ACA SoCal @
UCLA
Join ACA for the Summer-of-a-Lifetime!
Welcome to ACA @ UCLA!
The University of California, Los Angeles is nestled beautifully along the Southern California coastline – the best of all possible settings for the ultimate summer experience! You’ve got the cities of Malibu, Santa Monica and Beverly Hills and all the best that SoCal has to offer. It’s an endless summer of enrichment and adventure decked out in real California style!!
Southern California is famous for its warm sandy beaches and bustling city, the perfect setting for your ultimate summer experience! Dynamic, culturally diverse and breathtakingly beautiful, Los Angeles combines the finest the California coast has to offer. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, the fame of Hollywood, and the powerhouse Pac 12 UCLA campus for magical summer in SoCal!
- 2 Enrichment Electives Daily
- Exciting Afternoon & Evening Activities
- Weekend Adventures to Santa Barbara, Malibu, Santa Monica, Venice, Newport Beach & More Are Always Included!
- Optional Excursions to Universal Studios & Disneyland
- Upscale Residence Halls @ UCLA with Private Bathrooms & Air Conditioning
- 10:1 Student-to-Staff Ratio
- Local Private Transportation for ACA Students & Staff Only
- Optional San Francisco & Hawaii Extensions
2024 Dates & Tuition
Transportation is not included in tuition.
Weekday Schedule
-
8:30 am - 9:15 am
Breakfast -
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Course 1 -
11:15 am - 12:45 pm
Course 2 -
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Lunch -
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Chill -
3:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Afternoon Activities
(Choice of Several Options) -
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Shower, Change, Relax -
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Dinner -
9:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Evening Activities
(Choice of Several Options) -
11:00 pm - 12:00 am
Residence Hall (Social Time) -
12:00 am
Goodnight (Individual Suites)
Classes run Monday through Friday.
Safety & Supervision
ACA has always been committed to absolute safety for every student. We maintain a ten-to-one student-to-staff ratio – one of the lowest in the industry – to ensure everyone gets the unmatched attention and unique personalized programs they deserve.
As part of our commitment to student safety, ACA staff members live on student-occupied floors, accompany students on all activities and excursions. ACA takes care to use private transportation for our weekday activities and weekend adventure trips – never public transportation.
The Residence Hall adds an additional element of security, as well. The front desk is staffed 24 hours a day with trained personnel for your comfort and convenience.
Travel to Los Angeles*
We recommend that students fly nonstop to Los Angeles (LAX) International Airport. There they will be met by ACA staff members, who will escort them to comfortable, air-conditioned shuttles for the brief drive to UCLA’s campus.
Of course, parents are also welcome to drive students to ACA directly. Contact our office for further information on any of these travel options.
*Transportation is not included in tuition.
Our Electives
ACA’s signature Southern California program offers the kind of personal enrichment courses that build confidence for college while also giving you the chance to grow academically and intellectually.
The ACA experience gives you a welcome preview of college life, and still delivers plenty of opportunities to enhance your knowledge and pursue your interests. Get a head start on the coming school year. Do it all in an amazing summer setting, surrounded by new friends and without the pressure of grades!
ACA classes are graded on a “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory” basis, and all students receive an ACA “Certificate of Achievement” upon successful completion of each course.
Classes are held Monday through Friday, and are taught by distinguished members of the university faculty, graduate students, secondary school instructors or SoCal-area professionals. Instructors teach in an interactive, seminar style, creating a supportive environment that encourages you to actively participate in each class.
ACA fills courses on a first-come, first-served basis, so we strongly recommend enrolling in the program early to better ensure the availability of your desired courses.
Course Options:
You will be able to two of the following options for your stay in SoCal:
- Creative/Arts Course
- Business/Tech Course
- Athletics
- Personal Enrichment
OR:
You can choose one of the following options for your stay in SoCal:
- Internship
- Outdoor Adventure
- ACT or SAT Prep
- Community Service
Choose 2:
Elective 1 Selection (9:30am - 11:00am):
Elective 2 Selection (11:15am - 12:45pm):
You and your peers are divided into groups each holding a different role representing your tech start up from the CEO to CFO, COO to customer service and consumers. Each team is responsible for designing a new product, taking into account its user-friendly features and breakthrough potential. Teams are required to develop marketing strategies including doing research about competitive products, determining the sale price and advertising campaigns along with the profitability of your products. This program will help you think like an innovator, test your ability to work with a team, and push you to develop your leadership capabilities.
It’s time to throw around a little iron! You might be a varsity athlete looking to gain muscle and build power. Perhaps you want to balance your aerobic activity with some strength training. And maybe you’re just sick of being out of shape! This course will get you in the weight room and give you the tools to really work for peak physical performance. Instruction will build upon safe and proper techniques of strength training and conditioning utilizing a variety of exercises, equipment, facilities, and training skills. Students will depart from this course with a better understanding of strength and conditioning techniques. Don’t be intimidated. It’s for everyone!
Photography has evolved more dramatically than any other art form, and digital technology has revolutionized how we take pictures. This hands-on course will introduce you to both the basics of taking great digital pictures and advanced tricks for making them even more creative and compelling. You’ll learn how to crop images, adjust color and contrast, and save your work as a great keepsake of your ACA experience! Whether you hope to shoot fashion models and rock stars, capture images of rare animals in the wild or just want to take good vacation photos, this course is picture perfect! Please note: Some studio time outside of regular class is required, and students must supply their own cameras.
From sports stars selling SUVs to pop singers selling soda, advertising and marketing is a huge part of our culture. Sure, it is essential to business, but it also reflects our society. How do advertisers and marketers determine the best way to influence consumers? What campaigns are the most effective? What new trends is technology creating? If you’re planning on influencing others through advertising, public relations or marketing, understanding these concepts will be essential. Get a head start!
The impact of digital technology on the entertainment world has drastically changed how products are developed and managed and how talent connects with audiences. You will explore new approaches for success in today’s entertainment environment through the media and sports. Learn about business strategy, investments, joint ventures, business ethics, sponsorships, consumer behavior, and decision-making.
Are you afraid of studying in the United States because you don’t trust your English skills? This course will improve your English skills as a certified teacher helps you along. Semi-private classes are designed to help you, no matter what your level of English proficiency. This course will help you develop skills in pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, reading, listening comprehension, and oral and written communication.
Grammar
- Past Perfect Review
- Introduction to Simple Future and Formation
- Time/Adverb Clauses in Future Sentences
- Future Progressive Formation
- Review Future Progressive, Present Progressive, Simple Future
Communication Skills
- Review of Travel Vocabulary and Idioms
- Review of Holidays; Discuss/Learn About New Places to Visit
- Introduction of Debate Vocabulary and Debate Preparation
- Speaking About Favorite holidays
- Travel Practice Activity
- Create Travel Itineraries and Present as a Tour Guide
- Debate – “Is Travel Tourism Good or Bad”
- Group Work for Presentations
These days everything — and everyone — is online. This course explains how social media has not only revolutionized the social fabric, but also how to create a one-of-a-kind social media experience. Explore how individuals and companies use social media to increase their fame, following and value. Examine the business plans of the major social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and Tik Tok. This class will also explore how individuals and companies build successful brands across various platforms and the big question – what makes a post go viral?
OR Choose 1 Elective Selection (9:30am - 12:45pm):
Set yourself apart with a competitive internship! Landing an internship at an established company allows students the opportunity to experience and work in their preferred industry. An internship offers students the chance to learn by doing and have the opportunity to achieve their own learning goals, without the responsibilities of being a permanent employee. An internship also offers students the opportunity to work with a professional who can become a mentor – not only in the internship, but also throughout their career. With any industry, interns will learn what it takes to change the world in the competitive marketplace, such as the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
When it comes to starting down your perfect career path, nothing can make the difference like real experience. ACA understands, which is why we offer great internship opportunities. They provide amazing ways to pick up real skill and savvy. Find out if you’re ready to make it in the real world! Work in at the next big tech start up company or try your hand at some play-by-play at ESPN Radio. Whichever industry you choose, ACA works hard to find each student a personalized opportunity in the Los Angeles area.
When it comes time to apply for a real job, ACA internship sponsors are more than happy to provide references!
Please Note: To apply, students must submit a resume and brief essay detailing their field of interest, goals for the program and any qualities they possess that would be beneficial to the employer. These essays will be distributed to potential employers in the student’s chosen field in search of a suitable match.
“Only a life lived in the service to others is worth living.” ACA’s Service Learning course embodies this Albert Einstein quote providing, rewarding opportunities to spend time helping to make SoCal an even better place for its citizens and visitors. Our goal is to encourage our students to realize the power they have to grow as individuals while contributing to an environment of cultural understanding and mutual respect.
Earn up to 60 hours of community service! Upon completion, every participant receives a certificate highlighting the total number of hours volunteered and projects completed.
Past ACA Service Partners & Projects Include:
- Food Prep at Aaron Community Cultural Center
- Food Prep at Heart of Compassion
- Organic Farming at GrowGood Inc.
- Tree Replanting at Tree People
- Tree Replanting at the Santa Monica Mountains Fund
- Processing donated clothing at Habitat for Humanity ReStore
- Farm help and animal care at Big Heart Ranch Malibu
- Tutoring children at Boys and Girls Club
- Beach Clean Up at Santa Monica Beach
- Make-A-Wish Foundation
- Support Our Troops
Take to the waves or head over the wall! Whether you’re up for some surfing, paddle boarding and kayaking or you want to try your rock climbing skills, this course is the perfect fit for any outdoor sports enthusiast.
*Supplemental lab fee may apply
Southern California Life
Los Angeles is home to countless celebrities, and now you can call it home, too! Located in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, UCLA gives you all the excitement! It’s the perfect place for anyone looking for an active summer! We are surrounded the beauty of Santa Monica, unparalleled pristine beaches of Malibu, great hiking trails and bike paths, and you can even surf, swim or kayak in the Pacific Ocean! Be sure to pack your sense of adventure!
You can count on outstanding accommodations – this is ACA!
Staying at Los Angles has its privileges, which is why so many celebrities call it home. You’ll kick back in comfort at UCLA, enjoying safe, clean and comfortable dorms with in-suite bathrooms, internet access and are for ACA only. These rooms definitely serve up cool California style! ACA creates a unique environment where you’ll be able to concentrate on getting the most out of your summer, staying refreshed and ready to excel.
Excellent Eats
Choices, choices, choices! With ACA, you never have to worry about going hungry. Breakfast and dinner at the on-campus dining facility during the week feature a wonderful choice of kitchen-fresh entrees, a selection of side dishes, fruit, vegetables, salad bar, beverage bar, desserts, and fresh-baked breads and pastries. For lunch, you’ll have many options that let you enjoy favorite restaurants in Westwood. On weekends and occasional weeknights, you’ll be able to take advantage of ACA’s exclusive Dining-on-the-Town-Plan. It lets you choose great dining-out options at a variety of ACA-selected restaurants – and it’s included in your tuition! Your tuition includes includes three meals Monday to Friday and brunch & dinner on weekends.
Around Town & Beyond
With the Pacific Coast in the background, Southern California offers something for everyone, and the Westwood area is packed with plenty to do. You’ll have plenty of time to check out the attractions and activities that interest you most! Participate in an on-campus seminar or workshop, explore the shops, sights and scenes in Los Angeles, enjoy a favorite sport, or just relax on the beach.
Afternoon and evening activities are yours to enjoy. Play some tennis, head to the beach or get in a round of golf. Catch the perfect wave during a surfing lesson or browse the celebrated shops of Rodeo Drive. From semi-private sports instruction to creative arts workshops to cool shows, outings and summer concerts, there are new options to pursue every day!
If your sport is shopping, you’ll find the best shopping worldwide at the upscale shops of Westwood, Malibu Country Mart, Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade and Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive, where you just might rub elbows with Hollywood celebs. From Prada to Polo, Valentino to Versace, it’s truly a street of dreams!
Afternoon & Evening Activities
- Soak up the sun at Santa Monica Beach and jump the truly gnarly waves
- Hoop it up at the ACA 3-on-3 basketball tournament and find out who rules the court
- Get to know UCLA at its best during ACA’s welcome scavenger hunt!
- More than a zoo, it’s an animal sanctuary – admire the animals at the Los Angeles Zoo
- You have some big shoes to fill as you walk among the stars on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame
- See how your hands and feet compare to Hollywood elites like Meryl Streep, Brad Pitt, and Robert Downey Jr. in front of Mann Chinese Theater
- LA comes to life at the Universal City Walk. Grab a bite at one of the famous restaurants and then hit the trendy shops, all set under the beautiful California stars.
- See the gods at the Greek and Roman collections of the Getty Museum
- Gaze up at the Hollywood sign as you browse the fashionable boutiques on Melrose Street
- Devour a hot dog while watching one of the most storied teams in MLB history
- Pump some iron and get big on Muscle Beach
- Have your caricature drawn on the Venice Boardwalk and pick up a pair of hip new shades
- Catch a sunset at Palisades Park; it doesn’t get much more iconic LA than this
- Savor a latte while exploring the scene on the famed Abbot Kinney Boulevard
- Ride the dazzling Ferris wheel at the Santa Monica Pier
- Hit all the fashionable boutiques and watch out for the paparazzi on the energetic Rodeo Drive
- Sunset hikes, karaoke nights, bowling, mini golf, ultimate Frisbee, bonfires and more exciting activities and events are all part of your summer with ACA!
The Finest Fitness Facilities
The SoCal program offers outstanding athletic facilities that meet the needs of any exercise enthusiast. You’ll have access to state-of-the-art workout facilities such as the renowned John Wooden Center and plenty of other athletic and recreational options during your stay. You can lace up your running shoes for a jog on campus, or hit the gym to pump some iron or get moving on an elliptical trainer. Outdoor tennis courts, basketball courts and plenty of other options are sure to keep you busy. Of course, a game of touch football or a little Frisbee is always a campus classic. One of the most exciting things about LA is you never know who you may run into whether it’s Kobe Bryant shooting hoops in the Wooden Center or Real Madrid practicing out on the soccer fields. Just make sure to pack your workout gear — it’s going to be a very active summer!
You will have time to take advantage of all the outstanding options available at the John Wooden Center, which include:
Squash Courts
Indoor Jogging Track
Weight Room
Basketball Courts
Cardio Room
Weekend Adventures
Complete your ACA Southern California experience with exciting weekend adventures.
Malibu (3 WEEK PROGRAM)
Zuma Beach– Stunning views along the Pacific Coast Highway lead to three miles of pristine beach that has been a favorite for movie producers. Feeling active? Grab a volleyball and try your skill on the same beach the pros have competed on for decades.
Malibu Country Mart- A local celebrity hotspot, the Malibu Country Mart is a large outdoor lifestyle center or “boutique mall” located in the heart of Malibu.
DISNEYLAND* (3 WEEK PROGRAM)
Watch Dreams Come True at the Happiest Place on Earth… Be sure to check out Star Wars: Galaxy Edge, Fantasyland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Frontierland, Critter Country.
*Please Note: Disneyland replaces the day trip to Malibu for students who select this excursion (Supplemental fee)
Santa Barbara (3 Week Program)
Serious Shopping in Santa Barbara– Get a Mediterranean experience on the fabled “American Riviera.” This is one of Cali’s favorite shopping areas. Wander the cobblestone walkways of State Street and sunny expanses of open-air plazas and promenades in search of “must-have” fashions. Take a break for a gourmet treat, then get right back in the hunt!
University of California, Santa Barbara– Tour the breathtaking campus located on cliffs directly above the Pacific Ocean (optional).
SANTA MONICA & VENICE (2 & 3 WEEK PROGRAMS)
Santa Monica Pier– A favorite for Hollywood movie scenes, this California icon comes alive at night. Take a ride on the world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel or stop by the famed aquarium to get nose-to-nose with the ocean’s most fearsome predators!
Third Street Promenade– The world-famous strip features designer boutiques and award-winning restaurants, all in the heart of Santa Monica. The outdoor mall is full of colorful street entertainers and dancers enjoying perfect California weather.
Venice Beach– LA’s most iconic beach known for its bohemian spirit, Venice is a buzzing beach town. Free-spirited Venice Boardwalk is the site of funky shops, street performers and colorful murals. There’s also a skate park and Muscle Beach outdoor gym
Abbot Kinney– Abbot Kinney Boulevard features foodie hot spots, stylish boutiques and coffee bars.
Manhattan BEACH (2 & 3 WEEK PROGRAMS)
Known as “The Pearl of L.A.’s South Bay” Manhattan Beach is home to over 100 locally owned, boutique, and specialty retailers and lots of trendy coffee shops and restaurants. Stroll down the boardwalk and soak up the sun on this pristine beach!
Universal Studios* (2 & 3 week programs)
Go Behind-The-Scenes Of The Largest and Busiest Motion Picture and TV Studio In The World. Get Ready For The Ultimate Hollywood Experience!
*Please Note: Universal Studios replaces the day trip to Manhattan Beach for students who select this excursion (Supplemental fee)
San Francisco Extension
Add 5 days to your Californian Adventure
Add to your SoCal experience and explore the wonders of San Francisco and the Bay area! (supplemental tuition required)
You’ll remain in the secure company of trusted ACA staff members, as well as many of the friends you’ve made on your ACA program. Of course, you’ll also enjoy the comfortable accommodations and superior guidance you’ve come to expect from ACA.
From the majesty of the Golden Gate Bridge to the natural beauty of Muir Woods, the City by the Bay is no doubt one of the prettiest on the Pacific, if not all of America! And for things to do, San Francisco is second to none.
- Fisherman's Wharf – Set overlooking beautiful San Francisco Bay, Fisherman’s Wharf features great shopping, some of the freshest seafood in the country, and amazing street performers of incredible variety. Fisherman’s Wharf has been THE place to be in San Francisco since 1946!
- Pier 39 – Located on Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39 packs a serious punch! You can see the sea lions, take a whale-watching tour, find your way through the incredible Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze, thrill to the ride of your life on RocketBoat, or ride the movies (you heard us!) at the Turbo Ride 4-D Experience. This place is FUN!
- Alcatraz – Formerly the home of America’s most notorious prison, Alcatraz Island also has astonishing marine life, rare flowers and plants, and buildings dating back to the Civil War. There’s no end to what you can learn and see.
- Japanese Tea Garden – Take a trip that feels like you’ve gone across the ocean and back in time. The five-acre Japanese Tea Garden is an enchanting and fascinating experience – not to be missed!
- Golden Gate Bridge – Completed way back in 1937, this fantastic bridge remains a technical marvel and the most recognizable symbol of San Francisco. Put on some comfortable shoes and walk the 1.7 miles across for a view you won’t believe!
- Union Square – San Francisco’s shopping paradise! Be it in fashion, food or anything else, you’ll find all the very best names. A great place for serious shoppers or to just walk around and take in the sights.
- Chinatown – Breathtaking in its scope of history, beauty, art, architecture (and food!), spending part of your day in San Francisco’s Chinatown is an exotic vacation in and of itself.
- Muir Woods to Stinson Beach Hike – Take an unforgettable hike through the majestic Redwood forest to the stunning views of the California Coast. Along the way you’ll see eye-popping ravines, lush and diverse plants, and wildlife of every sort. An absolute must for the hiker or nature lover!
- Ghirardelli Square – Shops, restaurants and – of course – chocolate! One of San Fran's historic sites, it’s an ideal place for people-watching, putting a dent in your credit cards, and noshing on decadent desserts.
- Cable Car – Originally an alternative to horses on the slippery San Fran slopes, the cable car system is a must for anyone wanting a timeless tour of this beautiful city. It’s Frisco's favorite way to get around!
- Stanford University – Set in the tech capital of the world, Palo Alto, Stanford is noted as one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
- University of California, Berkeley – The oldest campus of the University of California system, UC Berkeley is one of the nation's top public universities. Be sure to check out the cafes, shops and music stores on Telegraph Avenue.
Hawaii Extension
Add 5 days to your Californian Adventure
Add to your SoCal experience and explore the wonders of Hawaii! (supplemental tuition required)
You’ll remain in the secure company of trusted ACA staff members, as well as many of the friends you’ve made on your ACA program. Of course, you’ll also enjoy the comfortable accommodations and superior guidance you’ve come to expect from ACA.
On the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii is a lush tropical retreat. It has the excitement of many villages, towns, spectacular seaside islands and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Visit Honolulu and Maui.
ACA will have staffed flights for the trip from LAX to Honolulu (HNL) and the return to LAX. Upon the conclusion of the program, students will fly home from LAX.
Hawaiian Island Adventures
- Waikiki Beach – Located on the south shore of Honolulu, the world-famous neighborhood of Waikiki was once a playground for Hawaiian royalty. Today, Waikiki is Oahu’s main hotel and resort area and a vibrant gathering place for visitors from around the world. Along the main strip of Kalakaua Avenue you'll find world-class shopping, dining, entertainment, activities and resorts.
- Dole Plantation Tour – Originally operated as a fruit stand beginning in 1950, Dole Plantation opened to the public as Hawaii’s "Pineapple Experience" in 1989. Today, Dole Plantation is one of Oahu’s most popular visitor attractions and welcomes more than one million visitors a year.
- Diamond Head – The iconic silhouette of Diamond Head State Monument sits along the Honolulu skyline just beyond Waikiki. Known as Leahi (brow of the tuna) in Hawaiian. Formed more than 100,000 years ago, the crater was used as a strategic military lookout beginning in the early 1900's. Today, Diamond Head is a popular hiking destination with panoramic views of Waikiki and Oahu's south shore.
- Pearl Harbor & The USS Arizona – Pearl Harbor, named for the pearl oysters once harvested there, is the largest natural harbor in Hawaii, a World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument and the only naval base in the United States to be designated a National Historical Landmark. The devastating aerial attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in 2,390 dead and hundreds wounded, and drove the United States into World War II. Pearl Harbor honors this history-changing event with the many Pearl Harbor Historic Sites.
- A Traditional Hawaiian Luau – Sunset is the perfect time for a traditional Hawaiian luau. Settle down under the stars while you listen to live music and watch skilled performances of the hula.
- Iolani Palace – The only official state residence of royalty in the United States, Downtown Honolulu’s Iolani Palace was the official residence of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s last two monarchs from 1882 to 1893: King Kalakaua and his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani.
- Maui – Known as “The Valley Isle,” is the second largest Hawaiian island. The island beloved for its world-famous beaches, the sacred Iao Valley, stunning views, farm-to-table cuisine and the magnificent sunrise and sunset from Haleakala.
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