Host:
Grand Valley State University
Contact:
Mr. Nicholas Ghiglia, Center Director Tel: 616-892-5720 Fax: 616-892-5721 10745 48th Avenue Allendale, MI 49401 USA
Established:
2004 
|
< < Back
ELS Language Centers/Grand RapidsDescription
ELS offers two Intensive English Programs of study to meet your needs: General English and English for Academic Purposes. ELS offers a Semi Intensive and American Explorer program for those students who wish fewer than 30 hours a week of English study. Now you can decide what you want to study and select the program that best fits your needs and goals. Both intensive programs of study use the proven communicative approach to language learning. This approach makes for lively, interactive classes with a wide range of activities. These will challenge your abilities and allow you to have fun while developing all language skills. Courses for both programs meet for 30 lessons per week, so you are certain to learn quickly. With these programs of study to choose from, you tell us where you want your English to take you, and we will help get you there. No matter which program a student selects, ELS will provide placement testing upon arrival, and place the student in one of our 12 proficiency levels (Levels 101 through 112). Depending on the program, each level consists of 15 to 30 class hours weekly of teacher-led instruction. Each session is four weeks in duration. Each level includes class work, individualized tasks in the Language Technology Center, homework, quizzes, written essays and a final level test. Classroom participation is an important part of our program. At the end of each 4-week session, those students who have successfully met the requirements for that level will progress to the next ELS level of study and immediately begin the new session. Students can begin their ELS program on any one of the 26 starting dates each year and can choose to study for any number of 4-week sessions. Those students who complete Level 112 of the intensive English for Academic Purposes program will receive our Level 112 Certificate of Completion. This official document is accepted as proof of English proficiency for admission at more than 650 colleges and universities in the USA and Canada. LocationELS/Grand Rapids is located next to the Allendale campus of Grand Valley State University, a public university in Michigan. Grand Rapids, the second largest city in Michigan, is 20 minutes away. Allendale is located within 30 minutes from the beautiful beaches of Lake Michigan, and a little more than 2 hours from Chicago. The Grand Rapids area is big enough to provide many ways to practice English, yet small enough to help students feel safe and comfortable meeting new, friendly people. The bustling downtown boasts four outstanding museums, theaters and other entertainment options. GVSU has state-of-the-art computer labs, a pool, gymnasium, weight room, rock-climbing walls, a championship golf course and tennis, basketball and racquetball courts. Students also can ride the Grand Rapids bus system for free. Student excursions include beach, amusement park, and ski trips. Take weekend trips to Chicago, Niagara Falls or the beautiful outdoors of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan - all are easily accessible. Course InformationGeneral English: No
English for Academic Purposes (EAP): Yes
English for Business: No
Other Programs:
Three credits at GVSU can be earned for college credit. Students in Level 110 or higher can apply for concurrent enrollment at GVSU. Students in Level 110 or higher can audit (no credit) university classes for a fee. Private Classes: Yes
Customised Groups: Yes
Maximum Class Size: 15
Average Class Size: 12
Levels:
Beginner Levels: 3
Intermediate Levels: 3
Advanced Levels: 3
Also 3 Masters levels.
Minimum Hours Required Per Week: 20
Maximum Hours Per Week: 30
Part Time Available: Yes
Session Length:
Four weeks.
FeesFees based on a session length of 4 weeks. Fees may have changed since this information was published — check for latest information. Included means that this service is provided at no extra charge.
Optional Fees:
Housing deposit of $200 per four-week session is required if ELS arranges housing. Courier Service $ 95 International $ 55 Domestic Airport pickup is available at an additional charge. Student health insurance must be purchased if proof of valid insurance coverage cannot be provided.
Notes on Fees:
AccommodationsDormitory: $635/1070
Homestay: $780
The campus dormitories are fully-furnished, one or two bedroom units that include a kitchen, on-site fitness center, a big-screen TV lounge, and are located 30 minutes by bus from the Center.
Home stays are conveniently located in the vicinity of the Center and are very popular.
The staff can also help with finding a private off-campus apartment. Many long-term students prefer this option to save additional money. Several apartment complexes are located within a few minutes of the Center. Average cost for a furnished two-bedroom apartment is $750.
More information about housing and residential life is available at www.gvsu.edu.
Student Services
Before applying to ELS Language Centers, students can contact a local counseling agent in their city/country by going to www.els.edu. Upon arrival, students will have access to the Center's international student advising team for counseling services. The advising team provides a wide range of services that include airport pickup, assistance with housing, cultural orientation, help with immigration matters, college admissions counseling, and sponsorship of a variety of social and recreational activities.
Educational Service OpportunitiesNearly 650 colleges, universities and career schools in the U.S. accept completion of the ELS Intensive English program in place of the TOEFL. University placement services are provided, and students may earn university credit based on their ELS study upon enrolling at select partner institutions. A listing of ELS partner schools is available at www.UniversityGuideOnline.org Transportation
ELS students can ride the city buses for free. The Greyhound and Amtrak stations are located in downtown Grand Rapids, 30 minutes from the center. Application InformationApplication must be accompanied by certification that sufficient funds will be available to meet both living expenses and tuition expenses. Prospective students may apply on-line at http://apply.els.com. |
