Pasadena City vs Thousand Oaks City: Which AFINT Campus is Right for You?

Key Takeaways  1.) Both campuses offer the same academic quality, CEA-accredited ESL programs, and SEVP-approved I-20 support. 2.) Pasadena City generally allows students to live more economically due to shared housing options and public transportation access. 3.) Thousand Oaks City offers a quieter, professional-focused environment with higher living costs tied to housing style and transportation needs. 4.) The right campus depends on lifestyle, study goals, and daily comfort — not English level. 5.) A free placement test and optional trial week help students confirm the best fit before committing.Introverts/professionals → Thousand Oaks City. 6.) Next step: Free placement test + trial week reveals your perfect fit.

• Same ESL curriculum & visa support
• Different lifestyle, cost, and pace
• Choose based on how you want to live, not how English is taught

You’re Probably Overthinking This. AFINT has supported international students from over 30 countries through SEVP-compliant ESL programs in California. Both AFINT campuses follow the same Intensive ESL Program, with identical curriculum structure, learning outcomes, and assessment standards.

By now, you’ve Googled “ESL schools in California” more times than you want to admit, opened a dozen tabs, checked tuition pages and visa info—and you’re still stuck on one question: Pasadena City or Thousand Oaks City?

The truth is, you’re not overthinking the English classes. Both AFINT campuses are SEVP‑certified, use the same intensive ESL program, have Master’s‑trained teachers, and offer personalized F‑1 visa and university transfer support. Both campuses follow the same SEVP compliance standards and DSO procedures.

What you’re really worried about is your life: Will I be happy there? Can I afford it? Will I feel safe and actually make progress?

This guide helps to answer those questions—by showing how Pasadena City and Thousand Oaks City will shape your daily life, budget, and future very differently, so you can see which AFINT campus is genuinely right for you.

Quick Campus Comparison

Feature	Pasadena City	Thousand Oaks City
Distance from DTLA	11 miles (~30 min)	35 miles (~60–90 min)
Public Transit	Gold Line + buses (no car needed)	Limited; most students use a car
Tuition (18 hrs/week)	$1,300/month	$1,600/month
Studio Rent	$1,700–$2,000	$2,300–$3,500
TotalMonthlyCost	~$2,900–$3,200	~$3,900–$5,100
Vibe	Urban culture, walkable, lively	Suburban calm, safe, nature‑oriented
Outdoor Access	Arroyo Seco trails	150+ miles of hiking and biking trails
Best For	Networking, city life,  university pathway	Quiet study, mature learners, wellness focus

What Both Campuses Offer: Programs & Structure

• 5‑Level Intensive ESL Pathway
  • Level 1: Beginner (A1–A2) – basic communication and survival English.
  • Levels 2–4: Intermediate (B1–B2) – academic and professional communication.
  • Level 5: Advanced/TOEFL‑oriented (C1+) – complex texts, presentations, and critical thinking.
• English for Professionals
  • Focus on meetings, presentations, email writing, and workplace communication skills.
• Schedule & Intensity
  • 18 hours per week, Monday–Thursday.
  • Morning block: 9:00–13:30.
  • Evening block: 16:00–20:30.
  • 4‑week sessions; each level usually takes 3 sessions (12 weeks).
  • Monthly start dates and a placement test on the first day to determine your level.
• Accreditation & Class Size
  • CEA‑accredited English programs.
  • SEVP‑certified to issue Form I‑20 for F‑1 visas.
  • Small classes (about 5–15 students) for more interaction and feedback.

The AFINT Academic Edge: Beyond English Lessons

AFINT is not a “factory-style” language school. We create a complete roadmap for your transition to U.S. life—not just English classes.

• Faculty Qualifications
  • Beginner–Intermediate: Instructors hold at least a bachelor’s degree plus TEFL/TESOL certification.
  • Advanced and test‑preparation courses: Master’s in TESOL or higher required, which is more selective than many schools.
• F‑1 Visa & I‑20 Support
  • SEVP‑certified 
  •  to enroll international students and issue Form I‑20.
  • Personalized mock visa interviews to help you prepare for consular questions.
  • Guidance on maintaining status under current and proposed F‑1 rules (including the potential 4‑year limit and SEVIS reporting expectations).
• Housing & Practical Support
  • Homestays via providers such as Universal Student Housing: typically 875–1,200 USD per 4 weeks, often including some meals.
  • Shared apartments via providers such as MBG Housing: shared rooms starting around 450 USD/month.
  • Orientation that covers safety, student rights, banking, mobile phones, healthcare, and strategies for academic success.
• School Family Culture
  • International potluck events where students share food and traditions.
  • Excursions within the Los Angeles area (for example, Hollywood, Santa Monica, and local landmarks).
  • Game days, conversation clubs, and cultural activities that support real‑world language practice and friendships.

Pasadena City Campus: Urban, Connected, Culturally Rich

• Location
• Students enrolled in ESL Classes Pasadena City benefit from daily exposure to English through public transit, local cafés, and nearby universities.
  • Address: 744 E Walnut St, Pasadena City, CA 91101.
  • Around 11 miles from Downtown Los Angeles.
  • Situated near the Gold Line Metro, with buses and a walkable Old Town.
• Environment & Daily Life
  • A strong cultural scene with museums, theaters, art galleries, and live music.
  • Cafés, bookstores, and restaurants where you can practice English daily.
  • Events such as local festivals and markets make it easy to engage with the community.
• Who It Suits Best
  • Students aiming for university transfer or careers linked to the LA area.
  • Learners who prefer public transit and walkable neighborhoods.
  • Those who enjoy city energy, variety, and frequent social opportunities.

Thousand Oaks City Campus: Quiet, Safe, Nature‑Focused

• Location
  • Address: 3625 Thousand Oaks City Blvd #130, Westlake Village, CA.
  • About 35 miles northwest of Downtown LA in a suburban setting.
  • Some local bus services exist, but most students use cars for daily life.
  • The ESL Classes Thousand Oaks City campus is especially popular with students who prefer a calm, focused environment for long-term study.
• Environment & Daily Life
  • Known for safety, clean streets, and a strong sense of community.
  • Access to more than 150 miles of hiking and biking trails, parks, and open space.
  • A calmer atmosphere that can reduce distractions and support concentration.
• Who It Suits Best
  • Students who value quiet, low‑stress surroundings.
  • Mature learners and those who prioritize nature and wellness.
  • Anyone who prefers a small‑city feel and does not need daily access to central LA.

Practical Decision Framework: Which Campus Is Right for You?

Answer the 7 questions below. Count how many times each campus appears—if 3+ answers point to one campus, that’s your best fit.

1. Learning Goal

Ask yourself: What is the main reason I’m studying English?

→ University transfer or LA-based career networking = Pasadena City

• Academic English and TOEFL/test preparation focus
• Direct access to LA-area universities (UCLA, USC university, Caltech, Occidental)
• Networking with professionals and career-focused peers
• Best for students with a clear academic or career progression plan

→ Everyday conversation or professional English in a quiet setting = Thousand Oaks City

• Low-distraction environment for speaking and listening practice
• Strong fit for English for Professionals (workplace communication, presentations, emails)
• Best if you care more about real-world confidence than standardized test scores

2. Intensity & Schedule

Ask yourself: How many hours per week and what schedule do I need?

→ Full-time IEP (18 hours/week) = Either campus

• Both offer identical 18 hours/week
• Both run morning (9:00–13:30) and evening (16:00–20:30) blocks
• Choose based on other factors below

→ Part-time or evening-only study = Thousand Oaks City

• Thousand Oaks City specifically offers flexible evening programs for:
  • Working professionals (20+ hours/week job + evening classes)
  • Students with daytime responsibilities (childcare, caregiving)
  • Mature learners who prefer later schedules

3. Visa & Time Planning

Ask yourself: How long do I plan to study, and what comes after ESL?

→ Both campuses are equal on visa eligibility

• Both are SEVP-certified (legally approved to enroll international students)
• Both can issue Form I-20 for F-1 visas
• Both provide full visa and status support

→ But plan your 4-year F-1 timeline carefully

The proposed 4-year F-1 limit (instead of “Duration of Status”) means your entire pathway must fit in one window:

Sample realistic timeline (starting January 2025):

• Months 1–5: ESL study (Beginner → Intermediate → Advanced, depending on placement)
• Month 6: TOEFL testing or academic assessment
• Months 6–12: University applications and enrollment prep
• Years 2–4 (24–36 months): Bachelor’s degree (assuming 2–3 years of coursework with transfer credits)
• End of Year 4: F-1 authorization expires

AFINT staff help you:

• Estimate how many months you’ll realistically need in each ESL level
• Map out whether a full degree fits in 4 years (or whether a certificate/professional pathway is better)
• Identify transfer credit opportunities to reduce time in university

Key point: Visa eligibility is the same at both campuses. The real question is your overall timeline—and both campuses help you plan it.

4. Budget

Ask yourself: What is my realistic total monthly budget (tuition + housing + food + transport)?

→ Around $3,000/month = Pasadena City is usually more realistic

• Lower tuition ($1,300 vs $1,600)
• Shared housing available ($450–$600/month instead of studio)
• Public transit eliminates car costs
• Easier to keep total cost near $3,000 range

→ Larger budget + interest in upscale suburban life = Thousand Oaks City

• Higher tuition ($1,600/month) and premium housing ($2,300–$3,500)
• Car ownership adds cost: insurance ($100–$150/month), fuel ($150–$200/month), maintenance
• Total monthly: $3,900–$5,100
• Great if your finances are comfortable and you want that lifestyle

Budget breakdown by option:

Housing Type	Pasadena City	Thousand Oaks City
Homestay	$875–$1,200 + utilities	$875–$1,200 + utilities
Shared apartment	$450–$600/month	$600–$800/month
Studio apartment	$1,700–$2,000	$2,300–$3,500

5. Lifestyle Preference

Ask yourself: Where will I actually feel happy day to day?

→ City culture, events, and walkable streets = Pasadena City

• Cafés, nightlife, museums, live music, galleries
• Walkable Old Town; shopping and dining within walking distance
• Spontaneous social opportunities (festivals, markets, events)
• Ideal if you like energy, variety, and constant social activity
• Great for extroverts and students energized by urban diversity

→ Suburban safety, nature, and a calmer pace = Thousand Oaks City

• Quiet, safe neighborhoods; clean streets; community feel
• Parks, hiking trails, green space for walking and wellness
• Peaceful evenings; fewer distractions from study
• Ideal if you prioritize calm, focus, and mental health
• Great for introverts and students who recharge through nature and quiet

6. Transportation

Ask yourself: Will I have a car in the U.S.?

→ No car + comfortable with public transit = Pasadena City

• Gold Line Metro and bus network make car-free living realistic
• You can walk to school, cafés, shops, and entertainment
• Most international students in Pasadena City live without cars
• No car expenses (insurance, gas, parking, maintenance)

→ Have or plan to have a car = Either campus (with caveats)

• Pasadena City: Car is useful but optional (for weekend trips and flexibility)
• Thousand Oaks City: Car is almost essential for daily life (housing, grocery stores, campus, social activities are spread out)

7. Decision Flow: Putting It All Together

• Unsure? Take a free placement test + trial week
  • Placement test:
    • Shows your level
    • Helps estimate how long you’ll study
    • Gives staff data to recommend a campus
  • Trial week:
    • Attend real classes
    • Experience commuting, classmates, teachers, and the neighborhood
    • Feel which campus matches your life, not just your imagination

Conclusion: Next Steps: Start Your Journey

Both Pasadena City and Thousand Oaks City deliver accredited ESL programs, small classes, and full F‑1 visa support. The difference is not in quality, but in context: city immersion vs suburban calm, transit vs car, networking vs quiet focus.

Once you know your goal, budget, lifestyle, and visa timeline, the right campus becomes clear—and AFINT staff can guide each step, from placement test to I‑20 to your first day in class.

FAQs

I work part-time while studying. Which campus supports student employment?

Pasadena City offers more on-campus jobs with flexible morning classes. Thousand Oaks City offers evening classes for working professionals.

Can I switch campuses later?

Yes—transfers require 4 weeks’ notice, an SEVIS update, and DSO approval. Most students stay, but transfers are free and supported if needed.

How does the 4-year F-1 limit affect my ESL + university plan?

Your full study path (ESL + degree) must fit within 4 years.Plan ESL duration carefully and consult AFINT advisors for realistic timelines.

Will I learn faster at one campus?

Both campuses follow the same pace (~12 weeks per level).Your lifestyle, motivation, and comfort impact progress more than location.