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American Explorer Program

ELS Language Centers at Eckerd College: St. Petersburg (FL)

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Special offer

NZ$ 323 discount for all courses and accommodations from 12-52 weeks Show details »

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Course description

The American Explorer Program at ELS Language Centers is designed for students wishing to include some English lessons in their short stay. Students receive 15 weekly lessons of morning instruction, and will have the afternoon free to explore the surrounding area.

ELS recommends that students select a duration in 4-week increments (4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, etc.). Durations under 4 weeks (2 or 3 weeks) and in non-4-week increments may be available if space permits. These durations require special request and must be approved by the ELS Center Director.

Course topics

The curriculum for Vacation English at ELS Language Centers focuses on the following topics: English structure and speaking practice, reading and writing, practice of learned skills at the Language Technology Center.

Class schedule

Course duration
2-12 weeks
Start dates
Every Monday (except for beginners)
Classes per week
15 lessons per week (each lesson lasts 50 min)
Class days
Monday - Friday

Class times

Morning session
08:30 AM - 09:20 AM
Break
09:20 AM - 09:30 AM
Morning session
09:30 AM - 10:20 AM
Break
10:20 AM - 10:30 AM
Morning session
10:30 AM - 11:20 AM

Class schedule may change depending on availability and season.

Class level

All levels, beginner to advanced
You will take a placement test before your arrival in St. Petersburg to determine your class level.

Class size

Average 13 students
Maximum 15 students

Student age

Age range 18 years old and older
Average 21 years old
(19 in the summer)

Certificate

A certificate of completion will be issued at the end of the course.
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school

School description

ELS/St. Petersburg is located on the beautiful, spacious waterfront campus of Eckerd College on Florida's tropical west coast. St. Petersburg is known for its mild year-round climate, pristine white sand beaches and spectacular sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. Two of the USA's top 10 beaches are minutes away from the ELS Center. Outdoor activities are very popular. The area has professional baseball, soccer, football and hockey teams. All six of Florida's major theme parks, including Disney World, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens and Sea World, are within a 90-minute drive. ELS/St. Petersburg students enjoy Eckerd's waterfront where they can use kayaks, paddle boards and fishing equipment at no cost. Advanced students can participate in the Eckerd College Certificate Program and attend International Business classes or International Relations classes. The Center's multinational student population allows students to "travel the world" in their classes.

Facilities

  • Library
  • Social Activities
  • IELTS Test Center
  • Wheelchair access
  • Eating Area
  • Free Internet
  • Wireless Internet
  • Studying Area
  • Sports Activities

Teacher qualifications

Teachers with English teaching certification
All
Teachers with college degrees
All

Nationality and age mix

The nationality and age mix at ELS Language Centers at Eckerd College: St. Petersburg (FL) varies over different time periods, courses and levels. Throughout the year, the average age is 21. In the summer, the average age is 19.

School holidays

does not hold classes on the holiday dates below. The school does not compensate for these holidays, so make sure to choose your start date accordingly.

Open dates
Year round
School holidays
None

School location

ELS St. Petersburg is located on the waterfront campus of Eckerd College on Florida’s tropical west coast. St. Petersburg, often called the “Sunshine City,” is known for its mild climate, white sand beaches, and spectacular sunsets. The city is home to museums, nightlife, and water sports, and is easily accessible to Florida’s major theme parks.


Special Feature: University Certificate Program

While enrolled in the ELS English for Academic Purposes program (Level 107 and up), you can take selected courses at Eckerd College through the University Certificate Program. This unique and valuable opportunity is available as part of an academic year abroad.

Take a video tour

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housing

Housing

ELS Language Centers at Eckerd College: St. Petersburg (FL) offers the following housing types:
homestay

Homestay - Single-person room - Breakfast and dinner

NZ$ 692
weekly
Age range: 14 years old and older
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
NZ$ 692
Experience true American culture by living with a homestay family and practicing your English outside of class. Our experienced homestay coordinator has an office next to the ELS offices.
Our kind and caring host families provide our students with transportation to and from the Center for classes and activities.
Our excellent homestay program can accommodate virtually any student request.
student-residence

Eckerd College Sigma Lodge - 2-person shared room - Breakfast and dinner

NZ$ 880
weekly
Age range: 18 - 25 years old
Address: 4200 54th Avenue South , St. Petersburg, , FL, USA
Housing type: Student residence (on-campus)
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (19 meals per week)
Facilities: Private bathroom, laundry, wireless internet, free internet, tV room, and sports facilities
Distance to school: 2 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
NZ$ 880
West Lodge is open to ELS students under the following criteria:
1. Students must be between the ages of 18 and 25;
2. Students must start on a published session start date an study for full sessions only.
3. Students must stay for a minimum of 8 consecutive weeks
4. All students in the campus residence must provide completed vaccination requirements.

Large shared rooms in on campus lodge-style student residence conveniently located next to center. Private bathroom(per room.) Each room has 2 full beds, desks closets, a color TV with cable and free internet access. Linens are provided. Rooms are cleaned once weekly. Self -service laundry machines are available in the dorm at no charge.

Centrally located on campus dormitory
Large double occupancy dorm rooms with full sized beds and in room bath
Ability to meet American students housed in the same dorm

Security: Each room has its own key, and there is a security checkpoint at the campus entrance. An Eckerd College Resident Assistant resides in the student residence.
visa

Visa support

We cannot apply for visas on behalf of students. However, the school can supply you with all the documentation you need to support your visa application.

If you are studying full time in the United States for more than 18 hours per week, you will receive an I-20 that you need to submit to the US embassy along with your F-1 student visa application. The I-20 has a SEVIS tracking number on it. Students who wish to apply for a student visa must pay the SEVIS fee online before going to the US embassy or consulate for their visa interview.

Your I-20 will be sent to your home address by regular mail at no charge to you. If you wish to receive your paperwork by express mail, you will be charged $110 when you register.

Please note that United States law states that an I-20 can only be issued to students who intend to pursue full-time English language studies. United States law does not permit students to study part-time with an F-1 Student Visa. If you are studying for less than 18 hours per week, you have to apply for a Visitor Visa (B1/B2) on your own.

Learn more about how to get a US student visa »

Visit the US Department of State website »

Flights and airport transfer

Please note that we do not book flights for our students. If you are researching airfare costs, we recommend using Kayak.com, a search engine that lets you compare flight options from your home country to St. Petersburg based on your budget, schedule and preferences.

Travel insurance

Study abroad worry-free with Language International's health and personal effects insurance coverage. When you book a course with us, you can opt to purchase an international insurance plan that covers not only your health care cost but also loss of your personal belongings. You must book your insurance in advance when you register.

Learn more about our insurance plan »

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questions

Questions and answers

Have questions? Get answers from ELS Language Centers at Eckerd College: St. Petersburg (FL) staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.

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