Mission Santa Ynez

Founded on September 17, 1804 by Father Estevan Tapis, the Mission Santa Ynez was named after Saint Agnes, an early Christian martyr of the fourth century. The Mission was home to the first learning institution in Alta California.

Ostrich Farm!

Welcome to Ostrich Land USA! Thirty minutes north of Santa Barbara lies a quaint Ostrich farm. The farm features a variety of ostriches and emus. Ostrich Land provides an interactive activity for students who want to get up close and personal with these fascinating birds. The highlight of the farm is feeding the ostriches and emus:










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Coppo's Group in San Francisco!

From the south to the north, the students have seen so much of California in only two short weeks! Laura Coppo's fantastic group had the pleasure of visiting one of California's historical and architectural gems. With Elizabeth as their tour guide, the group visited the famous City Hall, Lombard Street, Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square & Market Street. Not only did they take the Sausalito Ferry passing the historical jail/island of Alcatraz, they also dined at an authentic Italian restaurant in Little Italy were the students raved that the pizza was better than the pizza in Italy! The night finished with their stay at the classy Marriott hotel in the heart of downtown where the students enjoyed their memories of a wonderful day!

Beach Day!

Santa Barbara is famous for its sandy beaches and warm sunshine. Just a ten minute walk from English classes at Santa Barbara City College, students can enjoy Stern's Wharf. After class, we took a stroll along the waterside and ate lunch at Moby Dick Restaurant located on the pier.

Walking from SBCC to Stern's Wharf

Smile, you're in Santa Barbara!


Moby Dick Restaurant, Stern's Wharf, Santa Barbara

Ty Warner Sea Center

Today we went to the Ty Warner Sea Center in Santa Barbara. The students got to experience the shark tank, which holds swell sharks, horn sharks, thornback rays, and other related species native to the Santa Barbara Channel. These sharks are 12-inches long and friendly enough for the students to dip their hand into the frigid water to touch the sharks as they swim by.

We love the Ty Warner Sea Center!

Students were able to hold tide pool creatures such as starfish, sea anemones, sea cucumbers and more!

Octopus: The underwater "master of disguise" literally change its spots to avoid predators.

The seals are very "up close and personal" here in California!

First Day of Class

After traveling for over 24 hours the students finally arrived safe and sound! The students patiently sat through orientation and took their placement tests first thing Monday morning. Students will have English class every morning at the beautiful Santa Barbara City College campus, located right on the beach.

They have arrived!!

What an exciting week!

Beach parties, Hollywood, Venice Beach, Beverly Hills, Santa Barbara, bowling, movies, and even a fantastic pool party and home cooked meal by our very own chef, Laura Coppo! The students have enjoyed their stimulating classes, the beautiful weather, and road trips in the van! They just arrived to San Francisco last night for an exciting 3 day stay with Marriott hotel accommodations. All in all, a very successful and fun 1st week in California!