Intensive English Program

ELS Language Centers Houston: Houston (TX)

Q&A
Price

Special offer

A$ 295 discount for all courses and accommodations from 12-52 weeks Show details »

school-reference
detail

Course description

The Intensive English curriculum is designed for students who want to learn the language as quickly as possible within a short period of time. There are 30 morning and afternoon lessons per week. You will learn the key fundamentals of the English language in conjunction with vital study and classroom skills that will lead to success, including:

Key Language Skills: Our English courses cover all essential language skills such as: listening, speaking, reading, writing, pronunciation, and grammar. You will learn to speak with clarity, listen carefully, and gain the writing competencies necessary to complete your academic assignments with ease and accuracy.

Skills Enhancement Classes: ELS Centers offer Skills Enhancement Classes dedicated to subjects such as American Idioms, American Film, Current Events, and American Culture – enabling you to not only learn the English language, but to become part of the conversation and acquire the academic skills to succeed in higher education. Skill Enhancement Classes encompass two hours per day. In Levels 101-103, students work on Beginning Conversation and another skill area. In Levels 104-106, students focus on academic reading, writing, listening, or speaking skills. Starting in Levels 107-112, students work on academic skills such as reading, writing, listening, speaking, presentations, and note-taking.

Applied Learning: Students practice conversation and speaking skills using practical, real-world English. They learn to write with accuracy and effectiveness, develop strategic listening skills and improve their use of grammar. In the United States, Contact America! allows you to meet with native English-speakers, practice conversing while using real-world English, and listen to guest lecturers.

Key University Success Skills: To succeed in a US college or university, you will need more than just basic English language skills. Our program focuses on teaching you critical thinking, how to deliver presentations, public speaking, note-taking, academic research, and more. There are also more than 600 universities, colleges and career schools accept completion of an advanced ELS level as meeting the English language requirement for admission.

ELS recommends that students select a duration in 4-week increments (4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, etc.). Durations under 4 weeks (2 or 3 weeks) and in non-4-week increments may be available if space permits. These durations require special request and must be approved by the ELS Center Director.

Course topics

Listening, Speaking, Pronunciation, Reading, Writing, Vocabulary and Grammar

Class schedule

Course duration
2-48 weeks
Start dates
Every Monday (except for beginners)
Start dates for beginners
22 Apr 2024, 20 May 2024, 17 Jun 2024, 15 Jul 2024, 12 Aug 2024, 09 Sep 2024, 07 Oct 2024, 04 Nov 2024 and 02 Dec 2024
Classes per week
30 lessons per week (each lesson lasts 50 min)
Class days
Monday - Friday
School holidays
29 Mar 2024, 27 May 2024, 04 Jul 2024, 02 Sep 2024, 28 Nov 2024, 25 Dec 2024

ELS does not hold classes on the holiday dates above. The school does not compensate for these holidays, so make sure to choose your start date accordingly.

Class times

Afternoon session
02:45 PM - 03:45 PM
Morning session
08:30 AM - 09:20 AM
Break
09:20 AM - 09:30 AM
Morning session
09:30 AM - 10:20 AM
Break
10:20 AM - 10:30 AM
Morning session
10:30 AM - 11:20 AM
Break
11:20 AM - 11:30 AM
Morning session
11:30 AM - 12:20 PM
Lunch
12:20 PM - 01:30 PM
Afternoon session
01:30 PM - 02:35 PM
Break
02:35 PM - 02:45 PM

Class schedule may change depending on availability and season.

Class level

All levels, beginner to advanced
You will take a placement test before your arrival in Houston to determine your class level.

Class size

Average 12 students
Maximum 15 students

Student age

Age range 16 years old and older
Average 23 years old
(21 in the summer)

Certificate

A certificate of completion will be issued at the end of the course.
Read more...
school
photos

Photos

  • City of Houston 1/10
  • Building of ELS Language Centers Houston: Houston (TX) 2/10
  • Building of ELS Language Centers Houston: Houston (TX) 3/10
  • Campus 4/10
  • Building of ELS Language Centers Houston: Houston (TX) 5/10
  • Entrance to ELS Language Centers Houston: Houston (TX) 6/10
  • Richmount Squire 7/10
  • University 8/10
  • University Building 9/10
  • Students of ELS Language Centers Houston: Houston (TX) 10/10
reviews

Reviews

87% recommend

based on 23 reviews
5 stars
12
4 stars
8
3 stars
3
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing

"It was perfect 2 weeks for improve my English"

ASLIHAN BURLUKKARA, student from USA

els was perfect for me because I studied with so much international student during my course. it was great opportunity for speaking. els teachers was so nice to me during my journey at els. they have so much activities for socialising after school.

Read more...

My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
22 Jan 2024 - 2 Feb 2024
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"The experience was amazing."

Naemi Gallo Inza, student from Switzerland

The teachers were all really nice and everybody tried really hard to male us feel comfortable being away from home. I made a lot of new friends. The school planed a lot of activities where we could go which was really nice. The location was perfect, it was not to far away from my home and not right downtown where the traffic gets really bad.

Read more...

My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
19 weeks
Date of study
7 Nov 2022 - 24 Mar 2023
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Good"

Hyunjin Kim, student from USA

It was pretty good. Activities were kind of fun. I like the way you guys made it like school.

Read more...

My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
22 Jul 2019 - 16 Aug 2019
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Unfortunately for me the experience was not good."

Simão Miguel Bartolomeu

The school's program of activities is good, as few good teachers do not show the results of the final tests, make the decision whether the student should advance or not, even having good grades during the current level, as to the conditions of the school. school are good.

Read more...

My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
47 weeks
Date of study
17 Sep 2018 - 16 Aug 2019
Would you recommend this school?
No
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"It was a good experience, teachers were really helpful"

Katherine Daniela Luzuriaga Chavez, student from Ecuador

I liked the classes there was a lot of interaction between the teachers and the students. The classrooms and the bathroom were always clean. Maybe it would have been better of the classes were inside the campus of the University of St. Thomas.

Read more...

My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
2 Apr 2018 - 27 Apr 2018
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Different experience"

Roland Messmer, student from Switzerland

Over all, it was a good experience and a good chance to improve my competences in englisch at this school. My estimation is different. There are teachers they have quite a large engagement and others are for example not really good prepared ore are in the class not really good in teaching.

Read more...

My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
2 Apr 2018 - 13 Apr 2018
Would you recommend this school?
No
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Professionalism"

Byron Gonçalves de Souza Filho, student from Brazil

It was far beyond my expectation. Very good. The organization, the infrastructure, the teachers, everything was good.
The discipline asked was a real immersion in the American culture and attitudes.

Read more...

My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
2 Apr 2018 - 13 Apr 2018
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"It`s a amazing experience."

Vera Lucia Vigier, student from Brazil

It was my first experience of studying at ELS. The location was excellent, with parking and near the downtown. I really liked the teachers, especially Mr. Jason (VOC) and Mr. Jim (SSP). I didn`t like the LTC. Unfortunately, I only had three weeks to stay at the ELS because I needed to return to my country. I hope to return in the near future. Thanks.
Vera Lucia Vigier

Read more...

My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
2 weeks
Date of study
13 Nov 2017 - 1 Dec 2017
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Good experiences with the classmates."

Matthias Artho, student from Switzerland

The school has very nice teachers good place for learning funny lesson with (Samir and Tim) but also bad teachers (Atalla) was very disappointing not sympathetic for a teacher boring lessons.

Read more...

My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
7 weeks
Date of study
18 Sep 2017 - 10 Nov 2017
Would you recommend this school?
No
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Great experience"

Andrea medina, student from Venezuela

The classes were good nothing boring, we learn new things in the activities and games we play in class and they were interesting. The teaches were nice and polite always there to help and it is in a good location near places we can go after class

Read more...

My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
24 Jul 2017 - 18 Aug 2017
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"It was very fun to study English in ELS!!"

Yuki Shimamoto, student from Japan

Sometimes,I was confused when I talked with other students and teachers.But It was very fun. I want to study English in ELS again. If I could go to study the school once,I will be able to speak English better. I liked all of classes. If you consist, I liked speaking class the best. This class is very profitable for me to speak and pronounce English.

Thank you for teaching me English!!!

Read more...

My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
24 Jul 2017 - 4 Aug 2017
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"It was very nice."

Marcio de Carvalho Nunes, student from Brazil

The classes were very nice. The teaching methods were almost perfect. In Lauren's class (TOEFL class) I really learned how to mãe the test and I did well because of her. The only problem was in Tim's class, because his teaching methods were not that good. Instead of explaining the students doubts, he just kept telling the same things. Also he took the students to a field trip to do a survey in a parking lot and that activity did not improved my English at all, it was just some useless activity to fill up some free time from the class. It was terrible, but it was not ELS's fault.
About the facilities I think it was just perfect. Everything was clean, everything worked perfectly, the administration had this care with the students (answering doubts, solving problems, etc). It was awesome.
The activities were impressive, because I never studied in a school where there were so many activities (going to a baseball game, tips about parks, museum tips) and the small events at the first and last day. Very different from other classes I have had and much better.
I was not in the housing program, because of that I do not have an opinion about it.

Read more...

My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
22 Aug 2016 - 16 Sep 2016
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"A good time with people from all around the world."

Pedro Rovasio Aguirre, student from Argentina

The experienced was really an enriching one, from a social point of view. Even if you're a little bit shy as I am, you will find you will be making friends with people from different countries. As regards the teacher and the classes they were really good, all teachers were kind, respectful, and cool to hang out with. The only drawback is that I think I could have been on higher level, however the things they thought us were things I've already studied. Other than that it was a great experience.

Read more...

My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
School location
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
8 Feb 2016 - 4 Mar 2016
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"It was a wonderful experience to learn English."

Juan Aguirre, student from Argentina

I enjoyed my stay in the ELS Center in Houston. I liked all the classes, particularly Anoosh SSP class. Over all, the teachers were exceptionally nice.

Read more...

My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
8 Feb 2016 - 4 Mar 2016
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Very professional"

Sofie Lykke Larsson, student from USA

I liked it a lot. It was way more intense than I first thought, but it was only for the better.

I had a very good month at ELS. It was a good learning environment.

Read more...

My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
19 Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2015
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"It was awesome!"

Salome Ortega Valverde

I liked almost all of my teachers. They were prepared for giving interesting classes. I had a good experience knowing other people and other cultures, and also going on incredible trips. The only thing that I would change is the SSP class because I think they need to make you talk more and focus on your pronunciation. Aside from this though, everything was perfect.

Read more...

My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
11 weeks
Date of study
24 Aug 2015 - 13 Nov 2015
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Learning English was a great experience."

Yuliya Lagay, student from Kazakhstan

It was my first experience in learning English abroad. The teachers were helpful and professional. The classes were well organized. The only negative was that not all books were provided. Unfortunately, during my three weeks, there were not much events and activities at school.

There were students from different countries: Brazil, Venezuela, Japan, Turkey, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Bolivia, Indonesia. We spent time together and learnt more about each other’s countries.

The program was intensive and helped to improve language skills.

I was living at a homestay. Two more students were living with me in that house. At the dinner table, we had a chance to talk in English a lot. Also, there was a Halloween party organized by the homestay. A lot of students from other schools came to that party. It was a wonderful experience to talk to people and get to know them.

The house was a bit far away from school. It took me 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to school. I rode the buses. During my first day at my homestay, the family dropped me off at school then showed me how to use the buses. Also, at the homestay, I was allowed to do laundry.

In general, my trip was exciting and memorable.

Read more...

My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
2 weeks
Date of study
19 Oct 2015 - 6 Nov 2015
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Good Experience"

Luis Alberto Hernandez Gonzaga, student from Mexico

What I liked was that the school was very close to the student residence. It was easy to take the bus, and there were nearby shopping centers.

Read more...

My ratings for this school

Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
1 Jun 2015 - 26 Jun 2015
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Great experience"

Sarah Mohammed M Al Buainain, student from Saudi Arabia

I liked the classes and the facilities. I made a number of friends from different countries. I didn't like the location though.

Read more...

My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
28 Jul 2014 - 22 Aug 2014
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"It was the best summer of my life!"

Sofia Vasileva, student from Russia

I really liked my classmates! The teachers were great and the program was perfect. My roommates were so kind.

Read more...

My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
28 Jul 2014 - 22 Aug 2014
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"I had a chance to improve my English knowledge, and I used what I learned."

Silvia-Maria-Alexandra Tatulescu, student from Germany

I liked the classrooms and some of the teachers. Some of them were funny and could teach very well.

Read more...

My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
28 Jul 2014 - 22 Aug 2014
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"It was very useful"

Evgeniya Zueva, student from Russia

I liked it a lot! All teachers are very professional, positive and friendly. Atmosphere was very warm. The school is located in a nice, convenient location. I have no negative experiences.

Read more...

My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
16 Jul 2012 - 10 Aug 2012
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"It was an unforgettable, amazing and indescribable experience for me. :)"

Josefine Werkner, student from Germany

Hi all, I had a really small class and each of us could learn very well. The teachers were nice and gave us the chance to find some subjects to talk about. So in the end you had it like an individual lesson. The location of the ELS in Houston is really nice. Next to the school, there is a CVS and a private university names "University of St. Thomas". There you can have your lunch in the cafeteria with little money. The area also has good connections with the bus and it´s just 3 minutes with it to the museum district. The school offers you some activities for your free time and the students are very nice. In the end I can say it was a good decision to choose the ELS and I would do it again.

Read more...

My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
4 weeks
Date of study
21 May 2012 - 15 Jun 2012
Age group
25 - 34
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.
housing

Housing

ELS offers the following housing types:
homestay

Homestay - Single-person room - Breakfast and dinner

A$ 606
weekly
Age range: 16 years old and older
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Distance to school: 20 minutes by bus
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
A$ 606
Students are placed in single occupancy rooms and may share a bathroom with other family members or students. Travel time to/from homestays vary but generally take anywhere from 35 - 60 minutes via Houston's Metro bus system. Homestay students are responsible for their own transportation to/from ELS/Houston

Min Age: 16
Students younger than stated minimum might be considered upon request. Approval must first be obtained from the Center Director before confirming.

Key/Damage: $200
student-residence

Houston Apartments - Student residence (off-campus) - Double Deluxe - No meals

A$ 475
weekly
Age range: 18 years old and older
Address: 3800 Audley Street, Houston,, TX 77098, USA
Location: Houston Apartments
Housing type: Student residence (off-campus)
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: No meals
Facilities: Kitchen, wireless internet, free internet, tV room, garden, and sports facilities
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, after 12:00 PM
Check-out: Saturday, before 12:00 PM
A$ 475
Houston Apartments are located in the safe neighborhood of Upper Kirby/River Oaks and the Greenway Plaza business complex.

Students will enjoy an apartment community surrounded by historic oak trees, peaceful gardens, lavishly landscaped courtyards, manicured grounds and resort-style amenities to include four lounging swimming pools, poolside Wi-Fi access, two-level fitness center with towel service, coffee lounge with Wi-Fi, business centers and much, much more.

Students will be a short distance to shopping, dining and entertainment and minutes from Downtown, the Galleria Shopping Mall (4th largest in the U.S.), the Museum District and Rice Village.

Houston Apartments are a short 1.12km (0.7miles) walk from ELS/Houston.

Reserve by: Reserve through ELS Central Admissions at the time of the application. Housing deposit is required to reserve.

Key/Damage: $200
visa

Visa support

We cannot apply for visas on behalf of students. However, the school can supply you with all the documentation you need to support your visa application.

If you are studying full time in the United States for more than 18 hours per week, you will receive an I-20 that you need to submit to the US embassy along with your F-1 student visa application. The I-20 has a SEVIS tracking number on it. Students who wish to apply for a student visa must pay the SEVIS fee online before going to the US embassy or consulate for their visa interview.

Your I-20 will be sent to your home address by regular mail at no charge to you. If you wish to receive your paperwork by express mail, you will be charged $110 when you register.

Please note that United States law states that an I-20 can only be issued to students who intend to pursue full-time English language studies. United States law does not permit students to study part-time with an F-1 Student Visa. If you are studying for less than 18 hours per week, you have to apply for a Visitor Visa (B1/B2) on your own.

Learn more about how to get a US student visa »

Flights and airport transfer

Please note that we do not book flights for our students. If you are researching airfare costs, we recommend using Kayak.com, a search engine that lets you compare flight options from your home country to Houston based on your budget, schedule and preferences.

Travel insurance

Study abroad worry-free with Language International's health and personal effects insurance coverage. When you book a course with us, you can opt to purchase an international insurance plan that covers not only your health care cost but also loss of your personal belongings. You must book your insurance in advance when you register.

Learn more about our insurance plan »

Read more...
questions

Questions and answers

Have questions? Get answers from ELS Language Centers Houston: Houston (TX) staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.

Ask a question
Show prices