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ELS/Houston is located adjacent to the University of St. Thomas - Houston (UST) campus and has full access to the university’s campus and facilities. A major destination for international students, Houston is America’s fourth largest city and the center of the world’s energy industry. You can enjoy weekend visits to the National Air and Space Administration (NASA) Space Center Houston, Gulf of Mexico beaches and more.
The nationality and age mix at ELS Language Centers Houston: Houston (TX) varies over different time periods, courses and levels. Throughout the year, the average age is 23. In the summer, the average age is 21.
ELS teaches students from all over the world, including:
ELS 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.
Area Description
ELS/Houston is located in Houston's fashionable River Oaks/Upper Kirby/Greenway Plaza Professional Districts which is a short 10-15 minute commute to the University of St. Thomas campus via Metro bus. A major destination for international students, Houston is America's fourth largest city and the center of the world's energy industry. You can enjoy weekend visits to the National Air and Space Administration (NASA) Space Center Houston, Gulf of Mexico beaches and more.
Area Attractions
National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) Space Center Houston
Gulf of Mexico beaches
Weekend trips possible to San Antonio, New Orleans or Mexico.
Local Transportation
There is public transportation in Houston in the form of buses and new light rail service to downtown, which is adequate for students' needs. Cost is $1.25 one direction(50% off with UST student ID Card). Some routes are limited on the weekend and in the evening. Many of our students rent cars or share taxis and divide the expense. International students can obtain a Texas Driver's License by going to the appropriate state office and passing a written and a driving test. Ask the International Student Advisor for additional information.
I really enjoyed everything. The teachers were the best that I´ve had. Location and facilities are good, however I would like you to have a coffee shop or some place where students can find something to eat and drink.
Show details » Read more...els was perfect for me because I studied with so much international student during my course. it was great opportunity for speaking. els teachers was so nice to me during my journey at els. they have so much activities for socialising after school.
Show details » Read more...The teachers were all really nice and everybody tried really hard to male us feel comfortable being away from home. I made a lot of new friends. The school planed a lot of activities where we could go which was really nice. The location was perfect, it was not to far away from my home and not right downtown where the traffic gets really bad.
Show details » Read more...It was pretty good. Activities were kind of fun. I like the way you guys made it like school.
Show details » Read more...The school's program of activities is good, as few good teachers do not show the results of the final tests, make the decision whether the student should advance or not, even having good grades during the current level, as to the conditions of the school. school are good.
Show details » Read more...I liked the classes there was a lot of interaction between the teachers and the students. The classrooms and the bathroom were always clean. Maybe it would have been better of the classes were inside the campus of the University of St. Thomas.
Show details » Read more...Over all, it was a good experience and a good chance to improve my competences in englisch at this school. My estimation is different. There are teachers they have quite a large engagement and others are for example not really good prepared ore are in the class not really good in teaching.
Show details » Read more...It was far beyond my expectation. Very good. The organization, the infrastructure, the teachers, everything was good.
The discipline asked was a real immersion in the American culture and attitudes.
It was my first experience of studying at ELS. The location was excellent, with parking and near the downtown. I really liked the teachers, especially Mr. Jason (VOC) and Mr. Jim (SSP). I didn`t like the LTC. Unfortunately, I only had three weeks to stay at the ELS because I needed to return to my country. I hope to return in the near future. Thanks.
Vera Lucia Vigier
The school has very nice teachers good place for learning funny lesson with (Samir and Tim) but also bad teachers (Atalla) was very disappointing not sympathetic for a teacher boring lessons.
Show details » Read more...The classes were good nothing boring, we learn new things in the activities and games we play in class and they were interesting. The teaches were nice and polite always there to help and it is in a good location near places we can go after class
Show details » Read more...Sometimes,I was confused when I talked with other students and teachers.But It was very fun. I want to study English in ELS again. If I could go to study the school once,I will be able to speak English better. I liked all of classes. If you consist, I liked speaking class the best. This class is very profitable for me to speak and pronounce English.
Thank you for teaching me English!!!
The classes were very nice. The teaching methods were almost perfect. In Lauren's class (TOEFL class) I really learned how to mãe the test and I did well because of her. The only problem was in Tim's class, because his teaching methods were not that good. Instead of explaining the students doubts, he just kept telling the same things. Also he took the students to a field trip to do a survey in a parking lot and that activity did not improved my English at all, it was just some useless activity to fill up some free time from the class. It was terrible, but it was not ELS's fault.
About the facilities I think it was just perfect. Everything was clean, everything worked perfectly, the administration had this care with the students (answering doubts, solving problems, etc). It was awesome.
The activities were impressive, because I never studied in a school where there were so many activities (going to a baseball game, tips about parks, museum tips) and the small events at the first and last day. Very different from other classes I have had and much better.
I was not in the housing program, because of that I do not have an opinion about it.
The experienced was really an enriching one, from a social point of view. Even if you're a little bit shy as I am, you will find you will be making friends with people from different countries. As regards the teacher and the classes they were really good, all teachers were kind, respectful, and cool to hang out with. The only drawback is that I think I could have been on higher level, however the things they thought us were things I've already studied. Other than that it was a great experience.
Show details » Read more...I enjoyed my stay in the ELS Center in Houston. I liked all the classes, particularly Anoosh SSP class. Over all, the teachers were exceptionally nice.
Show details » Read more...I liked it a lot. It was way more intense than I first thought, but it was only for the better.
I had a very good month at ELS. It was a good learning environment.
I liked almost all of my teachers. They were prepared for giving interesting classes. I had a good experience knowing other people and other cultures, and also going on incredible trips. The only thing that I would change is the SSP class because I think they need to make you talk more and focus on your pronunciation. Aside from this though, everything was perfect.
Show details » Read more...It was my first experience in learning English abroad. The teachers were helpful and professional. The classes were well organized. The only negative was that not all books were provided. Unfortunately, during my three weeks, there were not much events and activities at school.
There were students from different countries: Brazil, Venezuela, Japan, Turkey, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Bolivia, Indonesia. We spent time together and learnt more about each other’s countries.
The program was intensive and helped to improve language skills.
I was living at a homestay. Two more students were living with me in that house. At the dinner table, we had a chance to talk in English a lot. Also, there was a Halloween party organized by the homestay. A lot of students from other schools came to that party. It was a wonderful experience to talk to people and get to know them.
The house was a bit far away from school. It took me 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to school. I rode the buses. During my first day at my homestay, the family dropped me off at school then showed me how to use the buses. Also, at the homestay, I was allowed to do laundry.
In general, my trip was exciting and memorable.
What I liked was that the school was very close to the student residence. It was easy to take the bus, and there were nearby shopping centers.
Show details » Read more...I liked the classes and the facilities. I made a number of friends from different countries. I didn't like the location though.
Show details » Read more...I really liked my classmates! The teachers were great and the program was perfect. My roommates were so kind.
Show details » Read more...I liked the classrooms and some of the teachers. Some of them were funny and could teach very well.
Show details » Read more...I liked it a lot! All teachers are very professional, positive and friendly. Atmosphere was very warm. The school is located in a nice, convenient location. I have no negative experiences.
Show details » Read more...Hi all, I had a really small class and each of us could learn very well. The teachers were nice and gave us the chance to find some subjects to talk about. So in the end you had it like an individual lesson. The location of the ELS in Houston is really nice. Next to the school, there is a CVS and a private university names "University of St. Thomas". There you can have your lunch in the cafeteria with little money. The area also has good connections with the bus and it´s just 3 minutes with it to the museum district. The school offers you some activities for your free time and the students are very nice. In the end I can say it was a good decision to choose the ELS and I would do it again.
Show details » Read more...Homestays are carefully selected and offer students the opportunity to learn more about the local culture in a comfortable setting while studying English in Houston. These homes are often around 20 minutes away from the school by public transport. Families usually offer affordable meal plans that allow you to sample the local cuisine. If you have special requests or diet restrictions (because of religion or health reasons), please let us know in advance. Your housing starts on the Sunday before your first day of class and ends on the Saturday after your last day of class, unless otherwise noted. Learn more about homestay housing
Student residences are more suitable for an independent student, who is looking for clean, basic accommodation at an economic price. All students must be 18+. Your housing starts on the Sunday before your first day of class and ends on the Saturday after your last day of class, unless otherwise noted. Student residences often do not include any meal plan. Learn more about student residence accommodation
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.
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 Houston based on your budget, schedule and preferences.
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.
Area Description
ELS/Houston is located in Houston's fashionable River Oaks/Upper Kirby/Greenway Plaza Professional Districts which is a short 10-15 minute commute to the University of St. Thomas campus via Metro bus. A major destination for international students, Houston is America's fourth largest city and the center of the world's energy industry. You can enjoy weekend visits to the National Air and Space Administration (NASA) Space Center Houston, Gulf of Mexico beaches and more.
Area Attractions
National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) Space Center Houston
Gulf of Mexico beaches
Weekend trips possible to San Antonio, New Orleans or Mexico.
Local Transportation
There is public transportation in Houston in the form of buses and new light rail service to downtown, which is adequate for students' needs. Cost is $1.25 one direction(50% off with UST student ID Card). Some routes are limited on the weekend and in the evening. Many of our students rent cars or share taxis and divide the expense. International students can obtain a Texas Driver's License by going to the appropriate state office and passing a written and a driving test. Ask the International Student Advisor for additional information.
Have questions? Get answers from ELS Language Centers Houston: Houston (TX) staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.
Ask a questionNo. We cannot make an exception simply because of the huge demand for those courses.
If ELS has accepted him and if he only takes privtae lessons for one week, the only other thing we require is a letter from his Company.
Yes we do. We require all documents just like an initial enrolment.
Technically, yes ,the student would need the I-20 for the Semi-Intensive program if she is entering the US with the primary purpose of studying this program.
That is because this program meets the US Government minimum required hours to qualify as an “Academic Program.”
No. Our minimum age is 16.
All of our ELS Centers are official TOELF Testing locations.
However, the only TOELF program with the fee for the test included is the full 3-session TOEFL program. The student would need to pay and sign-up independently for the TOEFL exam if he is only taking the 2-session program. He would need to do this through the ETS website and ELS does not invoice this.
No we do not.
We cannot guarantee this. But we will try, subject to availability.
Yes. One-to-one lessons are available at all centers.