Estimate includes tuition and housing costs ONLY. An additional Materials & Technology fee will be required for each session of study. All prices are listed in US Dollars the local currency of the ELS Center. Program & housing availability as well as cost are subject to change.
ELS/St. Louis is located on the beautiful campus of the University of Missouri – St. Louis. A friendly Midwestern city of 2.5 million people, St. Louis offers a low cost of living. It is well known for its major league baseball, NFL football and ice hockey, the Gateway Arch, Anheuser-Busch Brewery and more.
Campus Facility Use
St. Louis’ Gateway Arch & cultural attractions (music, museums)
The Saint Louis Zoo & Science Center and local parks and forests
St. Louis Cardinals baseball & St. Louis Rams football
Major international corporations nearby: Anheuser-Busch, Nestle, Ralston, Monsanto, Boeing
American Explorer Program has been added to your estimate.
2013 Cost Per Session
$1350 USD
Homestays in the area(Homestay)
Students will take public transportation to school, either the light rail train or a bus.
Price per Session
$845
Occupancy
Single
Minimum Age
18
Airport Pickup
$100
Meals / week or Meal Credit
14 meals per week
Villa Hall/Provincial House(Student Residence (On Campus))
Typical single dorm room. Shared bathrooms on each floor. Rooms have a bed, bed linens, desk with chair, dresser, microwave, refrigerator, phone jack and Internet connection (Ethernet). Coin-operated washers & dryers in residence hall. $1 per load.
Security: A Resident Assistant (RA) is available to help students with housing. University Police provide 24-hour security through frequent bike patrols and automobile patrols. Escort service is also available at any time by calling (314) 516-5155.
Price per Session
$770
Occupancy
Single
Minimum Age
18
Airport Pickup
$100
Meals / week or Meal Credit
No meals included
Baseball field
Computer center
Gymnasium
Running track
Snack bar
Soccer field
Swimming pool (indoor)
Tennis court(s)
Language Technology Center (LTC)
Horseback riding
Music practice room(s)
Health center
Basketball court(s)
Library
Billiards (pool)
Racquetball/squash Courts
Volleyball court(s)
Fitness Center
Wheelchair accessible
Cafeteria
Meet the Staff
Allen Stout
Center Director
I earned a Masters degree in International Studies and then put it to work by traveling through Asia. I lived in Japan for 7 years and now am happily married with a Japanese wife and 3 bilingual children. Now we are back in my hometown of St. Louis and I would love to welcome you to my center and my city.
Marilyn Spence
Academic Director
I was born and raised in St. Louis, Mo. After completing my studies in cross-cultural communications and Applied Linguistics, I worked in Thailand as a translator and language consultant. In 2005 I began working as the Registrar at ELS/St. Louis and became Academic Director in 2006. I am happily married and have 2 adult children.
Tony Osborne
International Student Advisor
Originally from Alton, Illinois, Tony has been with ELS St. Louis since 2010. Prior to coming to ELS he lived in Fenton, Missouri for 13 years and worked in the customer service industry. Tony is completing his degree in English Language Learners studies and his Masters in Education Leadership with an emphasis in Cultural Relations. He has experience teaching elementary students in Korea and enjoys relating to international students. In his free time Tony enjoys hunting, fishing and camping. ELS St. Louis has been a great opportunity for Tony to meet students from all over the world and he takes pleasure in being a part of their American experience.
Karen Rangel
Registrar
I love working in student services and have learned a lot from my students! I grew up in the St. Louis Metro area but have lived in other metropolitan regions such as Chicago. I studied anthropology and I developed and wrote a current curriculum forensic anthropology class. I participate in community outreach that can take many shapes including creating a city oriented scavenger hunt or writing a community days speech for a friend. Students are always welcomed in my office.
Sunghei Han
IELTS Administrator
I was born and raised in Seoul, Korea with a passion for travel, language and culture. I have traveled abroad in UK, France, Germany, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and all over the US. I studied in Social Work and have a master’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis. I wish great success to every candidate who takes the IELTS test in St. Louis, and hope you can achieve your language goals!
(1st person on the left) Park, Yun Yeong
May 1, 2013
Studying at ELS let us meet so many friends from different countries. It was an awesome thing to have friends from various cultures, different thoughts, and appearances from all over the world. We met a Korean sister who has lived in Africa and is going to help people on a mission trip. She had a plan to go to Kenya again and she was studying English in the same class. We respected her life and her passion to study.
There are students from many different countries at ELS St. Louis. Although we're from different countries, we can make really good friends who share and enjoy many things together through many joyful activities.
The teachers at ELS are very friendly and helpful, always willing to help students learn English and the culture of America. We have learned not only grammar but also about a lot of global issues too. I have learned about many controversial problems in both the U.S.A and our countries through our discussions in classes.
In addition, ELS has so many great weekend activities. When we have free time, we enjoy many things like sightseeing downtown, hanging out with friends, and festivals in St. Louis. We had many memorable experiences. St. Louis is not a big city like New York, but we can still enjoy living here and yeah, maybe it's better for studying too. We have been to Chicago, L.A, New York, Boston and Washington D.C. It became an unforgettable memory for us. We highly recommend you guys to travel if you have a chance.
-(1st person on left) Park, Yun Yeong,South Korea
Mohannad Aljamaan & Gabriela Rivero
March 19, 2013
A friendship between a guy from Saudi Arabia and a girl from Venezuela is not something that you would expect to happen regularly, but just like peanut butter and jelly, we make a strangely good combination. Even though our cultures are extremely different, the United States represents a neutral ground and ELS gave us the opportunity to become great friends.
Being together in every class has obviously brought us closer together, but also before this month we did spend a lot of time with each other and other students thanks to the various fun activities that ELS plans for us every session. We not only have fun together but also learn something new about the other person’s culture every day.
Without ELS we would not have had the chance to meet and build this awesome friendship, thus we are really glad to have this experience and we encourage everyone to try it because you will not only learn English but you will also learn about different cultures, traditions and have the opportunity to spend time with new interesting students from all around the world.
-Mohannad Aljamaan & Gabriela Rivero,United States
Chun
February 13, 2013
Hi, my name is Chun Pan. I come from Taiwan. I have been studying at ELS St. Louis center for five months. My English speaking and listening ability have had a big jump since then. The teachers and staff here are well-trained; you will be insured receiving high quality English learning programs. There are many extracurricular activities which provide opportunities for practicing English conversation and meeting friends. I really had a good time hanging out with friends from all over the world.
Since ELS St. Louis center is located on UMSL campus, you can enjoy every resource the same as UMSL’s students such as the gym and library, even student discount on Metro Link. St. Louis is not a city as famous as other cities like New York or Chicago, but there are still some spots worth visiting like the Arch, Forest Park, City Museum, and Botanical Garden. People in St. Louis are kind and friendly.
There’s another benefit to study in ELS St. Louis. Since it is located in the middle of the United States, it becomes the starting point for exploring this country. Traveling is the best way to learn language.
If you intend to enter the university in the United States, I would recommend you visit ELS St. Louis.
-Chun,Taiwan
Yu-Shan Tien
February 4, 2013
Hello, I’m Yu-Shan. I’ve studied in ELS in St. Louis
for five months. All staff and teachers here are trained, nice and friendly. They taught me not only grammar, reading and writing, but also the American history, culture and current events. Moreover, I especially like our conversation class.
In addition to study in the classroom, I met and talked to my classmates who come from different countries. That’s very good and
interesting to practice conversation and learn about diverse culture together. Besides, extracurricular activities introduced this beautiful city and American life to me, in this period, my life was almost surrounded with English. That was really helpful and important to improve my listening and speaking ability.
I also traveled to many cities in the USA. It’s an amazing and wonderful experience and memory that I won’t forget. Therefore, if you want to learn English and enjoy the American life, ELS in St. Louis is definitely a good choice.
-Yu-Shan Tien,Taiwan
Hatim
January 18, 2013
My name is Hatim Alhasani. I'm 22 years old. I'm from Saudi Arabia. I finished my bachelor's degree in my country, and then I decided to continue my education in the U.S.A., so I came to St. Louis, Missouri to study English.
Honestly, I asked somebody who was studying in St Louis and he suggested to me to choose the ELS Language Center. Before I came to St. Louis my English was terrible. I had just a few words. Actually, I couldn't make one sentence in English correctly. I was afraid of English. I would ask myself how can I be good in English? How can I speak another language? It was hard to believe that it was going to be possible.
Last February I started to study English at the ELS Language Center in St. Louis on UMSL's campus. Now, I have been at ELS for 11 months. My English has become better because of the ELS staff. They always help me as long as I need. I have to say thank you to everyone who taught me and helped me specifically, the teachers and the international student advisor. Nowadays, I am having a good time with every single thing in St. Louis and at ELS. I am at the end of my English program. I may leave this city or not. By the way, I'll never forget the St. Louis ELS family as long as live.
-Hatim,Saudi Arabia
Lucas
September 5, 2012
My name is Lucas, I'm 17, I come from France and it is my first time in USA. I remained in St Louis for a month and I have to say that it will be one of the great experiences in my life.
Although I was the youngest and the only French student in the school, I met a lot of people from several countries. The staff is really friendly and helpful, always ready to talk to you and try to advice you. Moreover, I really liked the atmosphere between students. There is no competition, everybody is in ELS to learn and to discover something new; that's actually what I was looking for.
Regarding the city, it is for me a big city given that I live in a little French city. I have discovered a lot of new things! St Louis absolutely doesn't miss activities, there is always something interesting to do. The city museum, the arch, the butterfly house, the six flags, etc... You won`t get bored in St Louis!
St Louis is for me the representation of the real American way of life. I really liked this city and I hope to come back one day. I thank everyone for the good times I had in ELS and I hope you will choose ELS St Louis!
-Lucas,France
Joao
August 30, 2012
Hi, I am Joao, I am from Brazil. I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering at the end of last year. I was working at an international company and I realized that I need to know how to speak English very well, so I decided to come to the USA.
I chose ELS in St. Louis because the city is good and also ELS is part of the University of Missouri St. Louis (UMSL) I liked this experience. I improved my English and I learned a lot about other countries and their cultures. Anyone from another country who wants to learn English quickly should study in America. By surrounding themselves with English language and American culture, students can gain an understanding of country's customs and social structure as well as becoming fluent in English. Coming to America was a great opportunity for me and I believe it will be for all other international students.
-Joao,Brazil
Saleh
August 23, 2012
The Most Important Thing Is To Pass...
First, I said to myself “if I fail every session it is not good to go back to my country unsuccessful.” I want to work very hard in every class. I gave my cell phone to my teachers. I forgot everything except class. I opened my mind to my teacher and I listened to what he or she said. I always remembered my class and I came on time. I did my homework every day and I gave it to the teacher on time. That helped me with my grades. I studied for every quiz.
Remember, everyone at ELS likes to help you. Ask anyone and you will find an answer. If you want to play, you have two days on the weekend. That is enough. Remember, you only live once and it’s not good when you go back to your country unsuccessful.
-Saleh,Saudi Arabia
Il Hwan
August 15, 2012
Before I came to ELS St. Louis I couldn't speak English well. ELS gave me a lot of opportunity and helped my English skill. As a result I'm going to go to community college. ELS St. Louis school has a lot of activities and I have enjoyed good activities. The activity teacher is very kind and nice! I have a good experience and learned the American lifestyle with most activities. I think St Louis ELS school provides you with memorable experience in the United States of America.
-Il Hwan,South Korea
Chanya
July 31, 2012
ELS allowed me to begin my academic career in the USA with confidence. They provided an excellent curriculum, as well as experienced instructors and administrators. I learned English and American culture both in the classroom and while participating in the school’s fun activities! My time at ELS was one of the most memorable experiences of my life.
-Chanya,Thailand
Li-Hsuan (Lisa)
May 31, 2012
Hi, my name is Lisa, I am from Taiwan. I’m happy to come to St. Louis ELS. It’s a beautiful city here. I met a lot of friends who are from different countries. I learned about different cultures from them.
I love St. Louis, because the air is good, people are friendly. It’s not as crowded as a big city. Even though people say it’s not a safe city, I lived here one year, and didn't have any problems. It’s not as big as a city like New York City, but I have more space and more chances to talk with people here. You will not believe how my English has improved from the first day when I said “garbage box” instead of trash can.
I even travelled by myself for a month using my improved English skills. I have a good life here with ELS. I didn't live in a home stay, but my American and Korean roommate are like family to me. We speak English and practice together. If you want to have a different life in the USA like me, welcome to ELS St. Louis.
Each session, Masters student’s have the chance to improve their English skills through content-specific study. Furthermore, we often try to connect the content to an activity or a class outing. This session, the Masters class studied biology. As a part of the biology class, we categorized animal behavior into different categories such as "cooperative, "selfish", "altruistic", and "spiteful". As a class, we decided to be altruistic and to do something that would benefit others, but not ourselves.
On Friday, May 10th, our class participated in "Project Brightside" which is an urban beautification project. As a part of the project, we pulled weeds and planted flowers in downtown St. Louis. We were fortunate enough to receive special thanks from the Mayor of St. Louis, Francis Slay.
Although the project started out as a display of altruistic behavior, many students felt that it was a cooperative behavior whereas they received benefits from the trip as well. Our volunteer day was a huge success. We can't wait to get our hands dirty again.... literally!
Parties and celebrations are an important part of the American culture. We celebrate our students Birthday at ELS St. Louis. Happy May Birthday's everyone!
Parties and celebrations are an important part of the American culture. We celebrate our students Birthday at ELS St. Louis. Happy May Birthday's everyone!
St. Louis has many diverse cultures to experience. This month we celebrated Cinco de Mayo, a Mexican Heritage Festival in St.Louis. This was a great opportunity for ELS students to experience real Mexican culture, food and dancing.
St. Louis has a lot of important history and historical sites. A significant historical place in our city is the Anheuser-Busch Factory; the maker of Budweiser Beer. Budweiser Beer is an international product that is sold all over the world. Anheuser Busch/InBev is the Number 1 largest brewing company in the world and the first Anheuser Busch Brewery was established is in
St. Louis, Missouri in 1852.
At ELS St. Louis we try to offer exciting activities for all of our students. For some students this was their first time riding in a helicopter. This was an awesome experience!
At ELS St. Louis we try to offer exciting activities for all of our students. For some students this was their first time riding in a helicopter. This was an awesome experience!
The Moolah Theater is one of the best movie theaters in St. Louis. It offers leather sofa seating for a premium movie experience. This facility also offers bowling, ping pong and pool activities. Needless to say, everyone had a fun time together.
The St. Patrick's Day Parade and Celebration are held every year in downtown St. Louis. It was a great day to experience the customs of a different culture and "the luck of the Irish."
February is the month for Mardi Gras and the students at ELS St. Louis took the opportunity to join in the celebration. Mardi Gras is a part of the American culture. It's an exciting time of making new friends, dancing and being a part of the local community.
This year ELS celebrated Christmas with some fun activities. We had a big Christmas Lunch for all of the students and staff, student's participated in a Christmas Scavenger Hunt and decorated Christmas cookies. Everyone had a lot of fun.
Provides a brief description of ELS, our Programs and the St. Louis ELS Language Center. The flyer also offers some specific attributes of the university, its programs and other helpful information.
