ELS Language Centers, St. Paul
University of St. Thomas - St. Paul [St Paul, Minnesota]

HIGHLIGHTS
- Over 650 U.S. colleges and universities accept the ELS Certification of English in place of the TOEFL
- Graduates of ELS Level 112 may qualify for a $2,000 scholarship for undergraduate or graduate study at UST
- Enjoy living in lovely Minneapolis-St. Paul, ranked as one of “America’s friendliest cities” by AOL and Travel + Leisure magazine
Choose Your Course Below
- Information
- About the ESL School
- Founded in 1961, ELS Language Centers is a group of private language schools that help millions of students from more than 140 countries significantly improve their English skills in the shortest time possible and prepare them for academic study at an American college or university. With more than 60 ELS locations available across 25 U.S. states, students are exposed to different cross-cultural ideas and influences that will deepen their English communication skills and cultural understanding. Learning from native speaking instructors, students study from a well-developed curriculum designed to enhance their fluency and accuracy and hone their skills in the areas of structure/speaking, conversation, and reading/writing. Students also select from a wide variety of elective classes to study topics pertinent to their individual interests, including TOEFL Preparation, Business English, Pronunciation, U.S. Culture, and Listening & Note Taking. As an added feature, more than 550 American colleges and universities accept the ELS Certification of English in place of the TOEFL in order to admit students to their undergraduate degree programs. ELS Language Centers is a proud member of AAIEP, the American Association of Intensive English Programs promoting professional standards and high-quality English programs.
- Fast Facts
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Affiliation : Private English School
Establishment : 1961
Membership/Accreditation : EnglishUSA
Enrollment : 300
Average Class Size : 12
Airport Pickup : Available From School
Tuition : Medium
Community Type : Suburban
Transportation : Bus, taxi - CONTACT INFORMATION
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ELS Language Centers
Central Admissions Office
400 Alexander Park
Princeton, NJ 08540 U.S.A. -
- More Details
- Housing
- ELS provides students with the opportunity to live in on-campus dormitories or enjoy a homestay experience. Students living on-campus will be close to classes, campus activities and other students – both American and international. ELS also arranges homestays for those students who want to experience American culture first-hand as a member of a family and practice their conversational English. Students are encouraged to make their housing arrangements as early as possible due to the limited amount of space available. Private off-campus apartments may also available; however students must make their own arrangements. For more information, use the Contact Address to ask the school directly.
- Surrounding Area
- The ELS Language Center on the University of St. Thomas campus is located in the historic section of lovely St. Paul, Minnesota where the city’s famous Summit Avenue meets the Mississippi River. Although the campus is situated in a quiet, residential neighborhood, it is mere minutes from the downtown area of Minnesota’s Twin Cities, St. Paul and Minneapolis. As the state capital and second-largest city in the state of Minnesota, St. Paul is home to more than 280,000 residents and is regularly ranked as the nation’s “Most Livable City.” As a historic, family-orientated city recognized for its European charm, friendly people and picturesque location, St. Paul is a vibrant destination that invites visitors and residents alike to enjoy its Broadway musicals and concerts at Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, classic jazz clubs and fantastic new restaurants, rides on the Padelford Riverboat, or take-in the world’s largest selection of shopping and entertainment at the Mall of America. St. Paul and its adjacent city of Minneapolis form the core of the metropolitan area known as the Twin Cities. As the largest city in Minnesota, Minneapolis is home to over 380,000 residents and sits along the banks of the Mississippi River. Minneapolis is accustomed to receiving accolades for its way of life, whether as the “Most Fun City in America” by Money Magazine, the “Most Athletic City” by Men’s Fitness magazine, or the “Cleanest City” in the country according to Travel + Leisure magazine. Minneapolis offers all the sophistication visitors expect from an urban environment, paired with a lush, natural environment. The city invites its residents to take in an outdoor music festival, explore ancient gallery artifacts, dine at one of the many sidewalk cafes, or during the winter, go ice skating on one of the city’s 22 lakes.
- About the College/University
- Founded in 1885, the University of St. Thomas (UST) is a Catholic, independent, liberal arts institution that emphasizes a values-centered and career-oriented education. As Minnesota’s largest independent university, St. Thomas has been a coeducational institution at the undergraduate level since 1977; today 51 percent of the campus community are women. The 78-acre campus is home to 5,300 undergraduate and 5,100 graduate students from 47 U.S. states and 54 nations from around the world. UST students are offered bachelor’s degrees with academic specialization in over 91 majors and 59 minors, 41 master’s degree programs, five doctoral degrees and one juris doctor within the university’s nine academic divisions: the College of Arts and Sciences; College of Business; Graduate School of Professional Psychology; Graduate Programs in Software Engineering; School of Engineering; St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity; School of Education; School of Law; and the School of Social Work. UST has both undergraduate and graduate seminaries, and its Center for Catholic Studies is home to the nation’s oldest and largest undergraduate program in Catholic studies. As for its athletics, St. Thomas’ extensive intramural sports program is home to 11 men’s and women’s varsity teams that compete in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III. Outside of the classroom, UST students are actively involved in the campus community to enhance their moral, social, cultural and intellectual development, whether by participating in the student government, joining political or professional-affiliated groups, multi-cultural and international organizations or volunteering groups, or participating in Campus Ministry, a group designed to help students explore, discuss and grow in their faith.
- Conditional Admission / Credit Courses
- Over 650 U.S. colleges and universities accept the ELS Certificate of English in place of the TOEFL test.
- Study Options
ELS Intensive English Program (IEP)
- Overview
- The ELS Intensive English Program (IEP) program gives students the opportunity to focus on the academic skills needed to succeed at the university level. IEP is offered year-round with sessions beginning every four weeks. Students enrolled in IEP receive 30 hours of classroom instruction per week.
In addition to all that is included in ELS’ General English program, IEP students will also be able to receive free university counseling while studying and apply for conditional admission to any of ELS’ 650+ partner universities. IEP is offered at 12 levels of instruction with Level 101 being the most elementary level and Level 112 being the most advanced. All students who complete the EAP program at Level 112 will receive a Certificate of Completion which is accepted as official proof of English proficiency at more than 650 colleges and universities. Upon arriving at ELS, students are required to take a placement test to help determine the level best-suited to their ability. At the end of each 4-week session, students are evaluated for advancement to the next level based upon their academic improvement.
All levels of instruction are designed to improve each student’s academic skills in the fundamental areas of: Structure/Speaking Practice; Conversation; and Reading/Writing. IEP students benefit from morning classes that are designed to build a foundation for communication skills. To complement their studies, students are also provided with course work in ELS’ Language Technology Center to develop their skills. Afternoon classes for IEP students are focused on improving Reading and Writing skills. Classroom sizes range from 12 to 15 students per class. Every effort is made to keep classes at an ideal size for effective English language instruction.
More than 650+ American colleges and universities partner with ELS Language Centers. All IEP students will receive an academic transcript and one free conditional application to any of these host institutions. - Data
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CLASS SIZE: 12 - 15 Students CLASS LEVELS: 12 Levels COURSE LENGTH: 4,8,12,16,20,24 Weeks MINIMUM AGE: 17 Years Old REQUIREMENT: None VISA INFORMATION: I-20 Issued Upon Request HOUSING: Dormitory/On-Campus Apartment
Homestay - Dates
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- 2023/04/03
- 2023/05/01
- 2023/05/29
- 2023/06/26
- 2023/07/24
- 2023/08/21
- 2023/08/21
- 2023/10/16
- 2023/11/13
- 2023/12/11
Choose 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24 Week Course from Starting Dates - Costs
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- APPLICATION FEE
- US$ 180
- TUITION FEE (2022 - 2023)
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4 WEEKS US$ 2,160 8 WEEKS US$ 4,320 12 WEEKS US$ 6,060 16 WEEKS US$ 8,080 20 WEEKS US$ 9,500 24 WEEKS US$ 11,400 - HOUSING
PLACEMENT FEE - N/A
- HOUSING FEE
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LENGTH HOMESTAY DORMITORY / ON-CAMPUS APARTMENT OFF-CAMPUS RESIDENCE 4 - 24 WEEKS US$ 1,360 Per Month US$ 1,560 Per Month N/A - Airport Pickup Service
- US$ 210 (Minneapolis/St. Paul International)
- Remarks / Other Information
- Dates and fees are approximate and may change without prior notice.
Application fee is non-refundable.
Homestay fees include meals. Semi-Intensive English Program
- Overview
- The Semi-Intensive English Program is offered year-round with sessions beginning every four weeks. Students enrolled in the program attend classes during the morning only and receive 20 hours of classroom instruction per week.
The Semi-Intensive Program is offered at 12 levels of instruction; Level 101 is the most elementary level while Level 112 is the most advanced. Upon their arrival at ELS, students are required to take a placement test to help determine the level best-suited to their ability. At the end of each 4-week session, students are evaluated for advancement to the next level based upon their academic improvement.
All levels of instruction are designed to hone students’ academic skills in the fundamental areas of: Structure/Speaking Practice; and Conversation. To complement their studies, students are also provided with course work in the Multi-Media Lab (MML) to develop their skills using leading technology. Elective courses are also part of the curriculum for intermediate and advanced-level students to allow them to study topics pertinent to their interests while building their core language skills. The most popular elective courses offered are: TOEIC and TOEFL Preparation; American Film; U.S. Culture; Current Events; Grammar Review; and Listening & Note Taking.
Classroom sizes range from 12 to 15 students per class. Every effort is made to keep classes at an ideal size for effective English language instruction. - Data
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CLASS SIZE: 12-15 Students CLASS LEVELS: 12 Levels COURSE LENGTH: 4,8,12,16,20,24 Weeks MINIMUM AGE: 18 Years Old REQUIREMENT: None VISA INFORMATION: I-20 Issued Upon Request HOUSING: Dormitory/On-Campus Apartment
Homestay - Dates
-
- 2023/04/03
- 2023/05/01
- 2023/05/29
- 2023/06/26
- 2023/07/24
- 2023/08/21
- 2023/09/18
- 2023/10/16
- 2023/11/13
- 2023/12/11
Choose 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24 Week Course from Starting Dates - Costs
-
- APPLICATION FEE
- US$ 180
- TUITION FEE (2022 - 2023)
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4 WEEKS US$ 1,660 8 WEEKS US$ 3,320 12 WEEKS US$ 4,680 16 WEEKS US$ 6,240 20 WEEKS US$ 7,300 24 WEEKS US$ 8,760 - HOUSING
PLACEMENT FEE - N/A
- HOUSING FEE
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LENGTH HOMESTAY DORMITORY / ON-CAMPUS APARTMENT OFF-CAMPUS RESIDENCE 4-24 WEEKS US$ 1,360 Per Month US$ 1,560 Per Month N/A - Airport Pickup Service
- US$ 210 (Minneapolis/St. Paul International)
- Remarks / Other Information
- Dates and fees are approximate and may change without prior notice.
Application fee is non-refundable.
Housing fees include meals. American Explorer
- Overview
- The American Explorer Program (AEP) is a part-time study vacation option offered year-round with sessions beginning every two weeks. The program is suitable for students who want to enjoy a short vacation in the United States and study English part-time. It is also ideal for students who are visiting the USA for the very first time, and want to travel and do sightseeing as much as possible. American Explorer Program participants take 15 lessons per week and usually have a tourist visa or come under the Visa Waiver Program. Be sure to contact the school’s admissions staff if you have any questions.
The AEP Program is recreational and cultural in nature and is offered at 12 levels of instruction from Beginning to Masters with four weeks of instruction per level. Three morning lessons are offered per day and afternoons are free for recreation and relaxation. Students attending this program may also participate in the evening and weekend social activities that are available at all ELS Language Centers. Upon arriving at their school, students are required to take a placement test to help determine the level best-suited to their ability. At the end of each 4-week session, students are evaluated for advancement to the next level based upon their academic improvement.
All levels of instruction are designed to improve English skills in the fundamental areas of Structure, Speaking, Reading and Writing. Technology plays an important role in English language studies and all American Explorer students have access to ELS Language Technology Centers (LTC). LTC centers provide computer access for a wide range of English learning activities such as CD and DVD-based programs, language learning software and internet access. In the LTC, students work through goals outlined in their Individualized Learning Plans. Students who wish to emphasize English study during their time abroad and study full-time should consider choosing either the Intensive or Semi-Intensive English Programs also offered at ELS Language Centers.
Classroom sizes range from 12 to 15 students per class. Every effort is made to keep classes at an ideal size for effective English language instruction. - Data
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CLASS SIZE: 12 - 15 Students CLASS LEVELS: 12 Levels COURSE LENGTH: 4,8,12 Weeks MINIMUM AGE: 16 Years Old REQUIREMENT: None VISA INFORMATION: No Student Visa Required HOUSING: Dormitory/On-Campus Apartment
Homestay - Dates
-
- 2023/04/03
- 2023/05/01
- 2023/05/29
- 2023/06/26
- 2023/07/24
- 2023/08/21
- 2023/09/18
- 2023/10/16
- 2023/11/13
- 2023/12/11
Choose 4, 8, 12 Week Course from Starting Dates - Costs
-
- APPLICATION FEE
- US$ 180
- TUITION FEE (2022 - 2023)
-
4 WEEKS US$ 1,600 8 WEEKS US$ 3,200 12 WEEKS US$ 4,500 - HOUSING
PLACEMENT FEE - N/A
- HOUSING FEE
-
LENGTH HOMESTAY DORMITORY / ON-CAMPUS APARTMENT OFF-CAMPUS RESIDENCE 4-12 WEEKS US$ 1,360 Per Month US$ 1,560 Per Month - Airport Pickup Service
- US$ 210 (Minneapolis/St. Paul International)
- Remarks / Other Information
- Dates and fees are approximate and may change without prior notice.
Application fee is non-refundable.
Homestay fees include meals.
- Location
United States St. Paul, Minnesota
-
Location
ELS Language Centers, St. Paul
University of St. Thomas
Mail SCB 118, 2115 Summit Avenue St Paul, Minnesota 55105 U.S.A. - Getting To Your School
- From Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport:
ELS Language Centers arrange airport pick-up service that costs US$210 and brings students directly to the University of St. Thomas campus in approximately 15 minutes.
- Student Reviews
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Academic Quality: 3.5 School Environment: 3.5 Helpfulness of Staff: 3.5 Activities and Social Life: 3.5 Accommodation: 3.0 3.5
- There are 2 reviews for this school
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Academic Quality: School Environment: Helpfulness of Staff: Activities and Social Life: Accommodation:
Kotono
[ Gifu, Japan, Age 19, Female ]
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful.Be Confident!When I started studying at ELS, I wasn't confident at all. Through this experience at ELS for 4 months, I learned plenty of things and learned the importance of basic English. All tests, quizzes and finals were hard. However, I have gained confidence from all of my hard work. Now, I graduated from ELS and am heading toward the next step. I am sure that if you work hard at ELS, you'll definitely gain confidence and become successful. No matter how terrible your English is now, you will improve your skills with all of the friends from all over the world, and ELS teachers will help you until you understand completely. Just don't give up until you achieve your goal!
Academic Quality: School Environment: Helpfulness of Staff: Activities and Social Life: Accommodation:
Jesus Oliva
[ Madrid, Spain, Age 30, Male ]
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