Book a class for the summer!

Spring running to summer, the new learning and continuing education season is now open.

"How many hours a week do you speak English ?" This basic question asked by a Berkeley Extension teacher of pronunciation improvement for non-native speakers of English to her students may seem anecdotal, but, for many of the French expatriates or permanent residents living in the Bay Area, it certainly makes sense.

So if you ever had the impression you lack English exposure, read on.

OK, you are still hesitating. Here are five reasons to take a class.

It is never too late to start.

Even if you have moved the Bay Area a few years ago, you still can benefit from continuing and extended learning education. And if you are a newcomer, an English-as-Second-Language (ESL) class could definitvely help you adjust to your new environment.

You will have a very wide choice.

There are plenty of opportunities to learn: different disciplines, different locations, different types of class, different budgets - even free classes and online courses. And by the way, you can choose among the most prestigious universities in the world, like Stanford or Berkeley.

It could lead to professional certificates and diplomas.

Have you ever dreamed of becoming an international sommelier, an expert of clinical research, or a computer consultant? Continuing education can provide you the training and programs of study you need to achieve your professional goals.

It will extend your network.

Classes do not only provide academic knowledge, they also offer an opportunity to meet people and extend your local network. If you plan to start a new small business or to change the direction of your career, these relationships could make a huge difference.

It's just school time!

Last, but not least, summer could be a good time for you to explore new fields of knowledge. When fog is covering the Golden Gate Bridge, and kids are taken care of at their summer camp, why not coming back to study?

So let's start having a little tour of the summer programs.

Don't miss the Berkeley Extension Catalog.

For summer 2013, a lot of options. Check the new courses, from Start Up Your Importing Business, to Vampires and Steampunk, and Summer Fiction Writing Intensive (June 15-19).

Also at Stanford Continuing Studies. Many business classes like Marketing Without Money: SEO and Social Media could help you create buzz, or, for more enteirtaining courses, you can opt for a journey through Bob Dylan's world with  Like a Rolling Stone: The Life and Music of Bob Dylan

City Colleges - offering very low fees for one-year residents - could be a smart and cheap option.

City College of San Francisco. For this semester, CCSF doubled its course offerings with no less than 981 different classes - 652 classes for credit and 329 for noncredit. Enrollment fee per semester unit are only $46.00. You can also find free classes in computer, webdesign,  #SummeratCity, from June 10.

Check the list of available classes.

And also College of San Matteo. Click here.

Skyline College of San Bruno. Click here.

Canada College of Redwood city. Click here.

And if you miss the summer session, don't worry. After summer, it's back-to-school!

Contribution: Ingrid Hazard