ELC BLOG

Saleh Tabasideh is from Qatar and has studied at ELC Santa Barbara for 12 weeks in our Pathways Semi-Intensive Plus program. Saleh is a wonderful and motivated student and is on his way to the city college next semester as a future engineer! We wish him the very best and hope his university dreams come true!

Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Qatar. It was all my cousins and me in different houses in the same neighborhood. We were so close. I have 20 cousins and we played together every day.

What do you do for fun? What are your hobbies?

I love cars – collecting cars. I have 2 Mercedes cars and 1 Toyota for the desert because it’s cheap. Maybe a Nissan next. Maybe I’ll buy a Mustang.

What is your special talent?

I’m a musician. I play an Arabic instrument called “oud.” It’s like a guitar without the frets on the neck. I play in my spare time and I give performances for the music academy.

Why did you choose to study English in Santa Barbara?

Because it’s away from all the craziness in Los Angeles and my brother is here. My brother chose Santa Barbara because he wanted a good environment – not too many things to distract you like in LA.

What are all the ways that Santa Barbara is different from your city?

I am from Doha. Doha is a bit city and it is so modern. Santa Barbara is… I don’t know how to describe it but it has historic stuff like the courthouse. Everything is so new in Doha.

What do you miss most about your country?

The food! Arabic food. It’s impossible to find in Santa Barbara – maybe in Los Angeles but not in Santa Barbara. And my family and friends. I also miss my cars very much.

What are your top three favorite places in Santa Barbara?

I

like West Beach, the pier, and State Street. I hang out with my friends everywhere.

Favorite moment in class at ELC:

I don’t know. I really enjoy conversation class here. There was a discussion about corruption. We really enjoyed it –- corruption in different countries. It was like a debate. People got very excited.

What are some tips you have for people who want to learn English?

If you want to learn English, you must practice and not use your own language with other people.

What are your plans after ELC?

I will transfer to SBCC, study engineering for two years, and maybe I’ll transfer to the university like my brother.