University of California, Berkeley (UC BERKELEY)

Quiet Cafe Strada and Mel's, a 100% typical american diner would rank among my favourites. To have a drink I personally preferred to jump the bay to SF.

It is nicely managed by a department of the University, and through the web page they have an international student like me can easily get in touch with subletters, etc. This one facility they have, the International House, I think it's great for a summer stay.

When you register for these courses, a proficiency level in English is required, so when I got there I was able to communicate and understand the professors easily. However, my English definetely improved in Oral skills and Listening Comprehension. I was able to use slang and phrasal verbs myself and not so many proper "Oxford-english" words. Besides, and due to my choice of attending a long course, my writting also got more agile, to the point that even back in the evening in my apartment, I jotted down the shopping list in English instead of in my mother tongue!! How about that? ha ha

It was a nice surprise to see that the student card they gave allowed me to step in the public transport for free. They should do the same with the BART system.

I encourage you to go to the States when you're over 21, otherwise you won't go into clubs and you won't be able to buy a beer.