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 Monterey, California
Immortalized by John Steinbeck, in his famous book Cannery Row, Monterey – once known as a major fishing industry center – is today an internationally-recognized learning destination that attracts students from all over the world. Find out what makes Monterey such a unique and attractive learning environment Monterey is the Language Capital of the World both by weight and by volume. The greater Monterey area is directly involved with 25 percent of the nation's post-secondary learning in languages other than English. The Monterey Bay Area is home to more than 20 higher education and research institutions, including the Defense Language Institute, the world's largest language school. With the Monterey Institute of International Studies, one of the world's largest translation and interpretation degree programs, and companies like, Language Line, one of the world's largest telephonic interpretation companies, Monterey also plays a major role in delivering translation and interpretation services around the globe. (1) As one of the world's premier tourist destinations, Monterey offers access to legendary golf at Pebble Beach, the exclusive art community of Carmel, and the spectacular natural scenery of Big Sur. Residents and visitors alike enjoy hiking, surfing, wine tasting, biking, boating, and much more. With year round cultural events, there is always something to do in Monterey. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary supports one of the world's most diverse marine ecosystems. Its natural resources include the USA's largest kelp forest, one of North America's largest underwater canyons and the closest-to-shore deep ocean environment in the continental United States. (2) Local organizations, such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium, California State University's Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, and Stanford's Hopkins Marine Station, are committed to understanding and solving some of the greatest challenges facing our oceans. Monterey is within a short driving distance to both Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay area, providing students with easy access to the world's top innovators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders. So whether you want to connect with movers and shakers in the green tech community, learn about the area's emerging biotech sector, or land an internship with a cutting edge start-up, the opportunities for advancement are limitless. Monterey is a very walkable community with over 14 miles of walking trails right along the Monterey Bay shoreline. Great shopping, entertainment, and scenery are all easily reachable by foot. Students love how easy it is to get around the city. From Bach to Blues, you can find just about any type of music you are looking for in Monterey. The Monterey Jazz Festival, the world's longest running jazz festival, the Carmel Bach Festival, and the Monterey Blues Festival are just a few of the marquee music events that place on the Monterey Peninsula each year. Feeling the need for speed? Well, don't worry! Monterey's got you covered! Monterey is home to the world-renown Laguna Seca Raceway, which plays host to year round events like the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series and the MotoGP World Championship. Who knows? You might even see celebrities like Jay Leno or Ralph Lauren out and about at one of Monterey's many car shows such as Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance or Concorso Italiano. Different strokes for different folks…Whether you want to hang out with the new age types in nearby Big Sur, the jet set elite of Pebble Peach, or the military officers on Monterey's Presidio, Monterey attracts people of all backgrounds and interests. Monterey is the ideal place to people watch and experience a true cross section of American life. Fresh fruits and vegetables grown in the neighboring Salinas Valley, sustainably harvested seafood from the Monterey Bay, and local award winning vineyards, make Monterey a foodie paradise. Not only can you find a farmers market just about any day of the week in this town, but you can also find just about every type of cuisine, too. In addition to some of the best bakeries this side of Paris, Monterey has great Korean barbeque, ocean fresh sushi, Afghani cuisine (with belly dancers at no charge!), authentic Mexican cuisine, and many others. Monterey's great culinary scene and food festivals regularly attract celebrity chefs like Bobby Flay, Alton Brown, and Rachel Ray. Finally, Monterey is blessed with a mild climate. Students appreciate the city's year-round good weather, which translates into year-round outdoor activities, no matter the season! By Caroline Mansi, Monterey Institute of International Studies 2 www.eoearth.org/article/Monterey_Bay_National_Marine_Sanctuary |
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