For many students, studying English abroad can at first seem intimidating. It is no wonder: with so many competing programs that focus on so many aspects of language learning in so many different places, it can be a challenge to find the program that is right for you. Fortunately, ELS Educational Services, Inc – better known simply as ELS – is there to meet the growing needs of international students. Founded in 1961, in the fifty years since, ELS has helped over a million (yes, that’s six zeros!) students from over 140 countries learn English at the right place and with the right pace. As we shall see, a closer examination of the unique advantages of ELS Language Centers will show you why so many have chosen to study English at ELS.
Partnerships
Unlike many stand-alone intensive English programs, when you study with an ELS Language Center your studies are not confined to the classroom. Because the majority of ELS Language Centers are located on university campuses, you will be able to take advantage of excellent classroom instruction as well as an campus-based learning environment. In that way you really have the best of both worlds. First, you will have ample opportunity to practice English as a Second Language in courses designed to help you reach your personal, academic and career goals. At the same time, however, you will have the unique immersion opportunity that only a college campus can provide. In your day-to-day life you will be able to interact with native English-speaking peers in a variety of ways. From arranged native English-speaking conversations and on-campus events to unstructured sporting events and open-access libraries, partnerships with colleges and universities represent an immersion experience like no other – and one not to be missed.
Immersion
The advantages of on-campus immersion cannot be understated. Because programs as ELS Language Centers are completely customizable, few other language learning programs can offer the wide range of options that ELS can. When it comes to housing, for example, students have the choice of living with a local family, with other international students, or even on-campus with native English-speaking students. At the same time, ELS programs also provide convenient day trips and other excursion opportunities to explore local attractions at their own pace. In this way, those who study English at ELS Language Centers have countless opportunities to use and improve their English skills.
Scale
Another one of the chief advantages of ELS Language Centers lies in the sheer size of the ELS network. Because ELS has partnered with more than 60 colleges and universities in the United States, Canada and Australia, no matter where you want to study English, you are sure to find a campus (and campus-based English program) that is right for you.
Recognition
At the same time, because of its long history and excellent reputation, over 650 universities accept the successful completion of the advanced ELS curriculum as proof of English proficiency. Because proof of English proficiency is a core requirement for many English-language degree programs, this means that an ELS certification can make the transition to higher education smoother – and, in fact, it does. Every year ELS helps thousands of international students make the transition from an ELS Language Center to other institutes of higher education.
Thus, as you can see, from the beginning of the study abroad experience to well after its completion, ELS provides students with an unbeatable combination of resources that will allow you to make the most of your English immersion experience. So what are you waiting for? The world is waiting!
