Estimated cost includes tuition and housing costs only. All prices are listed in US Dollars. Program & housing availability as well as cost are subject to change.
Centers & Locations
Earn the Prestigious CELTA certificate
Catapult your Career as an English as a Second Language Teaching Professional.
ELS/Thousand Oaks is located on the beautiful 90-hectare campus of California Lutheran University (CLU), just 19 km from the Pacific Coast, 70 km from downtown Los Angeles and 90 km from Santa Barbara. Thousand Oaks has a population of 127,000, and is ranked by the FBI as one of the safest cities of its size in the United States. Nestled against the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Thousand Oaks offers art, outdoor festivals, shopping and fantastic weather year-round.
Private university campus location
Campus facility use
One of the safest cities of its size in the USA
Los Angeles, Santa Monica & beaches nearby for weekend trips
American Explorer Program has been added to your estimate.
Cost Per Session
$1290
California Lutheran University Private On-Campus Houses(Student On Campus)
Private houses only 2 minutes from the ELS center. Each house has four bedrooms; students will be placed in double or triple accommodation depending on availability. Each house has three bathrooms, a shared living room, kitchen, laundry access, built-in book shelves, plenty of storage and a back yard. Each student has a bed, desk, dresser, closet, and high speed internet access. Linens are included at no extra cost.
Price per Session
$1615
Occupancy
Triple
Minimum Age
16
Airport Pickup
$145
Meals / week or Meal Credit
14 meals per week for use in the cafeteria or Centrum Café on campus.
Homestays in the area(Homestay)
Host family students are responsible for their personal transportation. Most students use the ELS airport pickup service, or an airport shuttle service.
Price per Session
$980
Occupancy
Single
Minimum Age
14
Airport Pickup
$145
Meals / week or Meal Credit
14 per week (daily continental breakfast & dinner)
Baseball field
Computer center
Gymnasium
Roller skating rink
Running track
Snack bar
Soccer field
Golf course nearby (fee)
Tennis court(s)
Language Technology Center (LTC)
Music practice room(s)
Basketball court(s)
Library
Recreational park
Swimming pool (outdoor)
Volleyball court(s)
Fitness Center
Fitness Classes
Cafeteria
Meet the Staff
Ashlee Milby
Center Director
I am Ashlee, the Center Director. I was born and raised in Utah, where I attended university and graduated with a major in education. I love working with international students, traveling, and spending time outdoors. The highlight of my job is meeting so many new people and welcoming them to sunny California. I look forward to meeting you soon!
Jaime Haile
Academic Director
As the Academic Director at ELS/Thousand Oaks, I will work hard to make your educational experience here as pleasant and successful as possible. I have traveled, worked, and lived abroad and always enjoy meeting our students from around the world.
Denica Maravilla
International Student Advisor and Housing Coordinator
Hi! My name is Denica, and I am the International Student Advisor and Housing Coordinator at ELS Thousand Oaks. I enjoy my job because I get the amazing opportunity to meet and get to know students from all over the world. I can’t wait to meet you, and show you all the exciting activities we have to do here in Southern California!
Sheila
Registrar
I have been working at ELS for 3 years and am so grateful to have met students from Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, Spain, Brazil, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, and many other countries. It is a great place to exchange interesting ideas and stories and come away with a greater understanding of the world. I do enjoy being an instructor and sharing all that I can about American language and culture.
Abdulrahman Albassam, Saudi Arabia
July 11, 2011
My name is Abdulrahman Albassam, I am from Saudi Arabia. I studied English at ELS on the campus of California Lutheran University (CLU) and then transferred to the undergraduate program to study Computer Information System. ELS was a pathway towards my education goal. The transition was very easy as I already knew a lot about the campus and community. The people at CLU are very friendly and the campus has a lot of diversity. I have really enjoyed my time here.
Yaoguang Luo, China
April 11, 2011
I like ELS Thousand Oaks. I have been studying here very hard since October. I really have learned more English and advanced skills since I arrived here.
Han Seung Woo, South Korea
April 11, 2011
Hi, I am Han Seung Woo from Korea. My friends call me H. I do love studying at ELS Thousand Oaks. Thousand Oaks is a beautiful place to live and travel. If you are studying at ELS Thousand Oaks you can use the many facilities on the California Lutheran University campus such as the gym, swimming pool, basketball court and library. Every Monday and Friday we play baseball and soccer with ELS and CLU students. Also every Monday we can go to Conversation Café. These opportunities allow us to talk with CLU students and Americans so that we can improve our English ability. I am really thankful to the ELS center for giving me those chances.
- Han Seung Woo, South Korea
Shoko Otake, Japan
April 11, 2011
The most important part of learning English is to speak it again and again. I didn’t have the chance to speak English in my country, but now that I am studying at ELS Thousand Oaks I have to speak in English every day. ELS Thousand Oaks is a good place to study the city is safe, beautiful and quiet. You can focus on your school life. I have met a lot of good friends.
- Shoko Otake, Japan
Yao-Tsu Chiu, Taiwan
April 11, 2011
When I was in Taiwan the agency suggested that I choose California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks for my graduate studies. I did not know anything about Thousand Oaks or even where it was, so I was nervous. When I arrived and began my English studies at ELS I felt more comfortable. There are people from other countries and you get to speak English everyday with them, and it helps you to improve. Other than studying English, I like to play basketball with my friends at the California Lutheran University gym. I really like studying at ELS, T.O.
- Yao-Tsu Chiu, Taiwan
Katsuya, Japan
April 11, 2011
At first I chose ELS because it is near my families friends who are hosting me. Fortunately, ELS is a very good place to study English. The ELS teachers are very kind and give great lessons. There are students from a lot of different countries studying at ELS and so we have the opportunity to speak English with each other often.
- Katsuya, Japan
Amaal, Saudi Arabia
April 11, 2011
I decided to come to ELS Thousand Oaks because of the length of sessions. Each session is about a month long, and I can finish the entire program is less than one year. When you finish (graduate from level 112 EAP course) you have a lot of universities that will accept your certificate in lieu of a TOEFL or IELTS score.
- Amaal, Saudi Arabia
Ryogo, Japan
April 11, 2011
I think the program at ELS is really good for studying English. The program has good lessons and the teachers speak clearly and give easy to understand lessons. I must use English to communicate with my friends and classmates and it is good because the conversations help me to improve. It has been a good experience for me and my English knowledge has improved. I really like studying at ELS Thousand Oaks.
- Ryogo, Japan
Amanda, Brazil
April 11, 2011
I like studying at ELS Thousand Oaks because it is the best place to learn English. The city is safe and is near all of the exciting places in California. The ELS is on a big campus (California Lutheran University) where we can use the cafeteria, library and the gym which is amazing.
- Amanda, Brazil
Jiang, China
April 11, 2011
In China, I didn’t have the opportunity to speak English. But now I have to think about everything in English, because there is a rule at ELS Thousand Oaks ---“English Only!” It is very tough, but it is very helpful for every student. Although I just speak with some simple sentences and simple words, I still feel very happy because I know that I am progressing every day. ELS arranges a lot of activities every week such as conversation café which is conversations with native speakers, trips to public library, trips to museums, and watching movies. These activities create natural environments to access the native culture and language. The teachers at ELS love education, so they are always enthusiastic. I feel ELS is like a big family. We help each other and work hard for the same goal.
Fan Zhang, China
April 11, 2011
ELS Thousand Oaks is an excellent language school. It allows you to study with other classmates from other cultures. You can experience a new life speaking English all day. It promotes you to practice English more and more, and you make rapid progress. The faculty and staff at ELS Thousand Oaks are nice and they give you a hand when you encounter difficulties.
- Fan Zhang, China
Tatiana, Brazil
April 11, 2011
My name is Tatiana and I am from Brazil. I like studying at ELS Thousand Oaks because this place is perfect if you want to really learn English and meet people from around the world. You can use facilities on the University such as the gym and library. It’s good!!!
Alejandra, Colombia
April 11, 2011
I like to study at ELS because it is a friendly and warm atmosphere. The contents of the English program are clear and organized. Also I think that one of the best parts at ELS is the teachers. The teachers are polite, respectful, and most importantly reliable. The students can always ask for help and they will not give you the solution, they will teach you how you can find it. I love to study at ELS, and it has become my second home.
- Alejandra, Colombia
Ya Ming Hu , China
October 19, 2010
My name is Yaming Hu, I am from China. I like California and the MBA at California Lutheran University is short (1 year). ELS Thousand Oaks is a good place to start before the MBA program. The weather here is great and so are the people.
- Ya Ming Hu , China
ELS Thousand Oaks Student from Thailand
October 8, 2010
Imad, Saudi Arabia
October 8, 2010
I had a great experience when I studied at ELS. Right now I am a senior student at California Lutheran University. I am thankful for all the people at ELS who helped me.
Agusto, Brazil
October 8, 2010
My name is Augusto I come from Brazil. I chose to come to the US to study because it’s the best place to learn English. I knew that it would be an amazing experience for me, and it has been. I know that learning English is important for me. I have been playing on the ELS soccer team with my classmates. We compete against other teams in the Thousand Oaks area, it is very fun. I like that my friends live near me and I can visit them often. If you want to meet new friends—come to Thousand Oaks.
- Agusto, Brazil
Ivan, China
August 17, 2010
I love ELS Thousand Oaks, it is the place where I improved my English skills.
- Ivan, China
Apichart - Joey
August 9, 2010
ELS Thousand Oaks is the safest place in California. Teachers are very good and very nice. At ELS Thousand Oaks I have had the chance to learn and experience the American culture. If I had only one word that would explain ELS Thousand Oaks I would say “AWESOME!” I love this place. If I would not have come to Thousand Oaks I would not have learned to speak as well as I can. Thank you ELS Thousand Oaks!
- Apichart, Thailand
Chien-Yu Chen
July 20, 2010
The reason I chose ELS Thousand Oaks is because the city is a very safe city, and the weather is really good. Also Thousand Oaks is near Los Angeles, and is convenient for my life. ELS has helped me to enter graduate school. The teachers and administrators are very patient. They helped me with English, and any other problems I face. I have enjoyed the SSP class a lot, because I learned new vocabulary and grammar. My second favorite class was Reading and Writing, it helped me improve my reading speed and I also learned new words. Out of the classroom I enjoy playing basketball in the CLU gym. The gym is pretty new and perfect for all students! I have met new friends by playing basketball each day, and it keeps me healthy!
Spring is a time for new beginnings, and January 18th is the first day of the Spring Semester at Cal Lutheran University! The holidays have come and gone, but now it’s time for Cal Lutheran students to come back from winter break. Once again, the campus will be bustling with students going to classes, hanging out with friends, or participating in school events. Here at ELS, we are excited to welcome back CLU students for an exciting semester! There are so many ways students at ELS find to interact with CLU students to learn about American culture and practice English.
On Mondays, from 4:00-5:00, students can stop by Conversation Café to meet with CLU students and community members who want to sit and chat with international students. It’s a great place to come, practice speaking, and make friends! CLU is also looking forward to a very busy sports season. Attending a basketball game in school colors is an awesome way to be involved in the campus community and support the university! CLU also sponsors several festivals throughout the semester that are a great way to meet people and enjoy the awesome Southern California weather. Whether you are on campus dining at the cafeteria, working out at the gym, or hanging out with friends at Kingsmen Park on campus, there will be tons of opportunities to meet American students and form relationships that will last a lifetime.
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!
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:
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.
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.
Provides a brief description of ELS, our Programs and the Thousand Oaks ELS Language Center at California Lutheran University. The flyer also offers some specific attributes of the university, its programs and other helpful information.
