Columbia West College: Your Gateway to English Fluency in the Heart of Los Angeles

Columbia West College (CWC) is an educational institute located in the world-renowned city of Los Angeles, California, USA. Housed in the Koreatown neighborhood, the school is surrounded by eateries, bars, social spaces, and links to public transport, and provides English programs for students of all levels. With a focus on speaking skills, a diverse student population, and a convenient location, CWC offers a comprehensive and supportive environment for international students seeking to improve their English proficiency and experience the real Los Angeles lifestyle.

Location and Facilities

Columbia West College Los Angeles is strategically located in Koreatown, a vibrant and diverse neighborhood in Los Angeles. The school is surrounded by eateries, bars, social spaces, and links to public transport. Getting around is easy, with several bus routes and underground stations nearby, ensuring that Downtown LA and its attractions are within a 15-minute journey of the school via public transport. Los Angeles International Airport is within an 85-minute journey of the school via public transport or a 40-minute taxi ride.

The school facilities are extensive, within a high-rise building. Included in the facilities are a library, a lounge area, a computer lab, and an auditorium. A student support desk is available for any questions or queries that arise. All classrooms are equipped with heating and air conditioning, with most classrooms having ample natural light to create an optimal learning environment.

Accommodation Options

Columbia West College Los Angeles provides several options for student residences and guest houses. Please note that many options for accommodation come with a minimum stay and are all subject to availability.

CWC Student Apartment

The CWC Student Apartment offers a comfortable and convenient living experience for students. Located in a safe Los Angeles neighborhood only 20 minutes away from CWC (with views of the Hollywood sign from some bedrooms!), you’ll enjoy living with other Columbia West College students from around the world, as well as having the security of an in-house Resident Assistant to answer questions or help you with any issues during your stay.

Read also: Columbia University Legacy

The apartment offers the following features and amenities:

Bathrooms: Private bathroom for each room
Utilities: All Utilities Included (gas, electricity, water, and Wi-Fi)
Bedrooms: Fully furnished with bed, bedding, closets and additional storage, desk, and chair
Living Room/Dining Area: Fully furnished with sofa, coffee table, and barstools
Kitchen: Fully stocked with full-size range/oven, full-size refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, toaster oven, pots, pans, dishes, cooking utensils, and cutlery
Washer and Dryer: Located in-unit on the 1st floor of the apartment
Air Conditioning: Central air conditioning throughout the apartment
Balconies: Available in the living room and third-floor bedroom
Garage Parking: Available for an additional monthly fee

Room options include:

Double Room: $1,200 per person
Triple Room: $1,050 per person
Quad Room: $1,000 per person

Homestay

For students looking to experience more of American culture, homestay might be a good choice. Staying with an American family during your study abroad experience can provide a unique and immersive cultural experience.

Columbia West College Los Angeles offers homestay through its homestay partner Universal Student Housing (USH).

English Programs

Columbia West College Los Angeles provides English programs for students of all levels. In addition to General English programs, the school also provides American Communication, TOEFL, English through American Culture, and Business English programs.

The school offers courses from 16 years to 99.

General English Programs

General Language: Suitable for all levels: Beginner (A1) - Proficiency (C2). Starting dates: For all levels except absolute beginners: Every Monday. See starting dates for absolute beginners. Starting dates for absolute beginners who have not taken an English course before: 05 Jan 2026, 02 Feb 2026, 02 Mar 2026, 06 Apr 2026, 04 May 2026, 01 Jun 2026, 06 Jul 2026, 03 Aug 2026, 31 Aug 2026, 28 Sep 2026, 26 Oct 2026, 23 Nov 2026. General course schedule 2-3 daily lessons of 70 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level: Morning: 9:00 - 13:30. Possible course durations 1-99 weeks. Minimum required student age 18 years. Students per class Maximum: 15 / Average: 13.
English Speaking Success (F1): 12 lessons per week | 15 students (max). Starts weekly (every Monday). Suitable for absolute beginners.
English Speaking Success (Part-time 12): 12 lessons per week | 15 students (max). Starts weekly (every Monday). Required minimum language level Lower intermediate (B1) or higher. Minimum required student age 16 years. Students per class Maximum: 15 / Average: 13. General course schedule 2-3 daily lessons of 70 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level: Morning: 9:00 - 13:30. Possible course durations 4, 12, 24, 36, 48 weeks.
English Speaking Success (Part-time 16): 16 lessons per week | 15 students (max). Starts weekly (every Monday). Suitable for all levels: Beginner (A1) - Proficiency (C2). Minimum required student age 18 years. Students per class Maximum: 15 / Average: 13. General course schedule 3-4 daily lessons of 70 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level: Morning: 9:00 - 13:30. Possible course durations 1-99 weeks.

Specialized English Programs

Empowering English: 18 lessons per week | 15 students (max). Starts weekly (every Monday). Required minimum language level Advanced (C1) or higher. Minimum required student age 18 years. Students per class Maximum: 15 / Average: 13. General course schedule 3-4 daily lessons of 70 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. Afternoon: 18:00 - 21:55. Possible course durations 4, 12, 24, 36, 48 weeks.
Empowering English (Part-time 12): 18 lessons per week | 15 students (max). Starts weekly (every Monday). General course schedule 3-4 daily lessons of 70 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The average age outside summer is 3 years higher than in summer. Average number of students In summer: 200. Throughout the year: 180. Minimum age of students 18 years. 18 years for specific Junior courses. Average number of levels Adult courses In summer: 6. Adult courses Throughout the year: 6. Average age of students In summer: 22 years. Throughout the year: 25 years.

Course Specific Data

Lesson duration: 70 minutes
School's administrative fee: $150
Course material: Generally, course material has to be purchased by all students at the school. Course material costs are approximately $40 per month.
Student ID Card: USD 20.
I-20 Extension fee: $100
Individual classes: Single individual lessons of tuition can be reserved at 50 US$. The combination of group and individual lessons is highly recommended. Individual lessons will encourage you to actively speak the foreign language and will offer you the opportunity to discuss individual problems and weaknesses.

Holidays

Days without class In 2026 (including national and regional bank holidays): 01 Jan 2026, 20 Jan 2026, 17 Feb 2026, 26 May 2026, 19 Jun 2026, 04 Apr 2026, 01 Sep 2026, 13 Jan 2026, 11 Nov 2026, 27 Nov 2026, 25 Dec 2026. If a bank holiday falls on a weekday there is no refund nor are missed lessons recuperated.

Other Fees

Deposit (refundable): Upon arrival, a refundable deposit of $300 is charged and will be refunded to you when you leave the accommodation provided there are no damages.
One-time fee: The school/accommodation provider will charge a non-refundable one-time fee of 200US$.

Student Life and Activities

Columbia West College Los Angeles is committed to providing students with a well-rounded experience that extends beyond the classroom. The school offers a variety of activities and workshops designed to help students experience the real Los Angeles lifestyle, develop a genuine international community, and apply their English-speaking skills in a safe and supportive environment.

Activities & Workshops

Go beyond the tourist traps and experience the real Los Angeles with our weekly activities and workshops. Los Angeles is incredibly diverse, with opportunities to interact with people from 140+ countries who speak 180+ different languages! Develop a genuine international community. In the same way, our Activities and Workshop program gives you a once in a lifetime opportunity to go deeper. Create a genuine community filled with lasting friendships with students from different backgrounds and countries, all in one place!

Student Support

CWC staff are always very supportive and friendly! Aaall of the teachers in Columbia West College not only high level professionals with passion to teach, but also have interesting versatile personalities. There is always a pleasant energy at school! Every month CWC organizes different activities, that’s a big plus.

Read also: Paying for Columbia

Visa Guidance and Legal Assistance

Our expert advising staff partners with the best attorneys and visa experts to get your visa approved. CWC cares enough to offer free advising for student visa applications and interviews, including mock interview practice. Support is available in Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and other languages upon request. Our skilled and experienced International Student Advisors work hard to get your student visa approved. If you need more help, CWC also partners with the best immigration attorneys and visa experts (fees charged).

Student Demographics

The highest Nationality percentage at Columbia West College comes from Japan with a 20% representation, followed by students from Brazil (18%) and Korea (15%).

Student Reviews

Students consistently praise Columbia West College Los Angeles for its supportive staff, excellent teachers, and engaging activities. Many students have noted significant improvements in their English skills, particularly in speaking, as a result of the school's innovative, speaking-focused English programs. Students also appreciate the diverse student population and the opportunity to learn about different cultures.

School Performance

Institution Code: 1924921
The percentage of enrolled students in the reporting year receiving federal student loans to pay for this program: 0
The percentage of graduates in the reporting year who took out federal student loans to pay for this program: 0
Total number of students currently enrolled at this institution: 399

Program Performance

TOEFL Program

Number of Students Who Began the Program: 52
Number of Students Available for Graduation: 52
Number of On-time Graduates: 46
Completion Rate: 88.46

Part-time American Communication Program

Number of Students Who Began the Program: 2
Number of Students Available for Graduation: 2
Number of On-time Graduates: 2
Completion Rate: 100

American Communication Program

Number of Students Who Began the Program: 111
Number of Students Available for Graduation: 111
Number of On-time Graduates: 90
Completion Rate: 81.08

Business English Program

Number of Students Who Began the Program: 8
Number of Students Available for Graduation: 8
Number of On-time Graduates: 8
Completion Rate: 100

English through American Culture Program

Number of Students Who Began the Program: 3
Number of Students Available for Graduation: 3
Number of On-time Graduates: 3
Completion Rate: 100

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