Center Information
Our ELS Language Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan is located next to the Allendale campus of Grand Valley State University. Grand Rapids, the second largest city in Michigan, is 20 minutes away. Allendale is located within 30 minutes of the beautiful beaches of Lake Michigan and a little more than two 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.
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
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.
College Class Visits and Auditing
ELS Intensive students (in key levels) can visit one or more college classes, depending on professor approval.
College Credit for ELS
Eligible ELS students can receive academic credit from the ELS host college/university for having completed key ELS level(s). This credit may be applied toward any degree eventually earned at that college, but is not transferable should the student transfer to another college or university.
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.
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-Grand Rapids Fall Session |
PDF - 663 KB |
Download |
| ELS-Grand Rapids Winter Session |
PDF - 301 KB |
Download |
| ELS-Grand Rapids Spring Session |
PDF - 272 KB |
Download |
| ELS-Grand Rapids Summer Session |
PDF - 184 KB |
Download |
Center Staff
Todd Patterson
I began my career with ELS in St. Paul, MN 25 years ago as an International Student Advisor and Head President of the student residence. In 1996 I helped open the Redlands Center in California and became the Center director in 1998. I took over operations at the Orange Center (now La Verne) in 2000. In 2005 I was very happy to open the new center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I enjoy soccer, scuba-diving, biking, and golf.
Amber Young
Amber Young joined the ELS instructional staff in 2006 and after teaching for a year she stepped into the position of Academic Director. Prior to working with ELS she earned her Master’s Degree in TESOL and spent five years teaching English to graduate students in China.
Barb Ellis
I have been the accountant for my husband’s business for 18 years. Briefly I worked as an administrative assistant at Grand Valley state University. I have been the registrar at ELS in Grand Rapids for over 2 years now. Along with my registrar duties I also handle the housing for our center and plan the activities for students to enjoy.
Cheryl Jones
Cheryl Jones has been teaching at ELS since January 2007. She earned her Master’s degree in TESOL from Michigan State University, during which time she also taught at the English Language Center. Cheryl’s interest in teaching English started when she was a Peace Corps volunteer teaching business classes at the Management Institute and Drohobych Pedagogical University in Western Ukraine.
Daniel Bowman
My wife Amanda and I were married in 2005 and our son John was born in 2007. The two of us met at Cornerstone University where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Ancient Languages. I then earned a Masters of Divinity in Pastoral studies. During this time I worked as a Teaching Assistant. I have been at ELS since January 2008.
Sara Vanderbie
After completing my Bachelors degree at Calvin College I worked at Ferris State University. While working at Ferris State’s writing lab with English language learners I became interested in the TESOL field. After some initial training I taught English for a summer in Afghanistan which motivated me to pursue my Masters of Education in TESOL at Grand Valley State University near our ELS Center. Working with ELS’s motivated students has been a great privilege and opportunity for me to continue developing professionally.
Tami Hankiewicz
I am an energetic and outgoing person who loves to teach and to learn about different cultures. I am fascinated with language learning. I believe the communicative approach is very successful because the learner uses English at all times. I have a Masters degree from Grand Valley State University in TESOL. I am married and have a young son and two dogs. I enjoy gardening and entertaining friends. I also like to camp and spend time outside.
Victoria Swenson
Victoria W. Swenson has taught at ELS since June of 2006. She earned her Master’s in TESOL from Grand Valley State University in December of 2006. Her teaching career began with Elementary education, teaching in the U.S. and overseas. Later she earned her Ph.D. in Education from Michigan State University. Before coming to ELS she was an associate professor of education at Cornerstone University and helped to develop Cornerstone’s Masters in the TESOL program.