Ali
May 13, 2013
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ELS is a really good school. It will help you to learn English very fast. If you would like to learn English, you should choose ELS Tacoma.
ELS USA LOCATIONS
1101 South Yakima Ave
Tacoma, WA 98405
Tel.:
253-680-7284
On the campus of: Bates Technical College

ELS/Tacoma is located on the friendly, downtown campus of Bates Technical College. Tacoma is situated 50 kilometers south of Seattle, along the shores of Commencement Bay, at the foot of Mount Rainier. It is home to many cultural attractions, restaurants and parks. Tacoma also is a gateway to popular activities, including skiing, hiking and whale-watching.
| Location | Minutes | Transportation Method |
|---|---|---|
| Airport | 30 |
|
| Bank | 15 |
|
| Post Office | 15 |
|
| Shopping Mall/Outlet | 25 |
|
| Supermarket | 15 |
|
| Movie Theater | 12 |
|
| Library | 5 |
|
| Pharmacy | 5 |
|
LEGEND
Walking
Bike
Car
Bus
Train
110V 60KHz.
Electric Plug Details

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The apartment-style dormitories comprise two bedrooms, two bathrooms, living/dining room, fully equipped kitchen, desks, and in-unit washer and dryer. There is a maximum of four students per apartment, with two students sharing a bedroom. Apartments have controlled access entry. Additionally, the Court 17 complex boasts a beautifully landscaped communal courtyard with BBQ and outdoor seating, as well as a community room equipped with a full kitchen and fireplace. There is also a 24 hour fitness room and conference room which students can use free of charge. Wi-Fi access and cable TV is provided in each ELS apartment. Students clean their room/apartments during their stay. There is no dorm resident assistant.
| Price per Session | $750 |
|---|---|
| Occupancy | Double Deluxe |
| Minimum Age | 16 |
| Airport Pickup | $145 |
|
Meals / week or Meal Credit No meals included |
|
Host family students are responsible for their personal transportation. Most students use the convenient public bus system provided by Pierce Transit.
| Price per Session | $890 |
|---|---|
| Occupancy | Single |
| Minimum Age | 16 |
| Airport Pickup | $145 |
|
Meals / week or Meal Credit 14 meals per week |
|
Center Director
With nearly 20 years of experience in international education, Jean has taught overseas in the UK, France, Italy and Poland, and has travelled extensively. She holds multiple credentials in Teaching English as a Second Language, and has worked most recently as Academic Director at ELS Seattle. Her experience in the industry coupled with her in-house knowledge of ELS Educational Services, makes her the perfect choice to launch ELS Tacoma. Jean loves living in the Pacific Northwest, and enjoys hiking in the Cascades, the local arts scene, and discovering new places to explore.
Academic Director
Heather joins the ELS Tacoma team, having taught at ELS Seattle since 2008, where she proved herself to be an excellent teacher, as well as part-time IELTS Administrator. With her rich experience in teaching and exam preparation, we are fortunate to have Heather as the Academic Director at ELS Tacoma. She holds a MEd. in Teaching English as a Second Language from Seattle University, and a BS in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of Washington. Heather enjoys seeing the world, and has travelled in the French Antilles, Mexico, and Eastern Europe. On weekends, Heather likes to keep active and can most likely be found kickboxing, dancing, or outdoors enjoying the great Pacific Northwest.
International Student Advisor
Alyse is a Tacoma native and has been working in the field of international education since 2009. We are delighted to have Alyse be part of the ELS Tacoma team, and welcome her arrival directly from Bates Technical College, from which she brings valuable experience of Bates and its International Programs. Alyse graduated from Western Washington University with a BA in English Language and Literature, and a minor in Chinese Language. Besides working with international students in Washington, she has also taught English in China and volunteered in Mexico. Alyse enjoys cooking, running, hiking and playing tennis, and experiencing all the wonderful things to do in the Northwest. She is really looking forward to interacting with students from all over the world and helping them get acclimated to life in the US.
May 13, 2013
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ELS is a really good school. It will help you to learn English very fast. If you would like to learn English, you should choose ELS Tacoma.
April 12, 2013
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Hi my name is Seungyeon Jang. I am from South Korea. Why did I choose the ELS TACOMA center? I found a quiet place where I can concentrate on studying. Also, I love rainy weather. Tacoma’s weather is very nice. It is rainy but not humid. Also Three day is rainy, Three day is sunny in a week. However, I thought about TACOMA before I came here. Tacoma Will let me experience the United States?. Because Tacoma seemed to be a very small town. However, my expectations were off. There was Mt. Rainier in Seattle, and Portland nearby Tacoma. Also there is the teacher who was born and raised in Tacoma, that way took me to many places after school. We have a lot of extracurricular activities Museum of Glass, Downtown tour, such as bowling tournament. Also, I met good people. Good teachers, advisers, and students. This gave me a lot of influence. If I could not meet like these people, I might transfer to another center. So, I cannot forget this experience and people. I love Tacoma.
April 8, 2013
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I changed ELS centers because of closing of my ex-center. But choosing Tacoma is my decision. I have heard that Seattle and Tacoma are two of the most beautiful towns in America. I wanted to study in the lively town like Tacoma. Actually, Tacoma is wonderful! Convenient bus network, beautiful scenery, moderate climate, and awesome ELS! I suppose ELS Tacoma focuses on conversation. Teachers lead students to participate in their class actively and make a great effort to make an enjoyable class. Plus, teachers help students get along well. Therefore both classes and activities are really fun! I love ELS Tacoma! Thank you for a splendid experience!
May 15, 2013
ELS Tacoma attended a soccer match for the Seattle team. The Sounders won 4-0 on a gorgeous May afternoon!
May 10, 2013
ELS students, staff and friends gathered to celebrate achievements and awards!
May 10, 2013
ELS Tacoma and Bates students/staff gathered to have pizza and play games at our first lunchtime conversation corner
April 17, 2013
ELS students attend a Sunday baseball game for Tacoma's local team.
April 16, 2013
ELS Tacoma hosts a Grand Opening event featuring speakers from ELS, Bates Technical College, and the City of Tacoma.
April 8, 2013
Students gathered to celebrate accomplishments, and Emily wins Student of the Session!
April 8, 2013
Surprise treats during a break to celebrate 4 staff and student birthdays in March!
April 8, 2013
ELS Tacoma Students Emily and Jed gave a presentation on South Korea and shared some South Korean food with ELS and Bates students and staff.
March 14, 2013
Students (along with our District Director) decide to throw a lunchtime potluck!
March 14, 2013
ELS Tacoma Students took the express bus from Tacoma to Seattle to explore the city for the day.
March 14, 2013
Students and teachers gather to celebrate our students and their accomplishments this session.
March 14, 2013
ELS Tacoma Students go bowling at Tower Lanes in Tacoma with one of our fabulous teachers.
March 14, 2013
ELS Tacoma Students visit the Tacoma Dome for the Asia Pacific Center's annual Lunar New Year festival.
February 14, 2013
Students gathered with teachers and staff for a lunch time party featuring Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year.
February 11, 2013
Saudi Arabian students surprise us with Arabic tea and coffee during morning break!
February 11, 2013
Students and staff gather to celebrate accomplishments and graduating students
February 11, 2013
ELS Tacoma Students take a tour of downtown on the Link Lightrail and visit the Warhol exhibit at the Tacoma Art Museum
January 8, 2013
We celebrated students completing levels, had an ELS Tacoma trivia contest, and said goodbye to a student leaving for New York City.
Admission Information for Applying to Bates Through ELS
Profile of ELS Tacoma and Bates Technical College with photos
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