Halloween in San Diego: 12 Recommendations for International Students (PART 1)

By TOEFL Nick

[GO DIRECTLY TO PART 2--->]

San Diego is the best Halloween city in the United States. The perfect October weather allows everyone to celebrate both indoors and outdoors, while our friends in Northern California and on the East Coast are already starting to freeze in the autumn and winter weather conditions there.

I've been teaching English and TOEFL to international students for years in San Diego, living in San Diego even longer, and celebrating Halloween even longer than that. Over this time I've learned some valuable lessons about how to make sure that everyone is aware of super-fun and safe Halloween events for international students. As always, I want to make sure that San Diego International Students have the knowledge to enjoy this fantastic cultural event in the USA. Here are my twelve Halloween recommendations for you and your friends this year:


1. Wear a costume. Really.

Dressing up in a funny costume may seem embarrassing at first, but I have surveyed hundreds of students in my time as a teacher. Students who wear costumes have a lot of fun and they tell all of their friends back home about all of the Halloween good times they experienced. Students who don't wear costumes frequently regret it after Halloween is over. Believe me. Costumes don't have to cost a lot of money and don't have to be complicated. There are a lot of options that are not embarrassing at all, but are still a lot of fun. For example, a baseball player could be a great costume that's not embarrassing, not complicated, not expensive, and totally comfortable. Here's a good little list of costume shops and Halloween stores in San Diego.

[RELATED PHOTO ALBUM: Halloween Store Scavenger Hunt for Connect English Students]



2. Decide early which events you'd like to visit.

Don't wait until Halloween weekend to make your plan. There are many, many events happening around town. One of my biggest regrets of Halloweens past is having to argue with my friends on Halloween night about which event will be better. It's much smarter to decide a few days before the weekend. Here is a 2014 San Diego Halloween events list for international students and for locals:

Through October - The Haunted Trail, The Haunted Hotel & The Scream Zone

Saturday, Oct. 25th - The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Kensington)

Friday, Oct. 25th - Rock 105.3 Boo Ball (Balboa Park)

Saturday, Oct. 26th - The Nightmare on Normal Street (Hillcrest)

Wednesday, Oct. 29th - San Diego Experiences' "Zombies on the Dance Floor" at Fluxx (Downtown) THIS IS AN 18+ EVENT! :-)

[RELATED PHOTO ALBUM: Halloween Party 2013 at Connect English]

Thursday, Oct. 30th - 91X Boos Cruise (San Diego Bay)

Thursday, Oct. 29th, 30th & 31st - Halloween PubCrawl San Diego (Gaslamp)

HALLOWEEN NIGHT - Friday, October 31st - Monster Bash (Downtown)

HALLOWEEN NIGHT - Friday, October 31st - Hard Rock Hotel Halloween 2014 (Downtown)

HALLOWEEN NIGHT - Friday, October 31st - Titanic Masquerade (boat cruise on San Diego Bay)

Saturday, Nov. 1st and Sunday, Nov. 2nd - Dia de los Muertos (Old Town)


*These events will be updated regularly, so visit this page again for more information, dates and locations.


3. House parties are good, but officially sanctioned events are safer and are still a lot of fun.

Organized events around town have security staff and are properly planned so that they can accommodate large numbers of people. If you go to a house party, be prepared for long bathroom lines and the possibility of the police arriving and telling everyone to leave. Most organized events are pretty centrally located, too. This means that they're easy to reach by public transit, and taxis are easier to find afterward.



4. Organize your transportation plans early.

Make sure you have a designated driver or a bus/trolley/taxi plan. Do not drink and drive (ever!). There are so many people walking around town, and so many police. Don't take your chances. It's too easy to hurt yourself, your friends, or even strangers if you decide to drink and drive. There are plenty of safe ways to get around on Halloween if you plan just a little bit. Talk with your friends and decide who will be the sober driver, or plan with them to use San Diego MTS services to reach your destination. Also, research the schedules of buses and trolleys because the schedule changes after midnight on most days for many routes. Many parties in Downtown San Diego offer special admission deals that include discounted hotel rooms nearby so that you don't have to worry about returning to your house after their Halloween party.



5. Keep a few taxi service telephone numbers in your phone.

Taxi companies are very busy over Halloween weekend. Frequently it will take more than an hour to arrange for a pick-up. If you have three or four numbers saved in your phone, you'll be able to get home easily.

Here are some taxi company phone numbers that you can program into your phone now:

Orange Cab - (619) 223-5555
USA Cab - (619) 231-1144
Yellow Cab - (619) 444-4444
San Diego Cab - (619) 226-8294
Or download the Uber app on your smart phone. It's great!


6. Don't wear costumes with masks.

Do you like to eat? Do you like to drink? Do you like to talk? Do you like to see? Do you like to breathe? Imagine how difficult all of these things are when you have a mask covering your face. It's especially sad when the mask really completes the costume, but the person has to keep the mask pulled up over the top of their head most of the time so that they can breathe. You may find some excellent-looking masks at the Halloween store, but believe me: you'll regret choosing them.



[GO TO PART 2 FOR MORE RECOMMENDATIONS--->]

Halloween in San Diego: 12 Recommendations for International Students (PART 2)

By TOEFL Nick

Part 2 of our Halloween recommendations blog is here! Connect English wants the international students in San Diego to understand how great this cultural celebration can be, IF they plan at least a little. Take a look at recommendations 7 - 12 today and start thinking about what you and your friends will do for Halloween in San Diego in 2013. Make sure that you get a good costume, know when great events are happening, plan some good times with your friends, and follow the rest of this advice so you can be a Halloween expert right away.

[<---RETURN TO PART 1]


7. Don't choose a costume that has big fake props.

Most people spend their Halloween walking, dancing, giving high-fives and sometimes holding beverages. All of these things are a lot harder to do when you have to carry around a fake knife, a rubber chicken, a fruit basket, or some big, heavy parts of your costume. Anything that makes it difficult to walk or stand is also a bad idea. Here is one good example of a costume that is probably not very smart. Can you see why? And can you imagine walking around with all this stuff all night? Forget it.



8. Wear costumes with wigs, makeup, funny hats, pockets, etc. instead.

All of these things make your Halloween much more fun and manageable than if you wear a bad costume with a mask or fake weapons and toys that you have to carry around all weekend (#s 6 and 7 above). A purse or a backpack is always a great idea for you or one of your friends to have as well. This way you can keep your wallet, your ID, your credit or debit cards, your camera (see #9 below) and your cell phone secure. Can you imagine trying to carry all of those things around while wearing this tiny costume? Be prepared for event security guards to search your purse or backpack, though. Remember, Halloween is fun because you can talk and walk and laugh with good people. If your costume makes these things difficult, you will not have as much fun. Wear a costume that is light and flexible, not heavy and cumbersome.



9. Bring a camera, of course!

You are definitely going to want to take pictures of the events you'll attend, the costumes you'll see, the people you'll meet, and the hilarious things you and your friends will do. Want to see some pictures of regular people having tons of fun on Halloween? Here is a website full of Halloween photo albums from all around San Diego. Imagine how jealous your friends back home will be when they see how fantastic your experience in San Diego has been, and the culture that you have experienced as you learn English. You will want to remember Halloween in San Diego forever.



10. Carve pumpkins!

If you have the chance to carve pumpkins, do it! You'll have a lot of fun. Pumpkins can be bought at your local Vons, Ralphs or Albertsons any time in the month of October. Connect English will have a pumpkin carving event/contest later this month, so keep your eyes open. You will never forget it!

Last year's pumpkin-carving day at Connect English [YouTube] was a fresh and educational experience for all of our students.

[RELATED PHOTO ALBUM: Carving Pumpkins at Connect English]



11. Try pumpkin-flavored everything.

Pumpkin pie is amazing. Starbucks pumpkin spice lattes are delicious. Pumpkin bread, pumpkin soup, pumpkin beer, pumpkin ice cream, and just plain pumpkin seeds are seasonal foods that you'll remember for a long time. But you won't remember them if you're afraid to try them, and many of them are not available once October ends. You can't afford to wait!



12. Be adventurous. Don't be afraid of the fun!

Participate in the student activities that your school offers. They'll help you understand and become more comfortable with how to celebrate Halloween in the USA. It is understandable that international students are a little bit uncertain about this unique season in the USA. But don't let your uncertainty ruin your opportunity to have one of the best experiences of your life. Ask a teacher, a roommate or any American friend about Halloween and we will be happy to tell you more. I promise!


-Nick


[<---RETURN TO PART 1]

Do you have more advice for San Diego international students this Halloween? Please write a comment below. With your recommendations, we can make sure that even more people have as much fun on Halloween as I have had in my life. Wow, I'm getting excited!

Pass this information along to your friends.

It's the goal of Connect English for all international students to have a fun, memorable and safe Halloween in San Diego.

Are you looking for a school that gives you the complete experience in San Diego? Connect English Language Institute is more than just a basic language school. Our events and activities help students explore and enjoy San Diego, and our special services assure that your education investment will help you improve your English. When you want a school that does more but costs less, contact Connect English.

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 ---->

Great Things about Connect English, La Jolla: FOOD TRUCKS! Mmmmm...

PHRASAL VERB PRACTICE:

Have you 1. tried _____ (on/out) food trucks yet? They're really 2. catching _____ (up/on) in California and around the USA these days! In many commercial neighborhoods, each day a variety of trucks 3. stop _____ (around/by) for a couple of hours to offer lunch. Students can 4. pick ____ (on/out) a sandwich, french fries, salads, or any other items from the menus that are offered by the trucks. They're a great and healthy alternative to 5. picking _____ (over/up) fast food burgers.

Students of Connect English, La Jolla have a lot of food truck options during the week. One example is the food truck called God Save the Cuisine. They'll cook famous British fish and chips, a lamb sandwich on naan bread, or a grass-fed beef burger. On Thursdays when this truck visits our neighborhood, our students frequently 6. hang _____ (up/out) on the lawn where the food truck has stopped. The students like to 7. chill _____ (out/down) and sometimes 8. pig _____ (up/out) on their delicious food during the lunch break between Connect English core classes and skills classes.

On Tuesdays, another truck that arrives often is Simply Fresh. If you 9. look _____ (around/up) their menu on their website, you'll see that they 10. serve _____ (up/out) a great variety of sandwiches and side dishes. 11. Check _____ (up/out) their website to see more of what our students eat when they are here.

If you want to study at the best English school in San Diego, 12. sign _____ (in/up) for programs today. Along with the other students in our programs, you'll 13. look forward _____ (for/to) the food options that will come to the neighborhood each week.



Are you looking for a school that gives you the complete experience in San Diego? Connect English Language Institute is more than just a basic language school. Our events and activities help students explore and enjoy San Diego, and our special services assure that your education investment will help you improve your English. When you want a school that does more but costs less, contact Connect English.

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 ---->

ANSWERS:

1. out 2. on 3. by 4. out 5. up 6. out 7. out 8. out 9. up 10. up 11. out 12. up 13. to

Connect English Students are Serious about Final Exams

Because Connect English was established by teachers, we are serious about our students' education. One of the education tools that we use in order to keep our students focused on the big picture is conducting final exams every eight weeks. Students have to prepare for challenges in reading, grammar, vocabulary, writing and even speaking. Teachers help students review the materials so that they can learn a lot, achieve success, and move up to a more challenging class level that will help them improve their language skills.

Students know that the things they learn in Connect English classes will matter. They use their English skills every day, and with final exams, they also know that they will have to prove that they speak and understand English very well. Besides the grammar portion of the test, what makes the Connect English final exam one of the best language tests from any/all English schools in San Diego?

1. The speaking test:

Students leave class one at a time and sit with their teacher for five to ten minutes. In that time, the teacher asks the students questions that will make them use the verb tenses and vocabulary that have been taught in the class for the past eight weeks. Students get a score of 1-10, from beginner to expert. They are graded on speaking accuracy, pronunciation and fluency/intonation. Most students did very well, even though they were a little stressed. Good job, everyone!

2. The writing test:

Based on the topics that were discussed and learned relating to the grammar in their classes, students answer some questions and use their vocabulary to describe experiences and opinions from their lives. Writing is an excellent challenge for almost every student because it makes students analyze the details of their English. It is also very important for students who want to use English for their career and university dreams in the future. Writing in English is very important for formal communication.

3. The vocabulary test:

The best language schools in San Diego help students improve their vocabulary. Every day, students learn five to ten new words in their classes at Connect English. Then they can go out and use those words in their lives around San Diego. On the final exam, students have to prove that they can remember and use these valuable terms. If they spend the time studying these terms for their exam, they are more likely to remember and use the terms in their lives outside of the classroom as well. Everyone wants a bigger vocabulary.

4. The beach barbecue for students after the test ends:

When the exams are finished, students want to relax and have a little fun. At the end of our most recent session and test, Connect English held a barbecue on Mission Beach. The students had a great time with tasty food, good friends and excellent weather in one of the most beautiful parts of San Diego. Check out the photo album of this event on Facebook!


When you are ready for an educational experience that will change your life, come to Connect English. Our teachers and staff are here to help you examine your learning and life options so you can make a plan to attend the best English school in San Diego - Connect English Language Institute!

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---->

Meet Laura, TOEFL Student at Connect English

Connect English Language Institute is always proud of hard-working students. We encourage our students with every step they take, and we always want to give credit to students who achieve success thanks to their great attitudes and their focus on their goals.

This month Connect English would like to shine a light on Laura Petrella, who came to Connect English while she was on vacation in San Diego. She didn't want to spend her time just relaxing on the beach or playing in Balboa Park. She wanted to improve her English skills and get ready to pass the TOEFL as soon as possible. Here is a short interview with this superstar student:

Where are you from, and when did you arrive in San Diego?

I am from Rome, Italy, and I arrived in San Diego from Italy with my boyfriend on Sunday, September 12th. I have been in the United States for only one week. When I arrived in San Diego, I started my TOEFL course the next day because I didn't want to waste any time.

Why did you select Connect English for your TOEFL training?

I read about Connect English in internet and decided to study here because the TOEFL programs seemed very interesting.

What did you expect from your program at Connect English?

I expected to understand how the TOEFL test works and to have useful instructions and strategies for passing the test.

Were you happy with the courses?

Yes. I have found what I expected and more. Connect English has given me the possibility of practicing strategies for the TOEFL test and taking a practice test that is like the official one. This way I will better understand my level and my capability of passing it. The instructors also helped me sign up to take the test.

What are your TOEFL goals? When will you take the exam?

I need to pass the TOEFL examination to study in an American university. I will take the exam as soon as possible, maybe in October. After that I will begin my applications.

What have you enjoyed the most about the city of San Diego?

I like very much San Diego. I have enjoyed this lovable weather, the beautiful beaches, and the many restaurants, shops and places to have a good time. It is a safe city and the people are friendly and helpful when visitors have questions or need help.


Thank you for joining Connect English, Laura. We have loved having you in our classes and around the school, and we will continue to support you as you prepare to pass the TOEFL.

The best students in San Diego go to the best English school in San Diego. When you are serious about passing the TOEFL or improving your English to reach your life goals, contact Connect English. We will sit down with you and create a plan for your success in English.


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


READ ANOTHER CONNECT ENGLISH STORY ---->

It's Easy to Transfer to Connect English

Every week new students are coming to Connect English to see what everyone is talking about. Many of our new students have come to Connect English because a friend of theirs already studies here and is truly enjoying the classes, activities and services. Why waste your time at a school that isn't serious about your education? Our staff members are here and happy to assist you with enrollment.

Here are some of the great reasons to study at Connect English:

TOEFL preparation courses are offered for students who plan
to go to real colleges and universities in the United States. We are proud to help our students transfer into Connect English, spend the time to become masters of the TOEFL, and then transfer on to the university of their dreams.

Intensive English courses will help you become proud of your English abilities. All of our classes are taught in English only; other languages are not allowed in class. This means that you will be able to speak English better and sooner than at other schools.

The schedule options at Connect English are great. Classes are available throughout the day for your busy schedule. Like surfing in the morning? Take evening classes at Connect English. Enjoy trying new restaurants around San Diego in the evening? Take morning classes at Connect English. You can learn English without giving up your hobbies!

The Academic Support Center at Connect English is for motivated students who would like to spend extra time on their studies after class each day and even on Fridays. Students spend time in the computer lab and in the classrooms getting help from our teachers with college recommendation letters, TOEFL practice tests, and writing help whenever they need it.

For students who want to get a head start on their college dreams, Connect English offers the College Connection program. With a high enough level of English, students can take morning or evening classes at Connect English, and then take one to two classes at a real local university for transferable college credit as well. Sound like a great idea? Ask us for more information.

Connect English students are diverse, energetic and interesting. Connect English attracts students from Germany, France, Japan, Kuwait, Korea, Liberia, Thailand, Switzerland, Russia and more! This means that when you study ESL at Connect English or TOEFL at Connect English you learn a lot about the United States and a lot from students from so many other countries of the world; not just students from one single country.

Events and activities are another part of what makes Connect English a great place for international students. Frisbee golf in Balboa Park, American football classes, scavenger hunts at San Diego State University, barbecues on Mission Beach, and more!

Convenience is important for international students. With or
without a car in San Diego, it is easy to come to Connect English. We are located directly next to the green line trolley, a major bus station, and the 8 freeway. We are minutes from some of the best shopping centers in the city!

Are you looking for a high-quality English program at a price that you can afford? Come to Connect English and see the ESL classes in San Diego that everyone is talking about! We are ready to sit down with you and create a plan for your success.

Connect English Students Try Disc Golf at Morley Field

Last week the students of Connect English Language Institute had the chance to try something fresh and new in San Diego: Frisbee golf at Morley Field. Have you tried it before? It's a lot of fun.

They had been learning English and studying grammar all week long. This field trip was a good opportunity to get out of their TOEFL classes and Intensive English classes so they could enjoy the great weather that we are already getting in San Diego. Here are the pictures of the students trying it out and having a great time:























More pictures are available on the Connect English Facebook fan page. Look for more fun and exciting things happening at and around Connect English as spring and summer begin. If you would like to apply for classes and get involved in the fun, visit the Connect English contact page today and start asking us questions!

Connect English Presents: The Best Photos of 2009

2009 has been a great year at Connect English. We have had so much fun with the people that we have met from around the world. So many of our students have achieved their goals and been accepted to real American colleges and universities this year. We are excited to help even more students in 2010!

Here are some of our favorite photos of our favorite people and events in 2009:

(The album is also on the Connect English Facebook fan page.)



Kelley and Ing were the winners of the "Who Wants to be a Nerd?" game show at the Connect English grand opening party. Those glasses were their prize.




Students, friends and family members meet each other in the "Find Someone Who..." activity. Everyone learned some interesting things about the others at the party.




A group of students from one of our TOEFL preparation classes works on some vocabulary in context activities together.




We celebrate with the Urbina family as Nazari is accepted to Texas A & M University. Impressive!




Nazari is now a competitor on the Texas A & M University tennis team. She is traveling around the United States to play in tournaments and she is getting a world-class education.




We made a few trips to the Balboa Park museums. Andrea and Landryse were pretty nervous about the flight simulator.




This video showed them inside of the flight simulator. Do they look nice and calm?




Frisbee golf at Balboa Park was an interesting experience.




Javier and Adam are competitors. They spent the whole day trying to out-do each other.




Pierre worked hard and got his graduation certificate, and he's planning on coming back in 2010 for even more TOEFL training at Connect English.




TOEFL students plan out introduction paragraphs for their independent writing tasks.




Dermot Rodgers joined the Connect English team in 2009. He made it a great summer.




Javier graduates and gets ready to go to Musicians Institute in Los Angeles.




Sally and Wahine were the champions of the Connect English Flags of the World trivia competition.




These guys were excited to get onto the trolley and go to their surf lessons on Mission Beach.




The Padres play at Petco park on a sunny afternoon. Someone looks excited!




Looks like this picture should be the Connect English post card for the summer.




Tally-Ho glides gracefully over the waves and sand of Mission Beach.




The Spanish students made some new friends while they were here, including this little guy who they saved from a pet snake.




Maybe THIS picture should be the Connect English postcard for the summer.




The Surfing Spaniards graduated from their summer program with honors in July of 2009.




After the Spanish students' graduation, we barbecued in Mission Bay Park. Man, those guys were hungry!




Go shares his sushi with Adam before the evening classes get started.




Some of the students from our evening classes gather around for Cristina's agua de sabor. This stuff was strangely delicious, especially on a hot day in San Diego.




Mati has probably used the Connect English Academic Support Center more than anyone. She is determined to pass the TOEFL.



Landryse gets a photo next to one of her favorite cars.




Here's another one of their favorite exotic cars that they saw at the museum.




Andrea does excellent work helping the students and teachers of Connect English. We appreciate all of your effort, Andrea!




Another meal with some students. A little bit of this, a little bit of that. A lot of delicious fun.




Namwhan, Brittany, Mati and Adam work on TOEFL independent writing in the computer lab. It isn't the most exciting activity in the world, but it is very important for passing the TOEFL.

Mati keeps working to improve her TOEFL independent writing skills.

Add a caption

Another San Diego summer sunset in front of the school.

Another San Diego summer sunset in front of Connect English in Mission Valley.


Do you want to be in the Connect English Best Pictures of 2010 photo album? You can get fantastic English classes in San Diego from the most energetic language school in San Diego and have a great time while you learn a lot. Check out our website for more information on TOEFL courses and Intensive English courses that will help you succeed in English.