An unforgettable adventure begins
Hey lovelies! I'm Jil, 22 years old, and I was very lucky to go on a language trip with EF and one with my friend Naomi Rental cars from Sunny Cars for our subsequent road trip win – a super exciting experience that we both will never forget. 💖
A language course that inspires
From the very beginning we were impressed by the friendly atmosphere at the EF school. The C2 English language course was not only super educational, but also incredibly entertaining. Our teacher was very committed and, in addition to grammar, also gave us exciting insights into American culture. The interactive exercises and lively discussions made learning a real experience.
A home away from home
Another highlight was our warm host family. They were super nice and totally open – we immediately felt like part of the family. We often cooked together and learned a lot about American food culture.
Not only did we build a good relationship with our host family, but we also made new friends for life. With them we have the beaches of Santa Barbara explored and spent unforgettable days. The beach promenade with its palm trees and view of the mountains is simply fantastic. After class we often went to cafés, explored the city or went to bars with friends in the evening.
Freedom on four wheels
In addition to the great language course with EF, we also won a rental car from Sunny Cars in the competition – for two weeks! After the language course, we were able to fulfill our dream of a road trip through California. It was really great to have a rental car so we could explore Los Angeles and the surrounding area on our own. We spontaneously visited impressive sights such as the Griffith Observatory and the beautiful beaches of Venice and Santa Monica.
Insider tips for LA
Since I have already been in the past as Au pair in Los Angeles lived there and my boyfriend also lives there, I was even more happy to be able to show my best friend the city from a very special perspective. In addition to the “traditional” tourist attractions, I also showed her my favorite hidden spots – places that you don’t easily find on TikTok among the “Top 10 things to do in LA”. 😉
A highlight that you definitely have to try is a Bond Fire on the beach! Don't worry if the fire doesn't work right away – there are always helpful people on hand. For example, we met a great group with whom we later played games and grilled s'mores over the campfire.
If you're planning a similar trip, here are a few tips on how you can travel cheaply:
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Accommodation: Check platforms like Airbnb or cheap motels just outside the city center.
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Food: Look for local food trucks or small restaurants with inexpensive, delicious food. By the way, Taco Bell is an affordable and relatively healthy fast food alternative😊.
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Leisure Activities: Many attractions, such as the Griffith Observatory, the Getty Villa, the Getty Museum, and some beaches and parks, are free or have low entry fees. Some museums, such as the Broad Museum or the Walt Disney Concert Hall, also offer free admission days.
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Free Events: There are free pop-up events taking place in the city every weekend that are worth checking out. There are also many clubs that let you in for free before 10 p.m.
Conclusion: memories for a lifetime
All in all, our time with EF in Santa Barbara was an unforgettable experience that wasn't just ours Knowledge of English has significantly improved, but also enriched us with new friendships and memories for life.
