Meet Ari Olgun, Co-Founder of the California Language Academy

Why do you think your school is a Quality English school?

California Language Academy is an intimate family run organization that treats each of our students, staff and partners as part of the family. We really listen to the needs of our students to create the perfect learning environment for them to feel safe, secure, and meet their personal and professional goals. We are so thrilled to have been welcomed into the Quality English family where we believe our goals align and it can help open a world of opportunities to meet other schools and agents that have the same passion and beliefs as we do. Together we are stronger and can really change the face of education to be focused on the needs of the student and provide them with an experience of a lifetime. 

What made you join Quality English?

My wife, Alissa, and I co-founded California Language Academy in 2010. Alissa had worked for several of the big chain schools and I have a business background. We combined forces and created the fabulous California Language Academy as it is now. There are a lot of advantages to owning our own boutique language school since we can customize, personalize and cater to needs of each and every student and agent; however, one of the biggest disadvantages is not having a strong support network that can provide guidance. While in search of a support system we can work with, we discovered Quality English and immediately knew it was the perfect fit for us.

Why would you recommend Quality English from what you know so far?

Quality English helps bring high-caliber independent language schools together to support each other and collectively maintain high standards of excellence all over the world. Quality English has set very strict entry criteria and does an excellent job at evaluating each school and agency before they are welcomed into the QE family which further promotes quality education and service. Additionally, we are very excited to join in on the QE Missions! The intimacy of the missions goes hand in hand with CLA’s philosophy of an intimate language experience.

What are the main reasons to recommend the California Language Academy to an international student wishing to study in English?

1. Top Accreditations, Memberships and Awards: In 2017, CLA received the highest level of accreditation by ACCET, was shortlisted for the 2017 ST Star Awards – Best English Language School North America category, and was accepted into Quality English.

2. Intimate Language Experience: CLA is a family owned and operated boutique language school that welcomes each one of our students, staff and partners into our family and takes the time to know and understand the needs of everyone.

3. Location: We have two amazing Southern California locations. Our first branch is in Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world and our second location is in the Historic Gaslamp Quarters of downtown San Diego.

4. Ideal Classroom Environment: At CLA we believe that language is living and vibrant and therefore must be experienced. We have a max class size of 10 students to offer more personalized attention and have a diverse nationality mix with students from over 45 different countries.

5. Complete Package: We offer everything a student may need, including: in-house managed accommodations in homestays or residences, weekly activities (like tours of UCLA, Google, and YouTube) and exciting weekend excursions (like Las Vegas, San Francisco and Yosemite). We also help with all student services from insurance to visa assistance.