ELC - Santa Barbara

ELC - Santa Barbara

English Languages Center - Santa Barbara

ELC – SANTA BARBARA

The English Language Center (ELC) has been dedicated to providing English programs of the highest quality to international students since 1978.  By employing highly qualified and dedicated instructors and by utilizing a dynamic and comprehensive curriculum, ELC provides the perfect environment for rapid language improvement.  ELC also offers students extensive support services to ensure that their stay in the United States is culturally as well as educationally enriching.

If you choose to study English at our English School in Santa Barbara in the beautiful city of Santa Barbara, California, you will never want to leave. Once called California’s best-kept secret, Santa Barbara is known all over the world for its exceptional climate, stunning scenery, and palm-lined, white-sand beaches. A short ten-minute walk from the beach, ELC Santa Barbara is perfectly located in its own award-winning building across the street from the Santa Barbara Courthouse (an architectural and historical landmark) and two blocks from State Street. Every day almost half of our students bike, skateboard or rollerblade to school. The neighbourhood around the school referred to as the arts and culture area of Santa Barbara, is pleasantly crowded with outdoor cafes, restaurants, music clubs, historical attractions, and fabulous shopping. Here in the charming, small and friendly city of Santa Barbara you will find a perfect balance between studying English and enjoying the outdoors with your school friends.

SCHOOL FACILITIES HIGHLIGHTS

Free high-speed wireless internet

Student lounge

9 iMac student computers

Free academic tutoring hall

13 classrooms

Downtown Santa Barbara location

STUDENT NATIONALITY BREAKDOWN

Belgium Japan Brazil Saudi Arabia China Switzerland Germany Other Italy

At English Language Center (ELC) Santa Barbara, our celebration of diversity is not only represented through our international students but also through our course selection. International students who study at our Santa Barbara school can choose from an extensive selection of English language courses including General English Courses, Cambridge, IELTS and TOEFL Preparation Courses, Academic Programs, English Plus Programs, 50+ Programs and more. Our courses cover a full range of language skills including grammar, vocabulary, conversation, communication, listening comprehension, reading, pronunciation, and writing. All students benefit from our multi-level placement method, which gives them the opportunity to study at the appropriate level for each skill area.

General English Courses
General English Courses Study English at the English Language Center (ELC) in one of our most popular English courses. ELC’s general English courses are offered year-round for beginner, intermediate, and advanced international students. Our general English course options include Intensive, Semi-intensive Plus, Semi-intensive, Part-time and Individual Intensive courses. At ELC you can improve your English, meet people from all over the world, and immerse yourself in American culture.
Intensive English Course
Intensive English Course The 30-lesson per week Intensive English Course is ELC's most popular course and covers all of the major language skills including grammar, vocabulary, conversation, pronunciation, listening comprehension, reading, and writing. All intermediate and advanced students also have a choice of electives two afternoons per week. Students in the Intensive English Program study Monday through Friday during sections A, B and C on the course schedule listed below. Section A (9:00 - 10:40 daily) is Grammar Structure & Usage and focuses not only on teaching students the rules for grammar usage but also on giving students the opportunity to practice using grammar in both speaking and writing. Section B (11:00 - 12:40 daily) is Conversation, Listening, Vocabulary, and Pronunciation Monday through Friday. Section C (1:40 - 3:20 daily) is Reading and Writing and/or an elective. The availability of elective classes is dependent on student interest and student enrollment. American Culture Hollywood American Slang Accent Reduction Business English
Time Section Monday Tuesday Wednes­day Thursday Friday
9:00 - 10:40 A Grammar Structure & Usage
10:40 - 11:00 BREAK
11:00 - 12:40 B Conversation, Listening, Vocabulary & Pronunciation
12:40 - 1:40 LUNCH BREAK
FREE teacher-led academic help desk (two days per week)
1:40 - 3:20 C Reading & Writing
Reading & Writing Elective Reading & Writing Elective Reading & Writing
3:30 - 6:00 Activities Chaperoned afternoon activities
Note: Electives are available to intermediate and advanced students only.
Business English Course
Business English Courses Whether you are the CEO, a manager, or other business professional looking to advance your career, you can choose to take a Business English course at ELC. Our Business English courses have been designed for all business professionals seeking a specialized English education with professional and experienced teachers. We offer a full range of Business English courses at our Boston center. Individual Business English courses are also available in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.
Semi-Intensive English Plus Course
Semi-Intensive English Plus Course The 24-lesson per week Semi-Intensive Plus Course at ELC is designed to promote communicative competence in English and consists of Sections A (9:00 - 10:40) and B (11:00 - 12:40) Monday through Friday, and Section C (1:40 - 3:20) on Tuesday and Thursday. Section A is Grammar Structure & Usage and focuses not only on teaching students the rules for grammar usage but also on giving students the opportunity to practice using grammar in both speaking and writing. Section B is Conversation, Listening, Vocabulary, and Pronunciation. Section C meets on Tuesday and Thursday. Beginner students study Reading and Writing, while students who are intermediate or advanced can choose an elective on Tuesday and Thursday.
Semi-Intensive English Course
Semi-Intensive English Course The 20-lesson per week Semi-Intensive course is designed to improve communication skills and is perfect for students who want to study English in the mornings and enjoy ELC's beautiful cities in the afternoons. Students enrolled in this program meet for classes during Sections A (9:00 - 10:40) and B (11:00 - 12:40), as shown in the General Course Schedule listed below.
Combination English Courses
Combination of English Courses This course is designed for students who wish to combine group work in General English with individualized work in a special area of English, such as business English, legal English or medical English. Students in the Combination Course study General English (20 lessons per week) during Sections A (9:00 - 10:40) and B (11:00 - 12:40) of the class schedule listed below and take private classes (10 lessons per week) during Section C (1:40 - 3:20). Combination Course Program Sample Topics Topics can include any subject including : English for Business English for Law English for Medicine General Fluency Accent Reduction Report and Essay Writing
Individual Intensive English Course
Individual Intensive English Course The 20-lesson per week Individual Intensive English Course is designed to suit specific needs in terms of course length and content. In the Individual Intensive English Course, students can request a special emphasis on a particular language skill or area of expertise. In addition to being an excellent alternative for students wanting a great deal of personal attention, the Individual Intensive Course is also appropriate for young students (under 16 years of age) and pre-beginners (students who have not yet learned the alphabet in English). Topics can include any subject including : English for Business English for Law English for Medicine General Fluency Accent Reduction Report and Essay Writing SAMPLE INDIVIDUAL INTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Time Section Monday Tuesday Wednes­day Thursday Friday
9:00 - 10:40 A Individual Lessons
10:40 - 11:00 BREAK
11:00 - 12:40 B Individual Lessons
12:40 - 1:40 LUNCH BREAK
FREE teacher-led academic help desk (two days per week)
Part-time English Course
Part-time English Course Students with limited time for studying English may choose to enroll for one Section per day (A, B, or C only). Section A (9:00 - 10:40) is Grammar Structure & Usage and focuses on teaching students the rules for grammar usage, and also gives students the opportunity to practice using grammar in both speaking and writing. Section B (11:00 - 12:40) is Communications Skills and focuses on Conversation, Listening Vocabulary, and Pronunciation. Section C (1:40 - 3:20) is Reading and Writing. Please note that part-time students are not eligible for the I-20 or housing assistance
English Test Preparation Courses
English Test Preparation Courses Prepare for success in your test of English language proficiency with an English Language Center (ELC) test preparation course. ELC’s FCE, CAE, IELTS, and TOEFL test preparation courses include English language instruction and test-taking strategies. With the help of ELC, you can use these English test strategies to achieve a high score on your test. ELC IELTS TEACHING METHODS Offered year-round to intermediate through advanced students, the IELTS Test Preparation course is an intensive, 30-lesson per week course that prepares students for the IELTS test. Our highly qualified instructors help you prepare for and understand the test through the use of IELTS practice tests, and IELTS practice questions for the reading, writing, speaking and listening sections of the IELTS test. Our instructors also teach test-taking strategies that include time management and question management. Instructors provide individualized help and advice during class based on your English skill level and the areas where you need improvement. IELTS Mini-Course Available in Boston only, this 7-hour intensive class is designed for test-takers who would like to receive the best possible score on their IELTS test. Students will review all four parts of the exam (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) with emphasis on the writing and speaking portions of the exam. Students will learn test-taking strategies specific to the IELTS exam and will take part in the most beneficial exercises for IELTS test preparation. At the end of the course, students will feel prepared and confident going into test day. Cambridge Exam Preparation Courses Prepare to take and pass the CAE Cambridge Exam with ELC. Our exam preparation courses are 30 lessons per week and 4-week, 6-week, 9-week, 10-week, and 11-week courses are offered at ELC Santa Barbara. Cambridge Exam preparation courses are closed-group English language courses. Students wishing to enroll in a CAE course must demonstrate a sufficient level of English proficiency by successfully passing a preliminary ELC English language assessment. Students who pass a CAE pre-enrollment assessment are admitted to Cambridge courses on a preliminary, conditional basis. Students must take and pass a secondary exam during their first week of the course. Students who wish to enter a pathways program at ELC can include a Cambridge Exam Preparation Course as part of their studies. TOEFL Preparation Course Prepare to get a high score on your TOEFL iBT Test with an English Language Center (ELC) TOEFL Test Preparation Course. ELC’s TOEFL Test Preparation Course is 30 lessons per week with start dates offered every Monday. The TOEFL Test Preparation Course combines 20 lessons per week of General English and 10 lessons per week of TOEFL exercises and practice questions. Students wishing to study in our TOEFL Test Preparation Course must demonstrate a sufficient level of English proficiency by successfully passing a preliminary ELC English language assessment, in order to participate in this course. Students who wish to enter a university pathways program at ELC can include our TOEFL Test Preparation Course as part of their studies. The TOEFL Preparation Course is only available at ELC Los Angeles and ELC Boston.
Academic Programs
Academic Programs Prepare for your future with an English Language Center (ELC) Academic English program. ELC’s Academic English programs can include the Intensive or Semi-Intensive English course, as well as FCE, CAE, TOEFL, or IELTS test preparation courses. International students who are ready to dedicate themselves to intensive long-term English study can choose between our University Pathways Program, Academic Semester Program or Academic Year Program. All students enrolled in one of ELC's Academic English programs will receive enhanced academic services throughout the duration of their program. Academic Year and Semester Study American English for a full year or a semester with other international students in an English Language Center (ELC) Academic Year or Academic Semester Program. Our Program combines Intensive or Semi-Intensive Plus General English courses with discounted course pricing and special academic services. Students preparing for an English proficiency test or exam can include a test preparation course in their program. In addition, students can transfer between any ELC school and can split their time between ELC Los Angeles, ELC Boston, and/or ELC Santa Barbara. Our Program is ideal for serious students seeking to improve their American English. University Pathways Program Study English and gain admission to an undergraduate degree or graduate degree program at an American university with the English Language Center (ELC) University Pathways Program. Our Program is offered throughout the year and combines General English courses and/or test preparation courses with personalized college counselling and specialized academic services. International students in the Pathways Program select an Intensive English Course with 30 lessons per week or a Semi-Intensive Plus Course with 24 lessons per week and may include Cambridge Exam Preparation, IELTS, or TOEFL courses as part of their studies. Students can receive a conditional letter of acceptance (to participating universities) prior to arrival at ELC and/or a TOEFL waiver once they have achieved the required level of English. In addition, students who wish to study at one or more ELC school can split their time between ELC Los Angeles, ELC Boston, and/or ELC Santa Barbara TEFL Certificate Course for Non-Native Speakers Refresh your TEFL certification with an English Language Center (ELC) TEFL Certificate Course. Our TEFL Courses are designed for non-native English-speaking teachers of English looking to refresh their teaching skills and improve their English. Our courses are 35 lessons per week and can be offered anytime for two weeks to groups of three or more participants. The TEFL Course combines our General English Course with classroom observation and TEFL methodology.
Adult Summer Campus Program
Adult Summer Campus Program During the months of July and August, ELC Students have the opportunity to study English and live on the campus of a prestigious American university in a university dormitory. ELC offers the Adult Summer Campus Program in Boston, Los Angeles at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), and in Santa Barbara at the University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB). Students will choose either half-board or bed-and-breakfast (depending on campus) and have meals at an on-campus cafeteria, and have access to university facilities including student centers, libraries, and fitness facilities. Our unique program allows students to combine living in dormitory accommodation with studying in an ELC General English and/or Test Preparation Course while learning about American culture and having the time of their life!
50+ Program

50+ Program

Activities and English Courses for Mature Adults Aged 50+ Study English and meet other mature adult international students aged 50+ with an English Language Center (ELC) program that combines activities with English lessons. Our program combines 20 lessons per week of our Semi-Intensive General English Course with a special adult activities calendar and is offered twice per year at ELC Boston. The activities in this calendar include visits to local museums, cultural landmarks, cafes and bars. The 50+ Program is offered twice per year at ELC Boston allowing mature adult students to learn English skills while taking advantage of the finest weather and best seasonal activities offered in Boston.
English Plus Programs
English Plus Programs English classes in the morning and specialized activities in the afternoon Our English Plus Programs are two-week programs that combine our Semi-Intensive English Course with specialized afternoon activities organized by ELC. Students in these programs will join General English Courses in the morning, and then enjoy ELC organized activities in the afternoon. In Los Angeles, students can select from among Yoga, Photography, Hollywood, Filmmaking, or Surfing. In Boston, students can select from Dance, Music, Photography, or Yoga. In Santa Barbara, students can select from Photography, Yoga, or Tennis.
Summer Junior Programs
Summer Junior Programs Study English in the summer and have fun with other international students at an English Language Center (ELC) Summer Campus Junior Program in Los Angeles (UCLA), Santa Barbara (UCSB), and Boston. Offered during July and August our Summer Junior Programs include our 20-lesson per week Semi-Intensive English Course and daily activities. Students can stay with ELC in an on-campus dormitory or participate as day students with courses and activities only. At ELC's Summer, Junior Program in Santa Barbara (UCSB) students also have the option to stay with an American homestay. Families travelling together can participate in our Family Program. Students aged 11-13 or 14-17 can join our Summer Junior Program as day students. Parents and students aged 17+ can join our adult courses and programs. ELC can arrange joint or separate family accommodation. ELC can also arrange joint or separate activity programs. Please contact ELC for more information.
Winter Junior Programs
Winter Junior Programs Junior students also have the opportunity to study at ELC Los Angeles, Boston and Santa Barbara during the month of January. The Winter Junior Programs are offered to students between the ages of 14-17. This program gives young learners the opportunity to study at ELC and live with an American host family while engaging in social and cultural activities and excursions with their peers, teachers and staff.

ACCOMMODATION

At ELC Santa Barbara you may choose to stay with an American family, enjoy the convenience and comfort of a local hotel, or share dormitory life with fellow students. Whichever living accommodations you decide are best for you, our Housing Coordinator in Santa Barbara will gladly help arrange them.

American Homestays

Most ELC students are eager to take advantage of the family homestay opportunity available year-round. Along with the chance to improve conversational skills, homestays can create warm friendships that last a lifetime.

Santa Barbara Residence

The Santa Barbara Residence is a newly renovated, clean and simple accommodation, conveniently located about 30 minutes from ELC. The studio-style room includes a fully equipped kitchen and ample workspace. Complimentary high-speed wireless internet access, weekly housekeeping and “grab and go” breakfast are included in the price. This accommodation is perfect for students looking for centrally located, independent living.