ELS Language Centers, St. Petersburg
Eckerd College [St. Petersburg, Florida]

HIGHLIGHTS
- Over 650 U.S. colleges and universities accept the ELS Certification of English in place of the TOEFL
- Students in Level 107 and above may earn a certificate in International Business, International Relations and Global Affairs from Eckerd College
- Enjoy St. Petersburg, home to fresh seafood, a unique cultural heritage and Fort De Soto Park, America’s #1 Rated Beach
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.TEL: +1 (609) 750 3547
FAX: +1 (609) 750 3599
E-mail: admissions@els.edu
Website: http://www.els.edu -
- More Details
- Housing
- ELS provides students with the opportunity to live in on-campus dormitories, off-campus residences, or enjoy a homestay experience. Students living on-campus will be close to classes, campus activities and other students – both American and international. For students who prefer a more independent lifestyle, off-campus residences provide more privacy and offer opportunities to interact with people in the community outside the campus environment. 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 Eckerd College campus is located in St Petersburg, an intimate community situated on the southern tip of the peninsula that constitutes Pinellas County. Sandwiched between the Gulf of Mexico to the west and Tampa Bay to the east, St. Petersburg is home to nearly 250,000 residents and is a part of the rapidly growing Tampa Bay metropolitan area that over 2.5 million people call home. The area is commonly called “Florida’s Beach” due to its impressive stretch of more than 35 miles of white-sand beaches that grace the coasts of over 20 barrier islands along the Gulf of Mexico. Also appropriately called the “Suncoast,” St. Petersburg boasts an average of 361 days of sunshine each year with annual temperatures averaging 73°F and average water temperature being a warm 75°F along the coastline. Out of 650 U.S. beaches surveyed in 2004, St. Petersburg’s Fort De Soto Park ranks as the #1 beach in the Continental United States. More than 12 millions visitors vacation in Florida’s Beach each year, making it the most popular vacation destination on Florida’s west coast. The area’s beaches and tropical climate offer outdoor enthusiasts endless opportunities year-round to go swimming, sailing, fishing, water-skiing, jet skiing, windsurfing, parasailing and scuba diving while over 46 golf courses and 54 tennis facilities are also available in the area year-round. World-class museums – including the Salvador Dali Museum – symphony performances, Broadway shows, rock concerts and ballet and art festivals are presented throughout the year while one of the South’s premier open-air jazz festivals, the Clearwater Jazz Holiday, is held in October. Downtown St. Petersburg is situated 170 km from Orlando, home to the perennially-famous Disney World, and 400 km from Miami, a cosmopolitan city home to a fusion of the world’s cultures.
- About the College/University
- Originally founded in 1958 as Florida Presbyterian College, Eckerd College is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church and through the years, has grown to become a liberal arts and sciences institution that has earned an international reputation for academic excellence. As one of only 40 schools listed in Loren Pope’s “Colleges that Change Lives,” Eckerd is the only national private liberal arts college in Florida and has been ranked by “The Chronicle of Higher Education” as the #1 U.S. baccalaureate institution with the highest proportion of students – being 60% – who study abroad during their undergraduate career. The tropical 188-acre waterfront campus overlooks the picturesque Boca Ciega Bay and is home to 1,680 students from 48 U.S. states and 42 countries from around the world. Eckerd tailors more than 40 undergraduate majors and 4 pre-professional programs for its students while other students choose to design their own interdisciplinary concentrations under the guidance of a faculty sponsor. Following their studies at Eckerd, about 40% of students continue on to pursue advanced degrees; Eckerd is among the nation’s leaders in the percentage of its graduates who earn doctoral degrees. Outside of the classroom, Eckerd students have ample opportunities to get involved in the campus community and join one of the 60 student-run organizations. Eckerd’s sports teams, “The Tritons,” compete at the NCAA Division II level with men playing baseball, basketball, golf, sailing, soccer and tennis while women play basketball, cross-country, sailing, soccer, softball, tennis and volleyball.
- Conditional Admission / Credit Courses
- Students may earn up to 3.5 university credits to be applied to their undergraduate degree at Eckerd College upon completion of the Intensive English program. 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: Homestay - Dates
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- 2023/03/27
- 2023/04/24
- 2023/05/22
- 2023/06/19
- 2023/07/17
- 2023/08/14
- 2023/09/11
- 2023/10/09
- 2023/11/06
- 2023/12/04
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$ 1,460 Per Month N/A N/A - Airport Pickup Service
- US$ 170 (Tampa International Airport)
- 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: 16 Years Old REQUIREMENT: None VISA INFORMATION: I-20 Issued Upon Request HOUSING: Homestay - Dates
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- 2023/03/27
- 2023/04/24
- 2023/05/22
- 2023/06/19
- 2023/07/17
- 2023/08/14
- 2023/09/11
- 2023/10/09
- 2023/11/06
- 2023/12/04
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$ 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$ 1,460 Per Month N/A - Airport Pickup Service
- US$ 170 (Tampa International Airport)
- Remarks / Other Information
- Dates and fees are approximate and may change without prior notice
Application fee is non-refundable
On-Campus and homestay 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: Homestay - Dates
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- 2023/03/27
- 2023/04/24
- 2023/05/22
- 2023/06/19
- 2023/07/17
- 2023/08/14
- 2023/09/11
- 2023/10/09
- 2023/11/06
- 2023/12/04
Choose 4, 8, 12 Week Course from Starting Dates - Costs
-
- APPLICATION FEE
- US$ 180
- TUITION FEE (2022 - 2023)
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4 WEEKS US$ 1,600 8 WEEKS US$ 3,200 12 WEEKS US$ 4,500 - HOUSING
PLACEMENT FEE - N/A
- HOUSING FEE
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LENGTH HOMESTAY DORMITORY / ON-CAMPUS APARTMENT OFF-CAMPUS RESIDENCE 4-12 WEEKS US$ 1,460 Per Month N/A N/A - Airport Pickup Service
- US$ 170 (Tampa International Airport)
- 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. Petersburg, Florida
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Location
ELS Language Centers, St. Petersburg
Eckerd College
4200 54th Avenue South St. Petersburg, Florida 33711 U.S.A. - Getting To Your School
- From Tampa International Airport:
ELS Language Centers arrange airport pick-up service that costs US$170 and brings students directly to the Eckerd College campus in approximately 20 minutes.
- Student Reviews
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Academic Quality: 4.3 School Environment: 4.7 Helpfulness of Staff: 5.0 Activities and Social Life: 4.7 Accommodation: 5.0 4.7
- There are 3 reviews for this school
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Academic Quality: School Environment: Helpfulness of Staff: Activities and Social Life: Accommodation:
Jan Zimmermann
[ Madrid, Spain, Age 17, Male ]
- Below you will find additional reviews in other languages.
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Academic Quality: School Environment: Helpfulness of Staff: Activities and Social Life: Accommodation:
Dario
[ Bogota, Colombia, Age 18, Male ]
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful.IntermedieteEs una escuela con una planta fisica extraordinaria con un personal macnifico donde uno conoce personas internacionales con las cuales compartes tus creencias y tus experiencias y a la misma vez la culura de tu pais en conclusion es una exelente escuela donde no lo pensaria mas de dos veces si tuviera la oportunidad de volver.
Academic Quality: School Environment: Helpfulness of Staff: Activities and Social Life: Accommodation:
Stephanie Nieves
[ Arecibo, Puerto Rico, Age 22, Female ]
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