Thuy Tran, Vietnam
May 25, 2011
I really enjoy Fort Smith. It has a great environment, good weather, and fresh air. The people here are also very friendly. They often help me when I meet difficulties. I think of Fort Smith as my second hometown.
Fort Smith, AR
5210 Grand Ave
Fort Smith, AR 72913
Tel.:
479-788-7940
On the campus of: University of Arkansas - Fort Smith
ELS/Fort Smith, located on the safe, attractive campus of University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, is a public four-year university providing many bachelors and associate degrees to almost 8,000 students. Fort Smith, a city of 90,000 nestled between the scenic Ouachita and Ozark mountains, offers a taste of the Old West, combined with many opportunities for hiking, camping and swimming in nearby beautiful lakes, as well as ample shopping, entertainment and student/community groups that ELS students can join - or excursions to Fayetteville (90 km), Tulsa (170 km), Hot Springs (210 km) and the state capital of Little Rock (255 km).
Distance to Key Locations from ELS Center
| Location | Minutes | Transportation Method |
|---|---|---|
| Airport | 10 |
|
| Bank | 10 |
|
| Downtown Area | 20 |
|
| Post Office | 20 |
|
| Restaurant(s) | 5 |
|
| Shopping Mall/Outlet | 15 |
|
| Sports Stadium/Center | 3 |
|
| Supermarket | 3 |
|
| Bus Stop/Subway | 3 |
|
LEGEND
Walking
Bike
Car
Bus
Train
Electricity
110V 60KHz.
Electric Plug Details
1
2
Programs available at this location
English for Academic Purposes
Achieve English Proficiency for University Study
Cost Per Session
$1730
UAFS Residence(Student Residence (On Campus))
Students share double rooms in a brand-new, on-campus, suite-style residence hall. The new facility features 1 bathroom per 2-bedrooms. Rooms are provided with loftable furniture, free internet and cable TV access, community lounge on each wing with flat screen TV and kitchenette. Linens provided and free laundry. There is a full kitchen with new appliances on the ground floor and an on-site dining facility. Only 2 minutes walk from the ELS Center.
| Price per Session | $840 |
|---|---|
| Occupancy | Double |
| Minimum Age | 17 |
| Airport Pickup | $60 - 150 |
|
Meals / week or Meal Credit $200 Meal Dollars |
|
Homestays(Homestay)
Host family students are responsible for their personal transportation. Most students use the convenient & affordable bus system.
| Price per Session | $750 |
|---|---|
| Occupancy | Single |
| Minimum Age | 14 |
| Airport Pickup | $60 - 150 |
|
Meals / week or Meal Credit 14 per week (daily continental breakfast & dinner) |
|
- Baseball field
- Computer center
- Gymnasium
- Music practice room(s)
- Basketball court(s)
- Fitness Center
Meet the Staff
Simon Smith
Center Director
Simon has taught and managed ESL programs in Japan, Indonesia, the UK and the USA, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Language & Literature and postgraduate qualifications in TEFL and TESOL. Prior to coming to Fort Smith, he directed language schools in Los Angeles, California and taught at UCLA’s American Language Center. Simon spends most of his time managing ELS Fort Smith and getting used to life in Arkansas, after living in LA for 10 years. Having worked with over 40 nationalities, he is excited to see all the new students coming from around the world to Arkansas, and is committed to building an exciting and dynamic ELS center on the campus of University of Arkansas – Fort Smith. His hobbies include travel, live music, dancing, and reading, writing movies and going to the pub for beers with good friends!
Amber McMahan
Academic Director
Amber holds a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish and postgraduate certificate in TESL from Northeastern State University, Oklahoma. She is currently working on her Master’s degree in TESOL. Amber has taught at several ESL schools and loves teaching and meeting new people. When she is not managing the Academic program at ELS Fort Smith, she enjoys reading, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends.
Malia Putman
International Student Advisor
Malia has a B.S. in Organizational Leadership (emphasis on ethics and cultural diversities) and a minor in
Rhetoric and Writing from University of Arkansas- For t Smith. She has enjoyed traveling to Ecuador, Romania, Moldova, and throughout the U.S. Malia has a tenured history in volunteerism and organizing benefits for various community organizations. She is delighted to use these skills to assist International students at ELS. When she is not discovering new activities for our ELS students, Malia enjoys relaxing with her family, a hot cup of chai, reading, movies, and planning her next excursion.
Kaitlyn Akins
Registrar
Kaitlyn is currently attending the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith. She is double majoring in Accounting and Business Administration. When she is not working or doing homework she enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, and anything outdoors. She just discovered a new love for skydiving. Kaitlyn wants to travel the world and learn about other cultures and enjoys welcoming students from around the world to Fort Smith!
Mark Littlejohn
Instructor
Mark was born and raised in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Teaching English. He also holds teaching licenses in bilingual education, TESOL, Spanish, and language arts. Mark has worked and taught in South Africa, Mexico, and El Salvador as well as in the US He enjoys ELS because it is a very diverse environment with interesting and enjoyable people from all over the world.
Jennifer 'Jenna' Nation
Instructor
Jenna graduated from Arkansas Tech University in 2008 with a Bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science. In December of 2010, she graduated from the same university with a Master's degree in English with a TESL emphasis. She has volunteered with children, teaching a creative writing program at the Boys and Girls Club in Russellville, Arkansas. Jenna also likes martial arts and running, and is attempting to learn Spanish.
Patrick McClelland
Instructor
Patrick has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, and a Masters of Education from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He first learned about ESL in Los Angeles, California in the late 1990's, where he taught English to Japanese students and decided this was what he wanted to do with his life. Patrick has taught English in Japan and Taiwan, and worked in adult education and ESL in the public school system in the United States. In addition to Japan and Taiwan, Patrick has traveled to Canada and Europe. When he is not teaching he likes to play old video games, eat sushi, watch the original Star Wars movies and listen to 70's Rock. He is also a good bowler and likes American football. Patrick has been involved with adult education and ESL for 13 years now and loves it. He considers himself a 24/7 teacher; eating, sleeping and dreaming ESL!
Kristin Plumlee
Instructor
Kristin Plumlee received her B.A. in English from the University of Arkansas Fort Smith, and is currently studying for her Master’s degree in English with a TESL emphasis. She visited England last year and this summer will visit Europe to study TESL and explore other countries and cultures. As a native of Fort Smith, Kristin enjoys participating in local organizations and going to local events. She is a Beatles fan, and her hobbies include watching soccer, shooting, and journalism.
Noah Schmidt
Instructor
Born and raised in Northwest Ohio, Noah has earned a Bachelor's degree in Creative Writing and a Master's degree in English with a concentration in Linguistics, both from Bowling Green State University. In addition to working with ESL students since 2007, Noah is actively involved in endangered language documentation efforts. Since 2008, he has been a member of the Oroha Language and Culture Documentation and Revitalization Project. Having recently relocated to Fort Smith, Noah has been busy exploring his new home.
Sanghyung Kim, South Korea
May 25, 2011
The UAFS campus is so peaceful and quiet. It is a nice atmosphere. ELS has good teachers and I like meeting new guys because I get to learn about different cultures.
Wafaa Brnawi, Saudi Arabia
May 25, 2011
ELS really helps you improve yourself in many ways. The teachers are very helpful and they always offer help. You will meet many different people from other countries. Everyone comes for the same reason – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith. It is a very beautiful place with a lot of trees and big buildings. There is a fountain outside of the campus that is very nice. Anyone would love to come here!
Rina Seo, Japan
May 25, 2011
I like my homestay family, my classmates, and the ELS teachers. Mr. Simon is also very kind.
Mohammad Alalawi, Saudi Arabia
May 25, 2011
When I came to the USA I first studied English in a city where people there weren’t friendly because they didn’t like strange people. After that I moved to Fort Smith. The people here are different; they are very friendly. Now I have a lot of American friends and I have learned a lot at ELS. My English is a lot better and the teachers here are awesome. I love Fort Smith.
Hye-Min Lee, South Korea
May 25, 2011
I love the environment here. There are lots of birds and squirrels. Also, the people are kind, nice, and friendly. In ELS I can have conversations with international friends from various countries.
Fahad, Saudi Arabia
May 25, 2011
When I came to Fort Smith I really felt comfortable in this peaceful city because the people are really friendly and lovely. You can make many good friends that you will never forget. Here in Fort Smith among your friends you will never feel homesick because it is going to be your second home. There are no words that can describe how lovely and friendly the staff at ELS Fort Smith is. They are always here for you and always ready to help you. I always pray to the God and thank him for giving me the chance to live in Fort Smith.
Ezgi Ozturk, Turkey
May 25, 2011
My older brother went to ELS six years ago and he told me I should come here. He said, “This language school is really good and the teachers are very helpful.” I am so happy because I am going to ELS and the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith.
Mohammed Hawsawi, Saudi Arabia
May 25, 2011
I came to ELS Fort Smith seven or eight months ago. ELS went from zero to fifty-six students in a very short time. In my opinion, the personalities of the staff and teachers are the reason for
this.
Min Ji Lee, South Korea
May 25, 2011
ELS is a great change for me. ELS has good students and teachers. They always help me, so I can learn English easily.
Yaosef, Saudi Arabia
May 25, 2011
I chose ELS Fort Smith because I wanted a small city with a good school. The city has very nice things. I really like the campus because it is big and clean and the classes are organized.
Yu-Min Cha, South Korea
May 25, 2011
I arrived in Fort Smith in February. After going to ELS my English has really improved. In my opinion the teachers at ELS in Fort Smith are good at teaching and very nice.
Abdulrahman, Saudi Arabia
May 25, 2011
The ELS center on the campus at University of Arkansas – Fort Smith is one of the greatest places I have ever been to. It is a really great place to study. Its buildings are amazing and it is a really organized place.
Maher, Suadi Arabia
May 25, 2011
ELS is a good institute. The teachers are very good and the people are very friendly. The classes are very clean and great for studying.
Abdullah, Saudi Arabia
May 24, 2011
I heard in the past that ELS has good teachers and good classes. When I came to ELS I saw that it was true. I also really like speaking to the students at the university.
Abdulrahman, Saudi Arabia
May 24, 2011
ELS is great at teaching English. It has good teachers and UAFS is very nice. It is very small and has nice buildings. The students at UAFS are also very friendly with the international students.
NaRae Yang, South Korea
May 24, 2011
I like my dormitory because it is very clean and the furniture is in good condition. My teachers are very friendly. I really like all my new friends.
Spring Time at ELS / UA Fort Smith
April 30, 2012
A celebration of the start of a new session and great weather by going downtown.
Spring Time at ELS / UA Fort Smith
April 30, 2012
Celebrating the nations represented at UAFS by participating in the 4th Annual UAFS International Festival.
Wishing you a Happy Holiday!
December 22, 2011
In celebration of the holidays, all ELS Language Centers in the United States, Canada and Australia, plus Princeton Headquarters, will be closed on several different days. Read more to find out.
Dear ELS Students,
With the close of 2011, ELS reflects with deep appreciation on your choice to attend ELS Language Centers. We would like to take this opportunity to again say thank you. It is truly rewarding to work with all of you in our common goal of enabling you to fulfill your career and life goals through education.
In celebration of the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays, all ELS Language Centers in the United States, Canada and Australia, plus Princeton Headquarters, will be closed on several different days.
Please refer to the following grid as a guide to which days our various units will be closed:
Regular class schedules will resume on Tuesday, December 27 in the USA (Wednesday, December 28 in Canada and Australia) and on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 (in all locations).
ELS wishes you a wonderful holiday season, and much success in 2012!
Sincerely,
The ELS team
International Student assisting the local Girl's Shelter
December 22, 2011
ELS students have many opportunities to meet and interact with the local community. Read about Yao Yishan's efforts to assist girls at the local shelter. What would you like to do?
As one of our first nine students when ELS Fort Smith opened its doors we are proud to share Yao Yishan’s success and inspiration!
Yao, who expects to graduate from the University of Arkansas, Fort Smith in May, first came to the United States in August 2010 and perfected her English with ELS Language Centers located on the UAFS campus. After completing her Level 110 Masters program and passing the TOEFL exam with the help of the ELS staff and her good luck charm - a special note [“you can do it”] from Center Director Simon Smith, she then enrolled in UAFS classes in January 2011.
Find out more about her success!
ELS 50th Anniversary University Tuition Scholarship
November 18, 2011
Calling All Merit Scholars! We are proud to present our ELS 50th Anniversary University Tuition Scholarship in celebration of Fifty (50) Years of ELS Leadership in International Education.
This scholarship is a special recognition for students like you--with outstanding academic achievement in your undergraduate, graduate, and/or secondary school.
If you meet the minimum grade point average (GPA) and several other requirements, ELS will award 50 percent of your ELS Language Centers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) tuition. The ELS 50th Anniversary University Tuition Scholarship will be paid directly into your student account at the ELS Host Institution or AEC member that issued your CLA, making the process simple and official.
Contact an ELS-authorized Counseling Agent, who will ensure that you follow the admissions process properly, meeting all scholarship terms and conditions. Participating ELS university partners are as follows:
- Adelphi University
- Barry University
- California Lutheran University
- Clemson University
- College of Mount Saint Vincent
- College of Southern Nevada
- Concordia University Portland
- De Anza College
- Dominican University
- Dominican University of California
- Eckerd College
- Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Florida Institute of Technology
- Foothill College
- Front Range Community College
- Golden Gate University
- Grand Valley State University
- Hawai'i Pacific University
- Idaho State University
- Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
- Lewis University
- Louisiana Tech University
- Loyola Marymount University
- Marquette University
- Middle Tennessee State University
- Mount Ida College
- Northern Illinois University
- Ohio Dominican University
- Oklahoma City University
- Plymouth State University
- Point Park University
- Queens University of Charlotte
- Roger Williams University
- Saint Joseph's University
- Southern Arkansas University
- Southern Polytechnic State University
- Stetson University
- Tennessee Tech University
- University of Arkansas Fort Smith
- University of Cincinnati
- University of Houston - Clear Lake
- University of La Verne
- University of Mary Washington
- University of Missouri - St. Louis
- University of New Haven
- University of North Dakota
- University of St. Thomas - Houston
- University of St. Thomas - Minnesota
- University of Tampa
- University of the Incarnate Word
- University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
- University of Wyoming
ELS International Pathways expanding in Australia
October 21, 2011
ELS has expanded to now include pathways to tertiary institutions in Australia!
Interested in studying in Australia? Choose from ELS Universal English College in beautiful Sydney or the new center opening in May 2012 in Brisbane, located on the campus of Metropolitan South institute (MSIT) of TAFE.
ELS provides a full range of English training programs, as well as pathways to over 40 institutions in Australia, including prestigious and popular institutions like Macquarie University, University of Western Sydney, University of Newcastle, University of Wollongong, TAFE New South Wales and Le Cordon Bleu.
Now over 650 schools, colleges, TAFE, and universities worldwide accept the ELS certificate of completion as evidence of English proficiency, and fulfilling the English language requirement for admission.
For more information please visit ELS Universal English College and UniversityGuideOnline.org
Higher Education Pathways
October 12, 2011
ELS Now Provides Higher Education Pathways from India to the US, Australia and Canada.
Last Thursday marked the opening of ELS International Pathways office in Chennai, India! This momentous next step for ELS was celebrated with traditional Indian foods, Indian dance performances and presentations of the history of ELS and the new mission of ELS in India. We will provide objective education counseling to help students achieve their higher education goals in the USA, Canada and Australia.
For more information, please visit ELS.in
2012 Brochure goes "E"
September 21, 2011
Learn more about the wide range of program and center options ELS offers, by checking out our 2012 e-brochure!
Read it here: www.els.edu/2012Brochure
ELS 50th Anniversary
June 16, 2011
ELS is excited to celebrate our 50th anniversary of leadership in international education in 2011!
Get to know us by the numbers ... and by what our students say. It's great to be part of the ELS family!
Learn more about our celebration here: http://www.els.edu/en?s=50th
Downloads
April / May Calendar of Events
A calendar of suggested events displaying a range of activities in the River Valley area.
ELS at University of Arkansas - Fort Smith
Provides a brief description of ELS, our Programs and the Fort Smith ELS Language Center at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith. The flyer also offers some specific attributes of the university, its programs and other helpful information.
