ELS Language Centers - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Since 1961 ELS Language Centers has taught English to millions of students from over 140 countries who have found our programs are an effective way to learn English quickly. ELS distinguishes itself by providing excellent customer service and value for your money. During our more than 40-year history, ELS had become the world's largest network of campus-based, English language instruction centers with over 40 locations in the USA. Students choose ELS for many reasons: our experience, variety of locations, our exclusive ELS textbooks, ELS-organized social activities, housing options, professional and caring staff, and the fact that more than 550 USA colleges, universities and career schools accept completion of our ELS LEVEL in place of the TOEFL.

ELS/Grand Rapids is located on the downtown campus of Grand Valley State University, a public university in Michigan. Grand Rapids, the second largest city in Michigan, is located justa n hour from Lake Michigan's beaches and boardwalk. The big cities of Detroit and Chicago are reachable from Grand Rapids for weekend trips. Grand Rapids itself offers a safe and typical center "Mid West USA" experience and has several museums, restaurants, stores and nightlife within walking-distance of ELS. BEST BUY ELS LOCATION and host university!

ELS uses the proven communicative approach to language learning. This appropach makes for lively, interactive classes where students engage in a wide range of activities. Classes are held Mondays through Fridays during the daytime. The Intensive English Program (30 lessons per week) is a complete English program with classes including: Structure/Speaking Practice, Reading/Writing, Electives (including Conversation) and Multi-Media Lab. Our Semi-Intensive English Program (20 lessons per week) provides students with the opportunity to improve their English skills while exploring cities in the USA. The Semi-Intensive Program (morning only) classes include: Structure/Speaking Practice, Conversation, Electives and/or Multi-Media Lab. Electives vary by location but usually include TOEFL Preparation, American Idioms, Pronunciation, and others. This location also offers private and combination private/group instruction through our Special Programs division. The Super-Intensive English Program is fully customized one-on-one instruction for 1 or more weeks (20, 30, 45 or other hours per week. The English for Executives Program combines 15 hours of group instruction with 15 hours of private customized instruction per week (30 lessons total per week) and is offered for 2 or more weeks.

Student residence suites (single rooms/suite-style bathrooms) are available at the Winter Hall Residence, just 10 mins from ELS by free shuttle bus. Each room offers free local phone/interent access. No meals are included but meals can be purchased at the GVSU cafeteria or prepared in the Winter Residence communal kitchen. BEST BUY in the summer! Homestays feature single rooms living with an American family. Most homestays require a bus ride to reach the ELS center and students are responsible for their own transportation. Daily breakfast and dinner is included and lunch is also included on the weekends.

ELS/Grand Rapids offers students a typical central "Mid West USA" cultural experience as well as easy access to both large town and campus attractions and facilities. GVSU offers students outstanding facilities and the Winter Residence option is both new and among the best buys of residence housing at ELS. Weekend trips to Lake Michigan, Detroit and Chicago can round out the overall experience. BEST BUY ELS LOCATION IN 2005 - especially in the summer!