Pepperdine Malibu English Summer Experience For High School Students

Course Description: Pepperdine Malibu English Summer Experience For High School Students

This English language summer program takes place at Pepperdine University, one of the most beautiful university campuses in the United States. Located in the coastal city of Malibu, the campus sits high above the Pacific Ocean, offering breathtaking ocean views and an inspiring environment for international students.

Malibu is famous for its warm sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and relaxed California lifestyle. Students are perfectly positioned to explore some of Southern California’s most exciting destinations, including Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Hollywood. With beautiful coastal scenery and access to the vibrant culture of Los Angeles, the program offers an unforgettable summer experience combining education, adventure, and cultural discovery.

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Academic Programme: English as a Second Language (ESL) �*

The English as a Second Language programme is designed to help students build confidence and improve their communication skills in English through structured lessons and interactive activities.

Classes are taught by qualified English instructors in small groups, ensuring students receive individual attention and support regardless of their level of English proficiency. The programme focuses on developing practical language skills that students can use in real-life situations.

Students work on improving:

• Pronunciation and speaking confidence

• Vocabulary development

• Grammar and sentence formation

• Listening comprehension

• Reading and writing skills

• Oral communication and presentations

Lessons include both academic instruction and interactive practice designed to encourage active participation.

Grammar Topics May Include

• Review of the Past Perfect tense

• Introduction to the Simple Future tense

• Time and adverb clauses in future sentences

• Future progressive tense formation

• Review of progressive and future forms

Communication & Practical Language Skills

Students practise English through activities such as:

• Travel vocabulary and idioms

• Discussions about holidays and destinations

• Debate preparation and public speaking

• Travel role-play exercises

• Creating travel itineraries and presenting as tour guides

• Group presentations and collaborative projects

A highlight of the course is a structured student debate on global tourism, encouraging students to analyse real-world issues while developing confidence in spoken English.

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A Typical Weekday Schedule ⏰

Students follow a balanced daily schedule combining academic learning, social activities, and cultural exploration.

08:30 – 09:15 Breakfast

09:30 – 12:30 English Language Lessons

13:00 – 14:00 Lunch

14:00 – 15:30 Relaxation Time in Residence Hall

15:30 – 18:00 Afternoon Activities or Excursions

18:00 – 19:30 Free Time / Shower / Relax

19:30 – 21:00 Dinner

21:00 – 23:00 Evening Activities

23:00 – 00:00 Social Time in Residence Hall

00:00 Lights Out

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Accommodation �*

Students stay in suite-style residence halls on the Pepperdine campus, offering comfortable and secure housing with scenic views of the Pacific coastline.

Accommodation features include:

• Two students per bedroom

• Four to six students per suite

• Private bathroom within the suite

• Shared living area

• Internet access

• On-campus supervision and residential staff

Roommates are carefully matched based on age, interests, and compatibility, helping students build friendships and enjoy a positive residential experience.

All students fill out a detailed roommate questionnaire.  Roommates are matched based on age and common interests. Of course, if you are traveling with a friend, you are able to room with each other.

Laundry

Each week, you will have the option to do self-service laundry at the residence hall or to utilize our laundry service.

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Meals �*

Students enjoy meals in the university’s on-campus dining facilities, offering a wide range of freshly prepared options.

Meals typically include:

• Fresh hot entrees

• Salad and vegetable options

• Fruit and healthy snacks

• Dessert selections

• Fresh bread and pastries

• Beverage stations

The programme includes:

• Three meals daily from Monday to Friday

• Brunch and dinner on weekends

Occasional evening meals may take place at selected local restaurants, allowing students to experience dining in the surrounding community.

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Activities & Recreation �*

Afternoon and evening activities provide students with opportunities to explore California while developing friendships with other participants.

Activities may include:

• Beach volleyball and outdoor sports

• Basketball tournaments

• Hiking along coastal trails

• Fitness and recreation at university sports facilities

• Sunset beach visits

• Karaoke nights and social events

• Bowling and mini-golf

• Bonfires and beach gatherings

Students also have access to the university’s fitness and recreational facilities, including:

• Tennis courts

• Basketball courts

• Swimming pool

• Running trails

• Outdoor sports areas

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Cultural Excursions & City Exploration �*

Throughout the programme, students take part in exciting excursions around Los Angeles and Southern California.

Popular visits include:

• Hollywood Walk of Fame

• The Hollywood Sign viewpoints

• Santa Monica Pier and beach

• Venice Beach and boardwalk

• The Getty Museum

• Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills

• Malibu beaches

• University campus tours (UCLA and USC)

Students may also explore shopping districts, cultural landmarks, and famous California attractions.

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Weekend Adventures ✈️

Weekend excursions give students the opportunity to explore even more of California.

Examples include:

Santa Barbara

• East Beach swimming and relaxation

• Shopping along State Street

• Optional campus visit to the University of California, Santa Barbara

Hollywood

• Walk of Fame and Chinese Theatre

• The Grove shopping district

• Runyon Canyon hiking trails

Santa Monica & Venice

• Venice Beach and street performers

• Abbot Kinney Boulevard shops

• Santa Monica Pier Ferris wheel

• Third Street Promenade

Optional excursions may include theme parks or major attractions.

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Safety & Supervision �*

Student safety is a top priority throughout the programme. We maintain a ten-to-one student-to-staff ratio – 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, Staff members live on student-occupied floors, accompany students on all activities and excursions. We always use private transportation for our weekday activities and weekend adventure trips – never public transportation.

Safety measures include:

• Low student-to-staff supervision ratios

• Staff members living in student residence halls

• Staff supervision during all activities and excursions

• Private transportation for organised trips

• 24-hour campus security at Pepperdine University

The campus itself is a gated community with controlled access and continuous security patrols.

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Travel Information ✈️

Students typically arrive at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

At designated arrival times:

• Staff meet students at baggage claim

• Students are escorted to organised transport

• Comfortable, air-conditioned shuttles transfers take students directly to the Pepperdine campus

Students depart from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at the end of the programme.

Airport transfers are arranged according to scheduled arrival and departure times.

If you are attending the San Francisco Extension, you will return home from San Francisco International Airport (SFO).  If you are attending the Hawaii Extension, you will return home from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). 

*Transportation is not included in tuition.

Optional Program Extensions 🌺�*

Students may extend their California summer experience with an additional supervised travel programme. These extensions allow participants to continue exploring with the same staff support and many of the friends they have already made during the main programme.

Both options require supplementary tuition.

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Hawaii Extension �*

Students can add 7 extra days to their California experience by joining a multi-island Hawaii extension. This extension includes time in Maui and Honolulu, combining beaches, cultural experiences, outdoor adventure, and historical visits.

Students remain under staff supervision throughout and travel together as a group.

Maui Highlights �*

In Maui, students experience the island’s natural beauty, coastal scenery, and local culture. Activities may include:

• Exploring Lahaina, a historic whaling village with shops, galleries, and restaurants

• Snorkelling from a catamaran among tropical fish and sea turtles

• Enjoying a traditional Hawaiian luau with music and hula performances

• Discovering the island’s famous beaches and scenic viewpoints

• Experiencing the atmosphere of the “Valley Isle,” known for its dramatic landscapes and sunsets

Honolulu Highlights �*

In Honolulu, students stay near Waikiki Beach and explore some of Hawaii’s most iconic sites. Activities may include:

• Surf lessons at Waikiki Beach

• Hiking Diamond Head for panoramic views of Oahu’s coastline

• Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial and learning about Pearl Harbor

• Exploring Iolani Palace, the only official royal palace in the United States

• Visiting the Dole Plantation and tasting the famous Dole Whip

• Enjoying shopping, dining, and beach time in Waikiki

Important Note ✈️

Flights for the Hawaii extension are organised in a supervised group setting, but transportation within the extension is not included in tuition.

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San Francisco Extension �*

Students can also add 5 extra days to explore San Francisco and the Bay Area. This extension introduces students to one of California’s most famous cities, blending culture, history, university visits, and coastal scenery.

San Francisco Highlights �*

Activities may include:

• Visiting Fisherman’s Wharf for shopping, entertainment, and waterfront views

• Exploring Pier 39, including its shops, attractions, and sea lions

• Touring Alcatraz Island, with its historic prison and fascinating history

• Visiting the Japanese Tea Garden

• Walking across the Golden Gate Bridge

• Shopping and sightseeing in Union Square

• Exploring Chinatown, one of the most historic in the United States

• Enjoying desserts and shopping at Ghirardelli Square

• Riding one of San Francisco’s famous cable cars

Nature & University Visits �*

Students may also take part in:

• A scenic hike from Muir Woods to Stinson Beach through towering redwoods and coastal landscapes

• A visit to Stanford University in Palo Alto

• A visit to the University of California, Berkeley, including time around Telegraph Avenue

This extension gives students the chance to experience a different side of California, with a strong mix of city culture, nature, and academic inspiration.

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Why Choose an Extension? ✨

These optional extensions are ideal for students who want to make the most of their time in the United States by continuing their travels in a safe, structured, and social environment.

Students benefit from:

• Continued staff supervision

• Travelling with familiar peers

• Additional cultural and historical experiences

• More sightseeing, adventure, and university exposure

• Comfortable accommodation and organised activities throughout

What's Included

Your program tuition is all inclusive of lodging, breakfast, lunch and dinner during the week, breakfast and dinner on the weekend, 2 electives, and activities as listed. Not included is lunches on the weekend, snacks, personal spending money for souvenirs, laundry, airport transfers, and transportation to and from the program. Transportation on the Hawaii Extension is not included in tuition.

We also offer travel insurance that is not included, but highly recommended.