ELS Houston, Texas, affiliated with the University of St. Thomas

Learn English in Houston at ELS Language Centers.

Discover ELS Houston

Learn English in Houston, Texas and experience the cultural diversity of this cosmopolitan melting pot in the USA’s fourth largest city.

Immerse yourself in America’s Southern charm and hospitality when you take English classes in Houston at ELS. Whether exploring museums, enjoying local cuisine, or participating in community events, studying English in Houston promises not just linguistic growth and future opportunities but also an unforgettable cultural adventure.

ELS Houston is located close to the beautiful University of St. Thomas – Houston campus, bordering the museum district. Students can enjoy weekend visits to the NASA Space Center, sun-drenched Gulf of Mexico beaches, amazing urban parks, festivals, and so much more. Join us in Houston to create a one-of-a-kind American English study experience.

Learn English in Houston near the

ELS Houston is affiliated with the University of St. Thomas – Houston, and located close by the university. While not located on the campus, ELS students do enjoy access to campus facilities, including athletic, library, and dining facilities. ELS students obtain student ID cards for the university, allowing them to easily access the facilities.

Planning to transfer to an American college or university after your studies? Upon successful completion of ELS Intensive English level 112, you will fulfill the English language entry requirement for conditional admission to the University of St. Thomas, as well as additional nearby partner colleges and universities.

Explore the University of St. Thomas - Houston

An exterior view of the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas, near ELS Language Centers.

Why you should Choose
ELS Houston for Your English
Learning Experience

Learn English while experiencing the Bayou City and immersing yourself in Houston delights like Honky Tonk nightlife, deliciously saucy BBQ, and sizzling beachy summers along the Gulf of Mexico.
Get an American student experience as you learn English while connecting with University of St. Thomas students around campus while you use University of St. Thomas facilities.
Enjoy easy access to the buzz of downtown Houston, and other popular local attractions like zoos, parks, museums, local eateries, events, and more.
Choose from our range of English classes and programs tailored to match your learning goals, whether you’re aiming for intensive English or more flexible study options.
Learn with our renowned, high-quality curriculum and supportive teachers. ELS Intensive English levels 109 and 112 meet the English language entry requirement for over 600 colleges and universities across the USA, including the University of St. Thomas which accepts Level 112 completion.

Unique opportunities at
the University of St. Thomas

University Scholarships for ELS Students

Planning to study at the University of St. Thomas after you complete your ELS studies? Take advantage of scholarships to help with your tuition fees and other costs.

IELTS Testing Center

Planning to take the IELTS test? ELS Houston is an official IELTS Test center.

Learn More

Explore the ELS Houston Campus

Kathleen Hylen
ELS Houston Center Director

Kathleen is passionate about students' English and higher education learning journeys in the USA and is here to support your English acquisition and learning transformation at ELS Houston. Kathleen is going on 15 years with ELS Language Centers but only recently moved to Houston in 2025. She has a Master’s in International Education Management from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies and loves languages.

Important Campus Info

16

Years Old

MINIMUM AGE
12-15

Students

AVERAGE
PER CLASS
18

Students

MAXIMUM
PER CLASS

ELS Houston | University of St. Thomas Campus Facilities

BASKETBALL COURT
CAFETERIA
UNIVERSALLY ACCESSIBLE CENTER
UNIVERSALLY ACCESSIBLE CLASSROOMS
COMPUTER LAB
FITNESS CENTER
FREE PARKING AT CENTER
GYMNASIUM
LIBRARY
MUSIC PRACTICE ROOM
RACQUETBALL/SQUASH COURT
SOCCER FIELD
SWIMMING POOL (OUTDOOR)
TENNIS COURT
WI-FI

Chapel of St.Basil

Library

Fitness Center

Basketball Court

Classroom

Computer Lab

st-thomas-aqunas-mural-university-of-st-thomas

St. Thomas Aquinas mural

Cafeteria

Swimming Pool

Garden

Center Office

Things to do in Houston

Explore Houston's top attractions to make your English study experience unforgettable.

A flamingo at Herman Park Zoo in Houston, Texas, USA near ELS Language Centers.

Hermann Park & Houston Zoo

Immerse yourself in the lush surroundings of Hermann Park, a sprawling 445-acre green space, and home to the 55-acre Houston Zoo which features over 6,000 animals. Discover serene gardens, scenic trails, and recreational activities in this lush park in the heart of Houston.

An image of a dinosaur bearing its teeth.

Museum of Natural Science

Embark on a journey through time and space at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Marvel at dinosaur fossils, explore the mysteries of outer space, and engage in interactive exhibits that cater to both adults and children.

An image of an astronaut in space with a planet in the distance.

Space Center Houston

Delve into the wonders of space exploration at Space Center Houston, the official visitor center for NASA's Johnson Space Center. Experience space shuttle replicas, astronaut encounters, and hands-on exhibits that bring the cosmos closer to Earth.

Moody Gardens

Featuring multiple exhibits and attractions Moody Gardens offers a fun-filled day of adventure! Check out one of the world’s largest aquariums, observe tropical animals and plants in the Rainforest Pyramid, explore and learn in the Discovery Museum, or immerse yourself in a 3D or 4D film.

A view of an amusement park at a Galveston Island beach in Texas, USA near ELS Houston.

Galveston Beaches

Enjoy the beautiful, scenic 32-mile coastline of Galveston Island which offers more than seven public beach areas including East Beach which features events, festivals and a party atmosphere, family-friendly Stewart Beach, the beaches in Galveston Island State Park, and more.

Minute Maid Park

Sports fans won’t want to miss a visit to Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros baseball team – two-time world champions! Join in to cheer for the home team with local fans and enjoy the train that circles the outfield whenever the Astros hit a home run! Tours of the park are also available.

The Menil Collection

Encounter a diverse array of art at The Menil Collection, a top-rated museum showcasing a private collection that spans centuries and continents. Explore the museum's distinctive architecture and the Rothko Chapel for a unique cultural experience, with free entry.

Discovery Green

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Discovery Green, a downtown park offering a dynamic mix of green spaces, public art installations, and recreational facilities. Attend concerts, festivals, outdoor movies, flea markets, and more, or simply unwind in this urban oasis.

A nighttime view of downtown Houston in Texas, USA near ELS Language Centers.

Houston Downtown Tunnels and Skywalks

Open during weekday business hours, Houston’s tunnel system is a network of underground walkways spanning 6 miles and linking 95 city blocks of downtown streets. Parts of the tunnels include food courts and banks, gift shops and more, and are a great way to beat the summer heat!

ELS Houston
Homestay Accommodation

Live with a local family for a unique cultural immersion experience. In homestays, students are placed in single occupancy rooms and might share a bathroom. Travel time between ELS Houston and our homestays varies, but it usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes via Houston’s metro bus system. Homestay students are responsible for their own transportation.

Housing availability and confirmations are contingent on university and/or provider approval and are subject to change.

$405

Cost per week
Single

Occupancy
14

Meals per week
18+

Minimum Age

ELS Houston
Student Residence

Houston Student Residence is in the safe neighborhood of Braeswood/Rice University/Texas Medical Center in an apartment complex that is a short 15–20 minute commute via Metro Bus. The bus stop is located directly in front of the apartment complex. Students enjoy an apartment community surrounded by lush, landscaped courtyards and resort-style amenities. Dining and entertainment are located close by, including the Galeria, which is the fourth largest shopping mall in the U.S.

Housing availability and confirmations are contingent on university and/or provider approval and are subject to change.

A double occupancy bedroom at Houston Student Residence in Texas, USA that is home to ELS Language Centers students.

$300

Cost per week
Double

Occupancy
No meals included

A full kitchen with a stove is available.
18-35

Minimum Age
Off Campus

Get to the ELS campus in 15-20 minutes by public transport.

Discover ELS English Programs in Houston

Intensive English

Our most complete English learning experience, designed to develop your language proficiency to support success in English-speaking higher education, business, or in any activity where you need to speak English well. Choose this program if you plan to attend one of the 600+ colleges that recognize ELS level 109 or 112 for language entry.

Discover our Intensive English program

Semi-Intensive English

Make English language development a priority while still leaving plenty of time to discover local culture and activities. Enjoy four daily English lessons designed to quickly improve your English communication skills. Outside the classroom, connect with locals and discover the attractions in your USA study city.

Discover our Semi-Intensive English program

American Explorer

The American Explorer Program offers a casual English learning experience while providing plenty of free time for local discovery and American cultural immersion. Designed for the curious explorer, this relaxed study program will help you improve your English to enrich a short-term study adventure.

Discover our American Explorer program

English for Executives

English for Executives is built to cater to the unique needs of business executives and professionals. Combine group classes designed to build comprehensive English skills with private lessons tailored to your specific learning needs and business communication goals. Available for individuals or for teams.

Discover our English for Executives program

Super Intensive English

A fully customizable, one-on-one course designed for executives and professionals to quickly gain proficiency in business English. Choose 15, 20 or 30 lessons per week, and schedule this flexible program at a time that fits around your professional and personal commitments.

Discover our Super Intensive English program

Where to Find ELS Houston

ELS Houston is located near the Campus of the University of St. Thomas:

2990 Richmond Avenue, Suite 600,
Houston,
Texas, United States
77098
(713) 331-7690
hou@ELS.edu

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