch. That costs nothing.
Website: http://www.govavi.com/bocce

Little Italy ArtWalk
Date/Time: April 30th & May 1st, 2011
Location: Little Italy, San Diego
Price: Completely FREE!
Why should I do this? The Mission Federal ArtWalk in Little Italy is now in its 27th year. This energetic yet relaxing event features more than 300 artists showing and selling their work, more than 30 music and dance performances and interactive art for families at KidsWalk. ArtWalk brings the art community in San Diego together for this annual festival that offers visitors an unmatched opportunity to meet artists and purchase their work.
Website: http://www.missionfederalartwalk.org

Stagecoach
Date/Time: April 30th - May 1st, 2011
Location: Indio, California
Price: $149+
Why should I do this? If you love country music, this is THE BEST festival in California. Some of the biggest names will be there, like Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, and Carrie Underwood. You'll see cowboys and cowgirls dressed in their best outfits, dancing and having fun country-style.
Website: http://stagecoachfestival.com

Cinco de Mayo
Date/Time: May 5th, 2011
Location: Old Town, San Diego
Price: Various
Why should I do this? Cinco de Mayo is NOT Mexico's independence day, but it IS an excellent spring street party. Cultural performances and Mexican-style cocktails make this a unique day for Americans to celebrate the culture of our southern neighbors.
Website: http://blog.discoversd.com

[RELATED ARTICLE: THE CONNECT ENGLISH BIKE-LOAN PROGRAM]

93.3 Summer Kick Off Concert
Date/Time: Friday, May 13th, 2011
Location: Cricket Wireless Amphitheater
Price: $57+
Why should I do this? Ke$ha, Pitbull, Nelly, Far East Movement, Taio Cruz and other performers unite for one amazing concert in San Diego to unofficially welcome in summer fun in Southern California. Radio station Channel 93.3 San Diego offers an awesome show that should satisfy all hip-hop and pop music lovers!
Website: http://www.channel933.com

North Park Festival of Arts
Date/Time: Sunday, May 15th, 2011
Location: North Park, San Diego
Price: Free/$25 for special sections
Why should I do this? North Park has in recent years become one of the most lively and energetic communities of San Diego. New restaurants, bars, concert venues and events have been built all throughout the neighborhood. This festival is a showcase of the art that makes North Park unique. Enjoy food, music, paintings and many other mediums of inspiration.
Website: http://www.northparkfestivalofarts.com

The OB Beach Ball
Date/Time: Saturday, May 21st
Location: Ocean Beach, San Diego
Price: FREE! (but $3 for the beer garden)
Why should I do this? The OB Beach Ball festival is happening Saturday, May 21st, 2011 on the sands of Ocean Beach from 10am to 9pm. Experience the SoCal lifestyle with live music, great food, a craft brew beer garden ($3 entry), games, and more. Travel to and from the festival on shuttles from PB to OB, car share, Taxis, or your bike in order to avoid parking issues and to help the environment as well.
Website: http://www.obbeachball.com/

Red Bull Soap Box Races
Date/Time: May 21st, 11:00am - 5:00pm
Location: Downtown Los Angeles (map of location)
Price: Completely FREE!
Why should I do this? Spend a day in Los Angeles and watch a crazy race of carts that are only gravity powered. People build their carts in their own garages and speed down the streets of LA just for the fun of it. Get ready for laughs and lots of fun.
Website: http://www.redbullusa.com

[RELATED ARTICLE: SOCCER TUESDAYS]

San Diego Greek Festival
Date/Time: June 3rd - June 5th, 2011
Location: Hillcrest, San Diego
Price: Completely FREE!
Why should I do this? Treat yourself to an enjoyable Friday evening with delicious Greek food, imported beer, live Greek music and dancing.
Then come back the next day for more fun. On Sunday, repeat as needed!
Website: http://www.sdgreekfestival.com

Rock 'N' Roll Marathon and Half Marathon
Date/Time: June 5th, 2011
Location: All around the city of San Diego
Price: Free to watch, $125-160 to run
Why should I do this? Running through the city of San Diego, you'll have a chance to enjoy some of the best music that local bands can offer as they play their music on stages along the race route. Your registration fees benefit The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Website: san-diego.competitor.com

FM 94/9 Independence Jam
Date/Time: Sunday, June 5th, 2011
Location: Oceanside Pier Amphitheater
Price: $35
Why should I do this? Like 91X-Fest, this is one of the most anticipated summer shows of the year in San Diego. Radio station FM 94/9 brings together some of their favorite bands for your enjoyment. This year's show includes exciting bands The Cold War Kids and Peter, Bjorn & John, whose music has been popular in California for a long time. Newer bands like Surfer Blood and Band of Skulls will also perform.
Website: http://independencejam.com/

SEE SUMMER 2011 EVENTS

To learn more, contact Connect English today:

www.ConnectEnglishSanDiego.com
E-mail: info@connectenglishsandiego.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ConnectEnglish
Phone: (619) 283-2811
MSN: ConnectEnglishSanDiego@live.com


READ ANOTHER CONNECT ENGLISH STORY---->

The TOEFL iBT Advantage: Why Connect English Is Better, Part 2

How can you help yourself pass the TOEFL? Join the best TOEFL program in San Diego.

[View other parts of this series: part 1]

If you are studying at a language school in San Diego, then you have probably heard about TOEFL classes. Students can get TOEFL training from a number of schools in San Diego, but are those TOEFL programs always good? Are they always worth all of the money you have to spend for them? Do you really have to spend so much money on TOEFL preparation classes? Are the teachers good enough? Will you really learn enough to pass the TOEFL and get into the university that you want?

Connect English TOEFL courses do more for you. Continue reading to see the difference between the basic classes taught by old-fashioned teachers at other schools, and the modern, proven methods that Connect English can offer to you. Here’s part 2 of the four-part series about the Connect English TOEFL advantage:

TOEFL Reading

The part of the TOEFL that most students think will be easy is the reading test. Before their test, a lot of students feel pretty confident in their reading ability and feel like they don't need to focus on reading in order to pass the TOEFL with a high score. Unfortunately, unprepared students often finish the test feeling shocked and surprised that the reading test was so much more difficult than they had imagined.

When you prepare for the TOEFL at Connect English, you do more than just some reading practice and some exercises. You will learn to analyze the questions and use efficient strategies to solve each different type of task. There are about ten different question types for TOEFL reading, and for each one Connect English will teach you ways to be effective, efficient and confident.


Connect English TOEFL preparation classes use exclusive materials and exercises that are custom made for our students to succeed on the modern TOEFL. Our TOEFL programs don't use one old book every day. We use the best materials from a variety of books and then add plenty of supplemental exercises to help with the most difficult types of questions. And just like on the official TOEFL, dictionaries are not permitted in our classes. Connect English students depend on asking good questions and using brain power.

Here is an example of an activity that you will complete in a Connect English TOEFL class. Follow the instructions to make sense of the unfamiliar words in each sentence. It is impossible to learn every difficult or unfamiliar word that will appear on the TOEFL, but it is possible to figure out what each word probably means based on its context in the sentence or paragraph (click for full-size version):

• In question #1, what does relinquish mean? Don't have your dictionary? Don't worry. What do you think a king would probably do with his crown when he gets very old? Imagine it. He will probably give up or give away his crown when he gets very old. That is what relinquish means. Relinquish means give it to the next person.

• In question #2, what does critters mean? Think about what wolves and foxes hunt. Do they hunt trucks? No way. Do they hunt information? Nope, that's not what critters means. Wolves and foxes hunt for small animals. Critters means small animals. It couldn't possibly mean anything else.

Now try the rest of the sentences in that exercise, and then check when you're done. Your assumptions will be surprisingly useful and effective, and you will become more confident with the reading skills that you need for the TOEFL. You can do it!

These TOEFL Reading exercises and many more reading exercises related to paraphrasing, understanding purpose, categorizing, pronouns and negative fact recognition are only available at Connect English Language Institute. There are TOEFL courses at other English schools in San Diego. However, you can be sure that in addition to our affordable course prices, TOEFL teachers at Connect English are experienced, helpful and creative. They use the methods that will help you pass the test and get accepted to the university that you've dreamed of.

Our TOEFL programs work. See the evidence.

www.ConnectEnglishSanDiego.com
E-mail: info@connectenglishsandiego.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ConnectEnglish
Phone: (619) 283-2811
MSN: ConnectEnglishSanDiego@live.com


READ ANOTHER CONNECT ENGLISH STORY ---->

The TOEFL iBT Advantage: Why Connect English Is Better, Part 1

How can you help yourself pass the TOEFL? Join the best TOEFL program in San Diego.

[View other parts of this series: part 2]

If you are studying at a language school in San Diego, then you have probably heard about TOEFL classes. Students can get TOEFL training from a number of schools in San Diego, but are TOEFL programs always good? Are they always worth all of the money you have to spend for them? Do you have to spend a lot of money on TOEFL preparation classes? Are the teachers good enough? Will you really learn enough to pass the TOEFL and get into the university that you want?

Connect English TOEFL courses do more for you. Keep reading to see the difference between the basic classes taught by old-fashioned teachers at other schools, and the modern, proven methods that Connect English can offer to you. Here’s part 1 of the four-part series about the Connect English TOEFL advantage:

TOEFL Speaking

The best way to succeed with TOEFL Speaking is to learn to be confident. Imagine that you are sitting down for the TOEFL Speaking test and you have NO IDEA what kind of questions you will answer, and no idea how to organize a good response. Now imagine instead that you are arriving at the test with a complete understanding of each question that you will be asked, and a plan of how you can answer each different question on the test. At Connect English, students learn and practice every detail of the entire TOEFL Speaking test, including individual strategies for each of the questions.

If you are uncertain about how well you understand the TOEFL Speaking test, think about and answer these questions:

• How many questions on the test require you to give your own opinion? Which ones are they?



• Which questions on the test involve listening to academic lectures?



• Which questions give you the most preparation time, and which questions give you the least preparation time?



• What are the similarities between question 3 and question 4 on the speaking test? What are the differences between these questions?

Knowing the answers to these questions before you sit down to take your TOEFL means the difference between being afraid and being confident, and between being disorganized and being ready.

How about strategies? Do you have a plan for how to answer each different question? Let’s look at question number one, for example. How should you use your preparation time? How should you begin your response? How many reasons should you plan to use in support? What should you do if you have extra time at the end of your recording period?

All of these questions are the things that Connect English will teach you the answers to in our TOEFL MAX programs. If you are at an English school in San Diego, but you want to get effective TOEFL training that makes a difference, contact Connect English about the best TOEFL courses in San Diego.

Our TOEFL programs work. See the evidence.

www.ConnectEnglishSanDiego.com
E-mail: info@connectenglishsandiego.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ConnectEnglish
Phone: (619) 283-2811
MSN: ConnectEnglishSanDiego@live.com


READ ANOTHER CONNECT ENGLISH STORY ---->

American Football Class at Connect English - It's Free for You and Your Friends!

International Students Learn about American Society with Connect English Language Institute

The most interesting language school in San Diego is offering even more interesting classes for San Diego international students. Connect English Language Institute is offering an American football class on Wednesday, November 17th at 1:30pm. You are invited!

American football is an interesting sport that is very exciting if you understand the rules and the strategy. This is exactly what Connect English wants to help you do. The Connect English American-football fanatic, Nick Sacco, teaches all of the students about the best sport in the world. He'll help you understand what is happening on TV by introducing and describing the players, the strategies and the configuration of the game itself. This is your chance to learn about what all of your American friends have been talking about for the past few months. Are you ready for some football?!?!

On Thursday after class, after we have learned how to enjoy American football on TV, we will meet and play a friendly game of American football at Balboa Park. We will play a version of the game called flag football, which doesn't require students to tackle and hurt each other. It is a much friendlier version of the game that is still a lot of fun, and Connect English staff will be there to guide the students and coach the teams.

So, are you curious about American football? (YES!)
Do you hear Americans talking about it all the time? (YES!)
Do you want to be able to discuss it with Americans? (YES!!!)
This free class at Connect English is your opportunity to learn.

An education at Connect English Language Institute is more than just grammar lessons in the classroom. Connect English knows that international students learn more English when they use their language abilities to interact and participate in American society. Other English schools in San Diego are cheap, but Connect English is effective, exciting and affordable. Join us and experience the difference!

Contact Connect English today to learn more:

www.ConnectEnglishSanDiego.com
E-mail: info@connectenglishsandiego.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ConnectEnglish
Phone: (619) 283-2811
MSN: ConnectEnglishSanDiego@live.com


READ ANOTHER CONNECT ENGLISH STORY ---->

Going the Extra Mile: Homework Club at Connect English

Connect English Language Institute is built on the idea that an affordable school can still be a great school. Students shouldn't need to choose between good prices and a good education. A good education can be affordable too!

One of our favorite services that we offer to our beginner and pre-intermediate students is the Connect English Homework Club. Most of our newest students are hungry for more opportunities to use their English skills and to be able to communicate more fluently in American society. Luckily for them, our policy is that if they want more practice, we will help them get more practice. The Connect English Homework Club is exactly what they want...and it's 100% free for Connect English students!

That's right: NO COST.

Three days a week, an instructor stays after class for Homework Club and does a simple grammar explanation for all interested and motivated students. Then the students receive a short homework assignment to practice their new grammar. The next day, students bring in their homework and review it with the grammar topic, and then the process repeats with a new grammar point.

An extra half hour of grammar work a few times per week makes a BIG difference for these motivated students. Life is much easier when you feel more confident about what present perfect means, or the difference between past simple and past progressive tenses. We use those ones every day!

You have seen the other English schools in San Diego. Why spend $1000 per month or more to go to a large corporate English school, or $350 per month to go to a school that doesn't even care about truly helping you learn? There is a language school in San Diego that is right for you. The best English school in San Diego is not downtown or in La Jolla. Connect English Language Institute in Mission Valley is right by the green line trolley, the 8 freeway, and a number of bus lines.

Join Team Connect today!

www.ConnectEnglishSanDiego.com
E-mail: info@connectenglishsandiego.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ConnectEnglish
Phone: (619) 283-2811
MSN: ConnectEnglishSanDiego@live.com


READ ANOTHER CONNECT ENGLISH STORY ---->

Change of Status Success: Marina Receives F-1 Status in Only Three Weeks

International students frequently come to Connect English Language Institute for help: They need help with passing the TOEFL; They need help with improving their English for their career back in their home country; They need help with homestays and accommodations in San Diego. Many international students also come to Connect English because they would like to change visa status, become full-time students in the United States, and eventually achieve great things with their education. This is the case of one of our newest success stories, Marina.

Marina arrived in the US from Russia in July with a J-1 visa and worked part time in retail. She quickly realized, though, that her English was not improving much. Without formal English training from a language school in San Diego, she was communicating okay, but her grammar, reading and writing skills were not strong enough. She decided to contact Connect English for help.

Connect English took the time to meet with Marina and guide her through the difficult and sometimes confusing change-of-status process. Instead of making mistakes and guessing about the documents to submit to United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS), Marina received consultation from the Connect English staff. Working together, Marina and Connect English were able to submit her documents quickly, completely and confidently. This confidence means a lot for international students. Why be uncertain?

Within only a month, USCIS approved Marina's new F-1 (student) visa. She is now fully enrolled in English MAX programs at Connect English, and she will soon move into TOEFL courses. After she studies and passes the TOEFL, Marina will attend a university in the United States and eventually return to Russia with the education and experience that she needs in order to get a high-paying career for the rest of her life.

We are happy to have you on Team Connect, Marina! We are ready to guide you as you improve your English, pass the TOEFL, and get accepted to a university in the United States.


The change-of-status process doesn't have to be difficult or scary for students. With the guidance of Connect English Language Institute, students do change of status from J-1 to F-1, like Marina did, or they can do change of status from B-1 or B-2 to F-1 like many others have. Once students are approved, they can get the serious education from Connect English that they want. Don't let an excellent opportunity escape. Contact Connect English today to get the assistance that you need and join the excellent ESL program in San Diego that everyone is talking about.

www.ConnectEnglishSanDiego.com
E-mail: info@connectenglishsandiego.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ConnectEnglish
Phone: (619) 283-2811
MSN: ConnectEnglishSanDiego@live.com


READ ANOTHER CONNECT ENGLISH STORY ---->