ACA Malibu English Immersion @
Pepperdine University
Join ACA for the Summer-of-a-Lifetime!
ACA’s Language Immersion Program
Pepperdine University is nestled beautifully along the Southern California coastline – the best of all possible settings for the ultimate summer experience! Pepperdine is often voted one of the most beautiful university campuses in America, and with good reason! Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the campus is home to the set of Zoey 101.
Malibu is famous for its warm sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, the perfect setting for your ultimate summer experience! You’ve got the cities of Santa Monica, Santa Monica and Beverly Hills and all the best that SoCal has to offer. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, the fame of Hollywood, and the picturesque Pepperdine campus for magical summer in SoCal!
Program Highlights
- Ages 10 - 18 Years Old
- Up to 60 hours of English Courses (15 hours/week)
- A placement test will be utilized along with progress exams
- Modern Classrooms with Air-Conditioning
- Welcome Celebration and Orientation
- Cultural Exchange events daily with American Students
- 8:1 Student-to-Staff Ratio (ages 10 - 13)
- 10:1 Student-to-Staff Ratio (ages 14 - 18)
- Upscale Residence Halls @ Pepperdine with Private Bathrooms
- Exciting Afternoon & Evening Activities included daily including Griffith Observatory, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Getty Museum, LACMA, Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach & more!
- Weekend Adventures to Six Flags, Disneyland, Universal Studios, Santa Barbara & More Are Always Included!
2024 Dates & Tuition
Transportation is not included in tuition.
Weekday Schedule
-
8:30 am - 9:15 am
Breakfast -
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
ESL -
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Lunch -
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Break On-Campus -
3:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Afternoon Activities
(Choice of Several Options) -
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Shower, Change, Relax -
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Dinner -
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Evening Activities
(Choice of Several Options) -
10:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Residence Hall (Social Time) -
11:00 pm
Goodnight (Individual Suites)
Safety & Supervision
ACA has always been committed to absolute safety for every student. We maintain a ten-to-one student-to-staff ratio (ages 14 – 18) and eight-to-one student-to-staff ratio (ages 10 – 13) – 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.
Pepperdine’s campus adds an additional element of security, as well. The campus is a gated community with a guard booth and is patrolled 24/7.
ACA offers comprehensive medical insurance plans for students while they are in the US. There is an additional fee of $75/week added to the program cost unless proof of own insurance is shown at time of enrollment.
Travel to Malibu*
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 Pepperdine’s campus. There is a fee of $150 for a one way airport transfer service and $295 for roundtrip airport transfer service.
Of course, parents are also welcome to drive students to ACA directly.
Once students arrive on-campus, they will be greeted by our staff and checked-in.
*Transportation is not included in tuition.
Sample Timetable
English Immersion
ACA’s signature Southern California language immersion program offers the kind of personal enrichment courses that build confidence while also giving you the chance to grow academically, intellectually and personally.
ACA language immersion classes are held Monday through Friday, and are taught by distinguished faculty and specialized language professionals. Instructors teach in an interactive, seminar style, creating a supportive environment that encourages you to actively participate in each class and thus improve your language
Each student will be tested on arrival and placed in the right class for their age and English ability. We offer 6 levels, from Beginner to Advanced. Learning is through engaging and fun activities including projects, games, and group work. These encourage confidence, collaboration and, of course, communication.
The syllabus includes:
- Language input and language practice
- US culture lessons with American Students
- Excursion preparation/ follow-up lessons
- Online safety classes
- Project lessons
There is also a weekly review of materials studied.
Students will participate in 15 hours of English courses per week.
Accommodations in Malibu
A striking coastal town just in Los Angeles, Malibu is home to countless celebrities, and now you can call it home, too! You’ll live at Pepperdine with an amazing group of like-minded creative students and resident advisors in dorm-style housing. We pride ourselves on the fact that our residential amenities, top-quality food service and fitness facilities offer our students the very best. You’ll kick back in comfort at Pepperdine, 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!
- On-campus residential accommodation in twin rooms with shared bathrooms
- Separate floors for boys and girls
- 2 students per room
- Student to bathroom ratio 4:1
- Staff live on the floors with our students
Meals in Malibu
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided at the on-campus dining facility 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 some dinners, 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 three meals Monday through Friday and brunch & dinner on weekends.
Special dietary requirement – vegetarian and other dietary restrictions, such as gluten free, or peanut allergies are always accommodated.
Around Town & Beyond Cultural Adventures only at ACA!
On the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Malibu is a simply stunning place to spend a summer. It has the excitement of Los Angeles, the beauty of Santa Monica and the unparalleled pristine beaches of Southern California. Be sure to pack your sense of adventure!
- 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
- You have some big shoes to fill as you walk among the stars on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame
- Gaze at the stars and marvel at the iconic LA skyline at the Griffith Observatory
- Hang 10 as you ride a wave while surfing down at Zuma Beach
- 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 plenty of athletic and recreational options during your stay. You can lace up your running shoes for a jog on campus, or hit the sand volleyball court to practice your spike. 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. Just make sure to pack your workout gear — it’s going to be a very active summer!
Weekend Adventures
Complete your experience with exciting weekend adventures included with ACA!
July 8 & 9 Weekend:
Disneyland
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.
Santa Barbara
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).
July 15 & 16 Weekend:
Universal Studios
Go Behind-The-Scenes Of The Largest and Busiest Motion Picture and TV Studio In The World. Get Ready For The Ultimate Hollywood Experience!
Santa monica & venice
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.
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.
July 20 & 21 Weekend:
Hollywood
Hollywood’s Walk of Fame– 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.
Hollywood Sign– The Hollywood Sign is more than just nine white letters spelling out a city’s name. It’s one of the world’s most famous monuments and a universal metaphor for ambition, success, glamour!
The Grove– LA’s favorite shopping, dining and lifestyle destination is home to celebrity shopping sprees and special events!
Manhattan beach
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!
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.
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your Summer!
