Columbia West College

Columbia West College Columbia West College (CWC) is an ACCET-accredited ESL school in Los Angeles committed to providing outstanding English language and test prep instruction.

We're located in the prestigious Washington Building on the corner of 3rd and Spring. Right across the street from Grand Central Market!

08/31/2026

New English word unlocked 🔓📚

FREELOADER = someone who takes advantage of other people’s generosity without contributing or paying their share.

Tag the friend who suddenly becomes VERY quiet when the check arrives. 👀😂

08/28/2026

And that same mistake will live forever in your head and come back at the most random times. Yup.

We strongly believe LA is the place to be. But don’t just take our word for it: you have to experience it for yourself 💅...
08/26/2026

We strongly believe LA is the place to be. But don’t just take our word for it: you have to experience it for yourself 💅🏼✨

Level up your student lifestyle by studying in one of the most vibrant and culturally rich cities in the world. 🌴☀️ From beach days and endless sunshine to new friends, new experiences, and so many people to meet — there’s always something happening in LA.

Ready to make LA your classroom? 🎓🌎

Have questions about our classes? Send us a DM! 💌

08/24/2026

What does “bougie” actually mean?☕️💅🏼

If you hear an American say someone is “bougie”, they’re usually saying that person has expensive, fancy or luxurious tastes (sometimes in a slightly snobby way).

For example: you go to Starbucks and order a perfectly normal $5 coffee. But your “bougie” friend, however, says “oh I don’t really drink chain coffee… I’d rather go to a family run, organic and niche place where coffee beans are grinded by hand and coffee is served to you in a ceramic china set that matches the aesthetic of the place”.

That’s bougie.

It can be used seriously, but Americans also use it jokingly to tease someone for having unnecessarily fancy taste!

08/21/2026

It’s safe to say this was one of the biggest culture shocks…

In America, “How are you?” is often NOT a real question. It’s basically a verbal handshake.

🧍‍♂️” Hey! How are you?”

🧍🏻‍♀️” Good! How are you?”

🧍‍♂️” Good!”

➡️ conversation complete. Everyone may now continue walking.

The important thing is: DO NOT answer with your entire life story.

❌ “Well, actually, I’ve been feeling really stressed lately because my boss-“
Person who asked: 🧍😳

Instead, Americans usually expect something short:

• “Good, thanks!”
• “I’m good!”
• “Doing great!”
• “Pretty good!”
• “Not bad!”

And sometimes, “How are you?” literally means just “hello”.

Pretty much anywhere else in the world though… a real buddy buddy convo can happen shortly after that “How are you?”🌎

Who doesn’t like football and hotdogs?!In America we take sports VERY seriously, especially Football! American football ...
08/19/2026

Who doesn’t like football and hotdogs?!

In America we take sports VERY seriously, especially Football! American football is one of the most popular sports in the United States. It’s a fast-paced game where two teams compete to move the ball down the field and score points by reaching the end zone.

But in the U.S. , football is more than just a sport. It’s a huge part of American culture! From high school and college games to the NFL and the Super Bowl, football brings communities, families and fans together every fall!🏈🇺🇸

Our amazing teachers Kevin and Rebecca gave our student an introductory class to American football, offering tasty hot dogs, drinks and snacks to live the real American experience🌭

08/17/2026

Are you an anxious overthinker and an expert at creating the worst possible scenarios in your head? 😅

We’re no doctors, but if you’re constantly stressed, overworked, and running on empty, you might need some R&R.

And no, it’s not some sort of physical punishment. 😂

R&R most commonly stands for “Rest and Relaxation” (or “Rest & Recreation”).

Basically: taking some time off to rest, recharge, and reset. 🧘‍♀️✨

So consider this your sign to take a break. You’ve earned it. 💆‍♀️

08/14/2026

You Don’t Need a “Native” Accent!

Sometimes, the English-learning industry makes us feel like we need a “native” accent to speak English well.

But what does a “native” accent even mean?

People all over the world speak English with different accents—and they use English every day to communicate, lead, work, study, and build successful careers.

Your goal is not to sound like someone else, but to communicate your ideas clearly and confidently!

Instead of worrying too much about your accent, try this:

🧠 Organize your ideas
Before you speak, think about what you want to say and put your ideas in a clear order.

💬 Keep it clear and simple
You don’t need to give too much information or explain everything.

✨ Say more with fewer words
Good grammar helps you choose clear, simple, and effective ways to express your ideas.

🗣️ Focus less on sounding “native.”
🎯 Focus more on communicating your ideas.

Your accent is part of your voice.
Your English is a tool: what matters most is how you use it!

🦖 TRIP TO THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM🦕Learning English doesn’t stop once class is over: at Columbia West College we take ...
08/12/2026

🦖 TRIP TO THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM🦕

Learning English doesn’t stop once class is over: at Columbia West College we take pride in sharing our wonderful city with our students and showing them new places to learn and explore.

This week we went to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles!

Located just steps from USC (the University of Southern California) the museum is the perfect learning playground. Our students got to wander the museum’s halls, lead with curiosity and enthusiasm.

08/10/2026

James, James, James… don’t be a litter bug!🐛 🐞🐜

Being a litter bug means you carelessly drop litter in a public place, such as a sidewalk, school cafeteria or anywhere else but a trash can, really.

This is your reminder to keep our shared places clean and neat, inside and outside of the classroom 🚮♻️

Address

311 S Spring Street, Suite #300
Los Angeles, CA
90013

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 9:15pm
Tuesday 9am - 9:15pm
Wednesday 9am - 9:15pm
Thursday 9am - 9:15pm
Friday 9am - 9:15pm

Telephone

+12133683900

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