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.
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 - HoustonPlanning 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.
Planning to take the IELTS test? ELS Houston is an official IELTS Test center.
With over 32 years of experience at ELS, Ray has served as Coordinator of Youth Programs, Director of Central Admissions, and contributed to managing twelve ELS franchise locations in the Middle East. Since returning to the U.S., Ray has been the Center Director at ELS Houston for 15 years. Working in a fun, exciting, and challenging learning environment while helping students achieve their goals in ELS’ dynamic, four-week learning cycles has made Center Director of ELS Houston Ray’s favourite role.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ELS Houston is located near the Campus of the University of St. Thomas:
*Prices displayed in a local currency are approximate and based on daily exchange rates, which fluctuate. Invoices and payments for programs will be in the destination currency.
*ELS students must meet minimum age requirements: