Center Information
Our ELS Language Center in Houston, Texas is on the campus of the University of St. Thomas (UST) and is located in a beautiful building in Houston's Museum District, across the street from the UST admission's office and athletic fields. Houston is America's fourth largest city and is the center of the world's energy industry and a major destination for international students. Many students enjoy weekend visits to the National Air and Space Administration (NASA) Space Center Houston, Gulf of Mexico beaches, San Antonio, Dallas, New Orleans and Mexico.
Programs
Cost Per Session:
$1,575.00
Starting Date 2009:
July 20, August 17, September 14, October 12, November 09, December 07
Start Dates 2010:
January 04, February 01, March 01, March 29, April 26, May 24, June 21, July 19, August 16, September 13, October 11, November 08, December 06
Show Description
The ELS Intensive English Program, our most popular program of study, will help you significantly improve your English skills, achieve greater fluency, and fully prepare you for university study in the USA. More than 550 universities, colleges and career schools accept completion of an advanced ELS level as meeting the English language requirement for admission.
Cost Per Session:
$1,210.00
Starting Date 2009:
July 20, August 17, September 14, October 12, November 09, December 07
Start Dates 2010:
January 04, February 01, March 01, March 29, April 26, May 24, June 21, July 19, August 16, September 13, October 11, November 08, December 06
Show Description
The ELS Semi-Intensive Program is ideal for students who want to learn English while also having time to visit local cities and attractions. Students take classes in the morning and have afternoons free to explore and use their improving English.
Cost Per Session:
$1,770.00
Starting Date:
Click here for all dates
Show Description
ELS has developed a 12-week comprehensive Prep Program for the TOEFL® iBT that gives you the best preparation possible and the confidence you need to succeed!
The new Internet based TOEFL® iBT requires students to answer questions related to speaking, listening, reading and writing – and measures not just what you know, but how well you can express yourself and apply your knowledge. By taking the Prep Program, you will practice integrated reading and listening skills, improve writing and speaking, as well as learn test-taking strategies.
Starting Date 2009:
July 20, August 17, September 14, October 12, November 09, December 07
Start Dates 2010:
January 04, February 01, March 01, March 29, April 26, May 24, June 21, July 19, August 16, September 13, October 11, November 08, December 06
Show Description
This 6-hour per day program combines advanced language enrichment with one hour of GRE® language self-study and two hours of GRE® Test Prep strategies. Four or eight (recommended) week options are available. The maximum class size is 15.
Cost Per Session:
$1,150.00
Starting Date 2009:
July 20, August 17, September 14, October 12, November 09, December 07
Start Dates 2010:
January 04, February 01, March 01, March 29, April 26, May 24, June 21, July 19, August 16, September 13, October 11, November 08, December 06
Show Description
If you are planning a short vacation in the USA and would like to include some English classes, our American Explorer Program is perfect for you. Study English in the morning and enjoy the afternoons practicing your English while sightseeing and visiting local attractions.
Cost Per Session:
$1,575.00
Starting Date 2009:
July 20, August 17, September 14, October 12, November 09, December 07
Start Dates 2010:
January 04, February 01, March 01, March 29, April 26, May 24, June 21, July 19, August 16, September 13, October 11, November 08, December 06
Show Description
The ELS Business English Program covers the following skills: giving presentations, participating in meetings, negotiating agreements, explaining and defending positions, and using business vocabulary and idiomatic expressions in work-related conversation.
Cost Per Session:
$5,195.00
Starting Date 2009:
July 20, August 17, September 14, October 12, November 09, December 07
Start Dates 2010:
January 04, February 01, March 01, March 29, April 26, May 24, June 21, July 19, August 16, September 13, October 11, November 08, December 06
Show Description
The English for Executives Program is designed for junior and mid-level professionals who want to combine general English practice along with career-specific communication training. The English for Executives Program consists of three 50-minutes interactive group lessons and three personalized, 50-minute one-to-one lessons each day in ELS group classes. The course length may be two or four weeks, beginning on any of the 26 year-round Intensive English Program start dates.
Cost Per Session:
$7,050.00
Starting Date:
Every Monday
Show Description
The ELS Super Intensive English Program is the fastest way to improve English proficiency. This course combines highly concentrated, one-to-one instruction and a curriculum targeted specially to the participant’s needs. Courses are individually designed based upon level of English ability, desired language use and outcomes, and length of time available for study. This program can begin on any Monday and may last for one week to four weeks or more. The Super Intensive Program consists of either 20, 30 or 45 private, 50-minute lessons each week, taught on a Monday to Friday schedule. ELS will provide assistance with accommodation arrangements.
Cost Per Session:
$5,125.00
Starting Date:
Every Monday
Show Description
For maximum results in just one week’s time, the Super Intensive Plus Program is the best choice for a busy executive. This highly rigorous course consists of 70 lessons, 50 minutes each, of combined in-class instruction and out-of-class cultural activities, generally taught from Monday through Sunday. Super Intensive Plus is ideal in preparation for an important business presentation or meeting in the United States. Due to the intensity of this program, intermediate English proficiency is highly recommended. ELS will provide assistance with accommodation arrangements.
Additional Learning Opportunities
IELTS Testing Center
If you wish to qualify for university admission through an IELTS score, you can take the test at our location. Click here for registration information.
Contact America! Program
Through regularly organized activities you can practice English both in and out of the classroom with native guest speakers or American students discussing various topics.
Music, Voice or Dance Lessons
We can arrange for students to take musical instrument, voice or dance lessons with faculty or qualified students.
College Class Visits and Auditing
ELS Intensive students (in key levels) can visit one or more college classes, depending on professor approval.
Access to Campus Facilities/Services
ELS students may use many of the facilities at our host college/university for free (or low cost) during their studies. Available facilities may vary, but usually include a fitness center, swimming pool, campus library, tennis court, and more.
TOEIC Testing Center
We offer the TOEIC exam at our center. For more information on the TOEIC program or to register click here
TOEFL Testing Center
In addition to our academic TOEFL Prep Program, we offer the TOEFL exam on-site. For more information on the TOEFL test click here
Center Album
Center Staff
Ray Trantham
Center Director, Ray has more than 18 years of experience working with ELS. He began as Operations Coordinator for the youth group programs in the Special Programs department. Following that, he headed up the Central Admissions Department as Director of Admissions and Student Services which included the period when the Berlitz on Campus (BOC) centers and ELS Language Centers merged. From there he literally moved on to work with the International Division’s ELS Middle East franchise. For three years, he assisted with the operations management of the 12+ Language Centers located throughtout the Gulf region. After returning to the States and one and a half years of providing consulting services for several projects (which includes the Ernst & Young contract training programs), Ray is settling into his newest assignment as Center Director for ELS/Houston. Ray and the seasoned, experienced staff are well prepared to welcome you to Houston and to help you achieve your goals.
Brenda
Academic Director: During a tough economic downturn in the early 80’s, Brenda, fresh out of an Elementary Education degree program at the University of Michigan, was guided to ELS as a volunteer. Her initiation into the world of English instruction at age 21 was swift and abrupt: intending to work behind the scenes on her first day as a volunteer, Brenda was thrust into the spotlight when an instructor was not able to teach the day’s classes. Neither intimidated nor daunted by her task, she spent the day absolutely fascinated by her 7 executive students and teaching English to an international audience. She has been with the company for the last 25 years.
Sylvia
Registrar, Sylvia started as a student at ELS Houston in 1984. Shortly after completing her studies, she immediately began to work for ELS and is currently with the company today. Although she left for a few years to pursue further training and experience, Sylvia has since returned and has over 15 years experience as an accountant. She loves what she does and enjoys meeting people from all over the world.
Jesse
International Student Advisor, Jesse comes to ELS Houston via ELS Miami and ELS Atlanta where he worked as an International Student Advisor and Instructor for the past two years. With a B.A. in journalism from the University of Georgia and an M.A. in Communications from Barry University, he enjoys traveling and learning just as much as advising and teaching. A problem-solver with an active disposition and a penchant for adventure help him identify with and assist the international students who choose to embark on an adventure of their own… in English!
Mathelda Molina
International Student Advisor and SEVIS Coordinator: Mathelda, a native of Nicaragua, came to visit Houston for a week and never left. She began her association with ELS as a student back in 1983 and has remained with ELS ever since. She is the SEVIS Coordinator for all of the ELS Language Centers in the United States as well as the ISA for ELS Houston. She loves to interact with the students as well as with her colleagues and she has a natural talent for resolving immigration, personal and domestic issues. She earned a bachelor's degree in Library Science that she has yet to put into formal practice, but as the mother of four and grandmother of 3 and growing, she continues to learn something new every day. She loves to read, travel and cook for friends and family.
Kayla Briseno
I studied to be an elementary school teacher in college, but after having spent a year abroad after graduation, studying Arabic and teaching English to adults, my plans changed. That experience, coupled with my esteem for cultures and languages, fueled my desire to make teaching E as a second language to adults my career. Teaching at ELS has been so enjoyable because it combines my love for people, teaching, learning cultures and languages, into one amazing job. I am constantly asking myself, “Am I really getting paid to have this much fun?” I feel like I learn more than I teach through interacting with the students and the staff. I am truly thankful for my time here and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
Sarah Wulf
I graduated from Rice University with a degree in Bioengineering and I have worked with international students for the past few years, both as a teacher and an advisor. I love to facilitate learning and to see students succeed and, as an instructor at ELS, I do both everyday!
Stephanie Dodaro
After receiving a Master’s degree in French in Louisiana, I went to Japan to teach English in Japanese Junior High Schools in Yokohama City. I returned to New Orleans, La. and continued to teach ESL. After Hurricane Katrina, I moved to Houston and I have been an instructor for ELS for two years. Working here has been a fantastic experience.
Simeon Hughes
I have been an instructor at ELS for almost one year now and I love it! ELS is much more than a school- it’s a family. The interaction between the students and the staff yield friendships as well as a better understanding of the English language.
Caroline Crites
Caroline discovered her love for other cultures at the tender age of two, when she could confidently eat solid food and realized that dishes like sushi, enchiladas and tabouli were much more palatable than simple peas or eggs. Years later, Caroline
spent two years in Germany where she attended a language school that provided her
an international experience and a student’s perspective on learning a foreign language.
Since then, she has graduated from Rice University earning a B.A. in Linguistics and German Studies as well as an ESL teaching certificate. Besides being an English instructor, Caroline loves teaching a monthly dance class and encouraging her students to "work it" outside the classroom.