ELS St. Petersburg, Florida, at Eckerd College

Learn English in St. Petersburg on a university campus with ELS Language Centers.

EXPLORE

Discover ELS St. Petersburg

Learn English in St. Petersburg, Florida, and enjoy the mild climate of “The Sunshine City” with an amazing beachside campus experience.

Learn and luxuriate on the tranquil waterfront campus of Eckerd College while you take English classes in St. Petersburg, Florida at ELS. At ELS St. Petersburg, you’ll discover an American college student experience, as you meet Eckerd College students on campus while using the college facilities. At Eckerd, you’ll find a student body committed to community service and inclusiveness. Outside of class, enjoy the best of both worlds as you explore safe, sunny, and scenic St. Petersburg and the big city energy of neighboring Tampa.

Located along Florida’s tropical west coast, St. Petersburg is known for its mild climate, white sand beaches, and spectacular sunsets. The city is home to world-class shopping, entertainment, dining, and nightlife, and is easily accessible to Florida’s major theme parks. Join us in St. Petersburg for a unique and unforgettable American English study experience.

Learn English in St. Petersburg at ELS
on the campus of

Eckerd College is a private institution offering some 40 undergraduate majors. The college takes advantage of its waterfront campus, offering well-known biology, marine science and environmental studies programs. ELS students enjoy free access to campus facilities, including the library, fitness center and computer lab. The campus offers sports facilities including lighted tennis courts, covered outdoor and indoor basketball courts, beaches for sunbathing and volleyball, lighted soccer fields and a waterfront boathouse facility for kayaking and paddle boarding.

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 Eckerd College, as well as additional nearby partner colleges and universities.

Explore Eckerd College

An exterior view of the ivy-covered Eckerd College building which is the host institution for ELS Language Centers in St. Petersburg, Florida, USA.

Why you should Choose
ELS St. Petersburg for Your English
Learning Experience

Study English in St. Petersburg and enjoy swimming, water sports, and more on Eckerd College’s beautiful beachside campus.
Get an American student experience as you learn English while connecting with Eckerd College students around campus while you use the campus facilities.
Besides the beach, you’ll love adventuring to discover St. Pete’s cultural attractions, and Tampa is just a 30-minute drive away – perfect for a daytrip on the weekend.
Choose from a variety of ELS English classes and programs tailored to your unique learning goals, whether you’re looking for intensive Academic English or more flexible study options.
Learn with our renowned, high-quality curriculum and supportive teachers. ELS Intensive English levels 109 and 112 meet the English language entry requirement for over 600 colleges and universities across the USA, including Eckerd College.

Unique opportunities at
Eckerd College

American Conversation Partnerships

ELS students can connect with current Eckerd College students to practice their English conversation.

University Certificate Program

ELS Intensive English students (Level 107 and up) can take courses at Eckerd College through the University Certificate Program during an academic year abroad.

University Class Auditing & Visitation*

Once you reach ELS level 110, you can enjoy free class visits to see what it’s like to learn at Eckerd College and even audit entire classes.
* Additional fees may apply.

Volunteer
Experience

Eckerd College offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for students on campus and ELS students are welcome to join in!

Explore the ELS St. Petersburg Campus

Shireen Hussain
ELS St. Petersburg Center Director

Shireen has taught English in China, Turkey, and the United States since 2010 and has worked for ELS since 2019. Her passion for fostering dynamic and inclusive learning has been the driving force of her career. She is dedicated to enhancing your English learning experience and helping you excel at ELS St. Petersburg.

Important Campus Info

14

Years Old

MINIMUM AGE
12-15

Students

AVERAGE
PER CLASS
18

Students

MAXIMUM
PER CLASS

ELS St. Petersburg | Eckerd College Campus Facilities

BASEBALL FIELD
BASKETBALL COURT
BEACH
BEACH VOLLEYBALL COURT
CAFETERIA
UNIVERSALLY ACCESSIBLE CENTER
UNIVERSALLY ACCESSIBLE CLASSROOMS
COMPUTER LAB
PAID PARKING AT UNIVERSITY
FREE PARKING AT CENTER
GYMNASIUM
FITNESS CENTER
LIBRARY
MUSIC PRACTICE ROOMS
SOCCER FIELD
SWIMMING POOL (OUTDOOR)
TENNIS COURT
WATERFRONT ACTIVITIES
WI-FI

Things to do in St. Petersburg

Explore St. Petersburg's top attractions to make your English study experience unforgettable.

A close-up photo of a turtle on the ground in Miami, Florida, USA.

Aquatic Activities

ELS St. Petersburg is surrounded by clear blue waters and ample opportunities to see dolphins, whales, manatees, turtles, alligators, and a wealth of other marine life. Daytime and sunset cruises are popular, as are fishing trips, and for parts of the year, you can take a ferry boat over to nearby Tampa.

A hand holding a souvenir shaped like the state of Florida, USA.

Shopping

From vintage clothes stores to popular outlet malls, ELS St. Petersburg offers a wide array of shopping opportunities. Sales are frequent, and the center runs regular shopping trips and also accepts online shopping deliveries for students from Amazon and other retailers.

Colorful bowling balls lined up along a bowling ball return device inside a bowling alley, one of the many recreational spots you can visit in St. Petersburg, Florida, USA, near ELS Language Centers.

Hobbies & Adventures

Golf, cycling, go-karting, parasailing, paintball, laser tag, bowling, trampolining, rock climbing and more: whatever your hobby is – or maybe you want to try new things - you can find it in St. Petersburg. ELS students enjoy exploring a wide range of fun recreational activities during their stay in St. Petersburg, and the International Student Advisor is always happy to help you find your next adventure.

A bicycle parked along a sandy trail leading to the ocean.

Bike-Friendly

ELS St. Petersburg’s extremely bike (and skateboard) friendly Eckerd College campus is also your launch point for accessing the Pinellas Trail. From directly outside the school, you can explore the city and many of its surrounding beaches and parks by bicycle. The campus, local buses, and many locations provide bike racks, and you can also plan multi-day cycling trips to nearby cities and national parks.

St. Petersburg Pier

Discover waterfront excitement at St. Petersburg Pier. This iconic landmark offers a blend of recreational activities, dining options, public art, and scenic views. Take a leisurely stroll, rent a bike, or simply enjoy the picturesque surroundings of this bustling waterfront destination.

Busch Gardens®

Experience the perfect blend of adrenaline and wildlife at Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay. Just a short drive from St. Petersburg, this premier theme park offers thrilling roller coasters alongside captivating encounters with exotic animals, providing international students with a dynamic and unforgettable adventure.

Tropicana Field

Tropicana Field is home to the Tampa Bay Rays Major League Baseball (MLB) team, MMA and WWE events, Cirque Du Soleil, year-round concerts, and festivals like the popular annual winter festival: Enchant St. Petersburg. ELS students can also enjoy the annual St. Petersburg Grand Prix, and attend Tampa Bay Lightning NHL hockey games and Orlando Magic and Miami Heat NBA (basketball) games.

A wooden bridge lined with trees at the Boyd Hill Nature Preserve in St. Petersburg, Florida, USA, near ELS Language Centers.

Greenspaces

Explore dozens of city, state, and national parks in the St. Petersburg area. Many are free to enter, and camping gear can be borrowed from Eckerd College for overnight trips. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, one of the area’s most popular greenspaces offering scenic trails, native flora and fauna, and educational programs.

A palm tree-lined street in the City of St. Petersburg, Florida, USA, near ELS Language Centers.

Beach Drive

Take a leisurely walk along Beach Drive, a charming waterfront street lined with shops, cafes, and galleries. Absorb the coastal vibes, explore boutiques, and indulge in a variety of culinary delights while enjoying the picturesque surroundings.

John's Pass Village and Boardwalk

Experience the lively atmosphere of John's Pass Village and Boardwalk, a bustling waterfront area with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Enjoy waterfront dining, shop for unique souvenirs, and perhaps embark on a dolphin-watching tour.

An exterior view of the Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, Florida, USA, near ELS Language Centers.

Theme Parks & Other Excursions

ELS St. Petersburg offers trips to Disney World (6 parks), Universal Studios (3 parks), Busch Gardens® (2 parks), Kennedy Space Center (NASA), SeaWorld, various sporting events & festivals, and also helps students plan their own trips to attractions within Florida and further afield, such as New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and more.

The Dali Museum

Explore the captivating collection of surrealist art at The Dali Museum. Housing works by the iconic artist Salvador Dali, the museum provides a unique journey into the world of imagination and creativity. Don't miss the stunning waterfront setting along Tampa Bay.

ELS St. Petersburg
Homestay Accommodation

St. Petersburg has outstanding host families that have been hosting ELS students for many years. Most of the host families are within walking or biking distance of the center. Host families are very involved with ESL students and are there to support them during their studies at ELS St. Petersburg.

Housing availability and confirmations are contingent on university and/or provider approval and are subject to change.

$400

Cost per week
Single

Occupancy
16+

Minimum Age
14

Meals Per Week

ELS St. Petersburg
Student Residence

Eckerd College Campus Residences are open to ELS students between the ages of 18 to 25 and staying for two or more consecutive sessions. Shared rooms are in a lodge-style student residence. Each room has a private bath, two beds, desks, closet, cable TV, and internet access. Linens are provided. Rooms are cleaned weekly. Married couple rooms may be available if both parties meet the requirements. Self-service laundry machines are available for a small fee. Each room has its own key, and the entrance has a secure checkpoint.

Housing availability and confirmations are contingent on university and/or provider approval and are subject to change.

A double occupancy bedroom at Eckerd College Campus Residences, the student residence for ELS Language Centers students in St. Petersburg, Florida, USA.

$625

Cost Per Week
Double

Occupancy
18-25

Age Range
19 Meals Per Week

Full board on weekdays and half board on weekends
Off Campus

Get to the ELS campus in just a one-minute walk.

Discover ELS English Programs in St. Peterburg

Intensive English

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.

Discover our Intensive English program

Semi-Intensive English

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.

Discover our Semi-Intensive English program

American Explorer

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.

Discover our American Explorer program

English for Executives

English for Executives is built to cater to the unique needs of business executives and professionals. Combine group classes designed to build comprehensive English skills with private lessons tailored to your specific learning needs and business communication goals. Available for individuals or for teams.

Discover our English for Executives program

Super Intensive English

A fully customizable, one-on-one course designed for executives and professionals to quickly gain proficiency in business English. Choose 15, 20 or 30 lessons per week, and schedule this flexible program at a time that fits around your professional and personal commitments.

Discover our Super Intensive English program

Where to Find ELS St. Petersburg

ELS St. Petersburg is located on the Campus of Eckerd College: