ELS Language Centers - Berkeley, CA

ELS Language Centers has spent over 40 years perfecting its English study program. We have taught English to millions of students from over 140 countries. We pride ourselves on using innovative approaches that make language learning simple, fast, and enjoyable. This dedication and committment to customer service make our language centers among the finest in the world. ELS Language Centers in Berkeley, California will offer session start dates every 4 weeks of the year, beginning February 6, 2006. This location will open with experienced staff and teachers who've worked for other Bay Area ELS centers for several years. They are very excited about this great new Bay Area location! In addition to the quality of ELS programs and Berkeley's great location, ELS has a special agreement with the University of California Berkeley Extension. UC Berkeley Extension will offer Conditional Admission to its International Diploma Programs (IDPs) to qualified ELS students who complete ELS level 112 of our Intensive English Program.

ELS/Berkeley is located in Hillside Hall, a residence and classroom facility, which houses both ELS students and students of UC Berkeley (one of the best public universities in the USA). Hillside Hall is located in a safe, residential neighborhood of the city of Berkeley. UC Berkeley, The International House, Bears Stadium (sports stadium), and popular Telegraph Avenue (restaurants, cafes, pubs and shops) are all located just a few minutes away by foot. A variety of public transportation is also within walking-distance and can take students to San Francisco within minutes. The city of Berkeley has hosted many of the world's greatest scholars and is famous for its city festivals, events and its close proximity to San Francisco.

ELS/Berkeley students may choose either an Intensive English Program or Semi-Intensive English Program offering 12 levels of instruction (from Beginners to highly Advanced "Masters" levels). The Intensive Program of 30 lesson hours per week is the faster way to meet your study goals - whether personal, professional, or university-specific. The Semi-Intensive Program of 20 lesson hours per week meets these goals at a different pace and allows for more time in the afternoon for exploration and leisure. Both programs include English Structure & Speaking Practice (with grammar) and Reading & Writing and use the communicative method of in-class instruction. Both also include an Individualized Learning Plan through new state-of-the-art Language Technology centers. The Intensive English Program afternoon classes include Skills Enhancement "electives", which vary according to student interest. Sample Skills Enhancement classes may include TOEFL Preparation, Business English, Pronunciation, American Idioms, Contact America or other classes.

Dormitory - Shared double, triple or quadruple occupancy rooms in Hillside Hall, which is the same building as the ELS Center. Shared hallway bathrooms. Includes linens and 19 meals per week taken in the Hillside Hall cafeteria (weekdays) and The International House (select weekend meals). Homestays feature a single room living with an American family within a 20 to 40 minute commute (mostly by bus) to ELS. Includes 16 meals per week in the price (daily breakfast and dinner with the addition of lunches on the weekends). Apartment options for married couples or small families may be booked in advance upon special request. Prices and options vary and booking method differs from dormitory and homestay options.

The San Francisco Bay area offers a very wide variety of cultural, natural and tourist attractions. Students studying in Berkeley can access one of the most beautiful cities in the USA (San Francisco), the beautiful Pacific Ocean coastline, the most famous wine country in the USA, and the desert within minutes or just a few hours. Berkeley boasts year-round mild weather (rarely below 6 C in the winter or above 21 C in the summer) and frequent sunshine.