Philolingua Language School

San Diego, United States

4.9

20 reviews

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 619-717-8488
Website:
www.philolingua.com
Address:
964 5th Ave Ste 308, San Diego, CA, 92101
b/t Broadway & E St
Gaslamp
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
430 ft5th Avenue
810 ftCivic Center
0.4 miCity College
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Today

Today –
Local time (San Diego) 11:07 Wednesday, 28 May 2025

Business hours

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Description

Specialties

Philolingua Language School uses a conversational, fun approach to learning a new language. You will start speaking your new language from the very first day. Private and small groups (up to eight students per class) offered in most languages. See our website for details.

History

Established in 2000.

Philolingua Language School started in 2000 as an innovative concept and approach to learning a new language by speaking it from the very first lesson and by teaching the culture of its speakers as well. As I like to put it: «Language and Culture are two sides of the same coin ».

Meet the Business Owner

Jordi L.

Business Owner

Philolingua was founded by Mr. Jordi Lluch, a native from Barcelona, Spain. After studying philology in Spain and linguistics at the University of California, Los Angeles, Mr. Lluch dedicated himself to teaching six languages and cross-​cultural issues for over 20 years at numerous Berlitz Language School locations, namely Barcelona, Beverly Hills, San Francisco and San Diego. Mr. Lluch received the Berlitz Best Teacher of the Year award, became a Berlitz director, served as an instructional supervisor and teacher’s trainer, lectured aboard Crystal Cruises, and published various cross-​language articles.

Gathering expertise in teaching languages, managing and training teachers, and directing a Berlitz Language School, Mr. Lluch opened Philolingua in San Diego’s Gaslamp District. His students have found Mr. Lluch’s unique approach to language learning to be both extremely effective and rewarding. Besides managing Philolingua, Mr. Lluch continues to teach a select number of students.

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20 reviews of Philolingua Language School

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Studio City, CA
Jordi is FANTASTIC! He’s a true linguist if I’ve ever seen one… I’m taking Spanish lessons with my partner, we are both at different levels of competence in the language, but we’ve both learned so much about both the language and the culture.
He really has a knack; he makes it very enjoyable and explains things SO well. And he knows so many other languages (French, German, Italian, and some others too but I forget which)…it’s pretty impressive.
He also does online lessons via Skype, so when we’re out of town we don’t have to skip class… At first I thought they may not be effective, but the online lessons really are!
So even if you don’t live in San Diego, you can take lessons with him! He is accessible globally… ah technology :)
If you’re looking to learn a language, I’d HIGHLY recommend Jordi!
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
My wife and I’ve been taking private lessons once a week for that past few months and it has been a great experience! Foreign languages are definitely not my strength but Jordi has been very patient and very capable of explaining things in a way that make it much easier for me to learn all while being very fun!
Like many others have said here, if you want to learn another language Jordi is the best. He’s patient and makes learning fun by providing the origin of many words and using unique phrases to make it memorable and entertaining. If you’re going to learn a foreign language there’s no need to keep looking, Jordi’s the best!
Place rating: 5
Palm Springs, CA
I have been taking a weekly Italian class at the Philolingua Lingua School for over a year now. I’m a very busy person and sometimes the only time I speak Italian is during our sessions – which we now do via Skype! Which is great! However, I remember those first weeks of class and I thought I would never learn how to understand or speak this language but somehow Jordi got me through! LOL! Sometimes I just speak to myself in Italian! I’ve learned that learning a new language is one of the best ways to expand my horizons. First, Jordi took me through the book and once that ended we were ready for conversational Italiano! I can also watch Italian movies and TV and figure out what they’re saying. Every week I learn more and discover that I know more! I would DEFINITELY recommend Philolingua Language School. I’ve moved to Chicago and I’m still taking my weekly classes via Skype! 5 stars and totally RECOMMEND!
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
I highly recommend Philolingua! The instructor is professional, friendly, and fluent in several languages. He makes learning fun and personalizes the instruction to your level and intent. You know you want to do it, what’s stopping you now?
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
I really enjoy my lessons at Philolingua. I, like many, started as a Groupon and then migrated to weekly private lessons. I travel a lot and my schedule is varied! I love that I can have lessons in person AND by Skype! Jordi is an awesome teacher, always has an interest in my progress as a student. Jordi establishes a rapport with students and always follows through with excellent learning assignments and thorough communication. Plus we can talk about politics in Barcelona! I have online friends there and always struggle to understand the culture of this fascinating part of Spain.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
Què tal? Come va? What’s up?
I took private lessons at Philolingua Language School for 2 months to learn Italian and Catalan for my upcoming trip to Italy and Barcelona. Jordi was an exceptional teacher — knowledgeable in all romance languages and a very excellent communicator. He’s the Yoda of languages and can provide the history and evolution of many words — from Latin to English. This was extremely helpful in providing context of the culture as well as providing very effective ways in learning the language. In addition, he’s incredibly patient and flexible with your desired style of learning. I highly recommend Philolingua Language School for a very enriching learning experience.
Place rating: 5
Chula Vista, CA
If I could give Philolingua Language School a sixth star I certainly would! I’ve studied Spanish for several years at various schools and have been frustrated with my inability to speak well. My experience at Philolingua has been very rewarding. In less than 3 months Jordi has taken me to a level where I can converse comfortably. I’m finally able to understand Spanish radio programs. I look forward to every lesson, knowing it will be interesting and fun.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
I took a beginner Spanish class for 6 weeks. Loved this class! I got a Unilocal deal which made the class very affordable compared to other SD Spanish classes. Each class we would review from our class book and then we got to have open class conversations about interesting life topics. A great way to learn a language. After just 6 weeks I felt much more confident in using my conversational Spanish. The class was small so I always felt like I had a change to participate. Downtown parking can be tricky. I parked in Horton Plaza, which they now require you to buy something at the mall ($ 10 limit) to avoid paying. But I highly recommend this class!
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
I went in search of language classes/​lessons in preparation for a trip to Italy. I chose Philolingua from the positive reviews on Unilocal and I wasn’t disappointed! Jordi’s mastery of multiple languages is phenomenal and was a great advantage to me since I already know Spanish. Due to my need for concentrated learning, I opted for one-​on-​one lessons so Jordi was able to customize the content based on my needs and my skill level. I found Jordi to be flexible in our scheduling, professional in his teaching & correspondence and helpful in providing suggestions for supplemental tools & learning. I would and do recommend Jordi to anyone wanting to brush up on their high school French or learn a new language. I plan to continue my lessons after my trip and might even try an additional language!
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
Everyone would like to speak another language, and Jordi is the best possible person to teach you. He is patient and makes it fun by adding background on the origin of many words. This also helps you remember the words.
I had three months of two private lessons a week, which took me from absolute beginner to intermediate level at Spanish. I intend to start private lessons again soon to advance my Spanish speaking skills even further.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
I have been taking private Spanish lessons from Jordi for nearly 2 years. I first encountered this school through some kind of coupon deal (I forget which one), but from the first time, I knew I would continue with him. We spend most of our time in conversations about philosophical subjects, as well as current events. But he will talk about whatever his student wishes to discuss. I am not one to learn from memorization or books, although I do make it a point to study at least 4 – 5 days a week. I prefer learning from experience and discussions, so that is what we do. But he has other students who learn differently, and he accommodates their learning styles, too. I look forward to my lesson every week. Jordi is patient, kind, and just plain fun, too. I highly recommend him for anyone who wants to learn a language.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
If you are wanting to learn a new language I highly recommend Philolingua. The main teacher Jordi, from Barcelona is a wonderful teacher. He offers group classes, corporate classes and one-​on-​one classes. He can even do the private classes via Skype.
I took an 8 week course of Intermediate Spanish before a 3 week trip to Barcelona. I attended 2 nights per week from 7:30−9. Classes are done in a group, all of us sitting around a table having conversations about day to day, real life subjects. The variety of students made class even more fun. Be prepared to speak up and share, everyone is timid too but Jordi is so patient and corrects you along the way so you can keep talking. Plus, the other students are patient and glad to see you try.
I learned way more in the group classes than I ever did in previous private spanish classes offered through other private tutors. When I went to Barcelona I felt comfortable enough to chat with my new in-​laws and stangers out in the cafes and bars,
Bonus-​Jordi even teaches Catalan, the next language on my list. He offered classes via Skype for convenience due to my heavy work schedule.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
Jordi was genuine and passionate about not only teaching Spanish but about the history as well. My brother and I purchased groupons and when they expired he really seemed disappointed to be losing us as students. I am a bit overwhelmed right now with grad school and work but when I have more time next spring I will be coming back! Thank you for the positive experience Jordi.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
This is a great place to learn Spanish! I have taken both group classes and also private lessons with the school’s owner, Jordi Lluch. He has been very patient with me, as I have come from knowing no Spanish whatsoever to being able to converse in Spanish in my lessons. I recommend this very reasonably priced school without any hesitation!
Place rating: 5
Escondido, CA
It’s been 5 months since I started taking Spanish classes with Jordi, the instructor at Philolingua. I’m a nurse and I needed to learn enough Spanish to speak with my Hispanic patients. I had only known the very basic level of Spanish when I started, but now I have improved to the level that my colleagues ask me to translate for their patients, too! The flexibility in schedule and accessibility to internet classes makes it very easy to continue taking the classes at my own pace. Highly recommended.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
I took lessons here for the four months preceeeding my move to Germany. Jordi was an excellent instructor, and well worth the cost. I am much more comfortable communicating in German than I anticipated, which is great.
Place rating: 4
Romeoville, IL
So I got one of those Groupon thingee for some language classes here at the Philolingua and it was going to expire soon so I figured, just use it, and I was very impressed on their professionalism.
My instructor was Jordi and I got to learn some French for a couple of weeks. I learned a lot and based on what he taught me; I pretty much went solo after that and started teaching myself.
They give you the fundamentals in language learning and I had a great time learning French too. They have Unilocal check-​in deals as well and I’m sure they’ll have another Groupon or some other discounts in the future. So keep that in mind if you want to learn a new language.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
Does anyone know why my review was taken down?
Place rating: 5
Asbury Park, NJ
I started taking Chinese lessons here at the beginning of February. The lessons are fun, the teacher is good, and the owner of the school is extremely outgoing and warm. Good people :)
If you want to learn a new language or brush up on your current skills, check these guys out.
I plan on going back to refresh my French!
Place rating: 4
San Diego, CA
I’ve taken intermediate Spanish with Jordi, the owner of Philolingua, for two months. His conversational style has definitely helped me improve my comprehension and verbal skills. I could use a little more structure when learning grammar but he is always willing to stop and answer questions when I ask.