Center Information
Our ELS Language Center in Portland, Oregon is located on the lovely campus of Concordia University (CU), less than 30 minutes away from downtown Portland, by way of the excellent and inexpensive public transportation system. With beautiful parks and spectacular mountain views, Portland is perfect for nature lovers. Portland's 15,000-hectare park system offers a wide choice of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, skiing, kayaking and fishing. Students can enjoy weekend trips to Mt. Hood, the Columbia Gorge, the Oregon beaches, Seattle and Vancouver. Portland has the distinction of being named Money magazine's "Best Big City for 2000".
Programs
Intensive English
Cost Per Session:
$1,575.00
Show Description
The ELS Intensive English Program is our most popular program of study. This program will help you significantly improve your English skills, achieve greater fluency and fully prepare you for university study in the USA.
Semi-Intensive English
Cost Per Session:
$1,210.00
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.
American Explorer
Cost Per Session:
$1,150.00
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. American Explorer is designed for tourists who would like to take some part-time English classes while spending their afternoons sightseeing and visiting local attractions. From the fast-paced excitement of New York City, to the relaxed lifestyle along the beautiful California coast, our great locations hold many opportunities for adventure.
The American Explorer Program consists of 12 levels of instruction from Beginning to Masters proficiency, with four weeks of instruction per level.
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.
American Conversation Partnerships
Interested in after-class conversation and friendship with an American student? Inquire after your arrival and we can arrange time with a native speaker.
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.
Bridge Program at Concordia Univ.
A Bridge Program allows students to enroll in university courses while taking Semi-Intensive English classes. Students can earn university credit and have the chance to matriculate into the undergraduate program, waiving the respective university's TOEFL or other language proficiency requirement. Available at ELS/Ashland (at Southern Oregon University) and ELS/Portland (at Concordia University).
Click here for more information.
College Class Visits and Auditing
ELS Intensive students (in key levels) can visit one or more college classes, depending on professor approval.
Scholarships/Discounts
After completion of the full ELS Intensive English Program qualified students may receive credit for ELS and/or tuition discounts at select host universities and colleges, once they matriculate.
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.
Volunteerism Experience
ELS Language Centers offers a unique opportunity for full-time students who wish to participate in volunteer experiences at public and private, national and local organizations that provide services to adults, youth, children, elderly, handicapped and needy, or services protecting and improving the environment. Students who complete this experience will receive a certificate, which recognizes their participation.
Concurrent Enrollment at Host College
ELS students who have received conditional acceptance from the host college/university may have the chance to attend one or more individual college courses (for credit) while still studying in the Intensive English Program or Fast Track Program.
Photos from ELS
Activities
ELS Activities
| ELS-Portland Fall Session |
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| ELS-Portland Winter Session |
PDF - 184 KB |
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| ELS-Portland Spring Session |
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| ELS-Portland Summer Session |
PDF - 236 KB |
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Center Staff
Nicole Bennett
Center Director: Nicole has a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations from University of the Pacific and a Masters Degree in TESL from the School of International Training. She taught EFL in Morocco for 4 years and at Santa Barbara City College for 2 years, where she also served as Academic Director for 4 years. Nicole enjoys traveling, reading, gardening and drinking coffee. She loves working at ELS because she learns so much from the students and enjoys helping them have a positive experience in America.
Mary Christianson
Academic Director: Mary has taught English for 13 years in the Czech Republic, Hawaii, Japan and Portland. She has a B.A. in History from the University of Pittsburgh and an M.A. in English as a Second Language from the University of Hawaii. Mary has lived abroad for 10 years and has traveled to 20 countries. On weekends, Mary enjoys hiking, watching movies and taking pictures. If you like meeting new people, Mary recommends eating a weekend breakfast at the Tin Shed Restaurant on Alberta Street.
Keely Koenig
International Student Advisor: Keely has a B.B.A in Global Business and German Studies from the University of Portland. After living in Salzburg, Austria, she worked for the Office of Study Abroad at UP and most recently taught English at Kyungnam University in South Korea. Keely enjoys doing almost anything outside such as running, biking, hiking, and skiing. In Portland, Keely recommends visiting the busy Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings where you can buy delicious fruits, vegetables and fresh baked bread.
Kelly Duncan
Student Services Coordinator: Kelly has a BA in Applied Linguistics and a TESOL certificate from PSU. She most recently worked as the Student Family Housing manager at OSU. Kelly grew up in Australia and has done lots of backpacking around Europe, the South Pacific and Asia. On weekends Kelly enjoys playing music (she’s in a band!), reading, playing the piano and camping. On rainy days in Portland, Kelly recommends curling up with a blanket, drinking tea and reading a good book.
Michael Bess
Instructor: Michael was born and raised in Oregon. He has a Bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Linguistics and a Master’s degree in TESOL, all from Portland State University. Michael taught English at Concordia University from 1989 to 1998. Then, he and his wife went to Japan. They taught English at Asia University in Tokyo for seven years. Michael and his wife came back to Portland in 2005. Michael has been teaching at ELS Portland for three years.
Elizabeth Ramsey
Instructor: Elizabeth has been involved with education for fifteen years. She is TESL certified from Cambridge CELTA and has completed graduate coursework at PSU. Elizabeth taught English in Japan for size years and has traveled all over the world. She has worked at ELS/Portland for over 3 years. On weekends, Elizabeth loves karaoke! She also loves reading, listening to music and learning dances from other countries. She enjoys working at ELS because she learns so much from all the great students!
Kimberly Trathan
Instructor: Kimberly has been teaching ESL for 4 years. She graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Music and Anthropology, and soon moved to Belgium. She lived and worked in Brussels for a year before moving to Leuven, where she got her Masters Degree in International Development. She has been living in Portland for a year and enjoys playing music, making her own clothing, gardening and discovering Oregon.
Emma Wieck
Emma, Registrar graduated from Portland State University with a degree in International Studies and Community Development. She has worked and volunteered in many countries, including Brazil, Peru, Mexico and Nicaragua. She has also traveled in Asia. Emma enjoys mentoring, hiking, cooking and photography. She recommends visiting one of Portland’s many coffee shops and also checking out Last Thursday on Alberta Street. Emma enjoys working at ELS because she loves helping the international community!