Center Information
Our ELS Language Center in San Rafael, California is located on the campus of Dominican University of California (DUC), just 18 kilometers north of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. The city of San Rafael is safe and beautiful, and is within walking distance of the DUC campus. San Rafael offers many exciting outdoor sports activities including hiking, mountain biking, golf, swimming and sailing. Excellent transportation links put the entire San Francisco Bay Area within reach of ELS students.
Programs
Intensive English
Cost Per Session:
$1,575.00
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The ELS Intensive English Program is our most popular program of study. This program will help you significantly improve your English skills, achieve greater fluency and fully prepare you for university study in the USA.
Semi-Intensive English
Cost Per Session:
$1,210.00
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The ELS Semi-Intensive Program is ideal for students who want to learn English while also having time to visit local cities and attractions. Students take classes in the morning and have afternoons free to explore.
The Complete Prep program for the TOEFL® iBT
Cost Per Session:
$1,680.00
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ELS has developed a 12-week comprehensive Prep Program for the TOEFL® iBT that gives you the best preparation possible and the confidence you need to succeed!
The new Internet based TOEFL® iBT requires students to answer questions related to speaking, listening, reading and writing – and measures not just what you know, but how well you can express yourself and apply your knowledge. By taking the Prep Program, you will practice integrated reading and listening skills, improve writing and speaking, as well as learn test-taking strategies.
American Explorer
Cost Per Session:
$1,150.00
Show Description
If you are planning a short vacation in the USA and would like to include some English classes, our American Explorer Program is perfect for you. American Explorer is designed for tourists who would like to take some part-time English classes while spending their afternoons sightseeing and visiting local attractions. From the fast-paced excitement of New York City, to the relaxed lifestyle along the beautiful California coast, our great locations hold many opportunities for adventure.
The American Explorer Program consists of 12 levels of instruction from Beginning to Masters proficiency, with four weeks of instruction per level.
Additional Learning Opportunities
American Conversation Partnerships
Interested in after-class conversation and friendship with an American student? Inquire after your arrival and we can arrange time with a native speaker.
Contact America! Program
Through regularly organized activities you can practice English both in and out of the classroom with native guest speakers or American students discussing various topics.
Music, Voice or Dance Lessons
We can arrange for students to take musical instrument, voice or dance lessons with faculty or qualified students.
College Class Visits and Auditing
ELS Intensive students (in key levels) can visit one or more college classes, depending on professor approval.
Scholarships/Discounts
After completion of the full ELS Intensive English Program qualified students may receive credit for ELS and/or tuition discounts at select host universities and colleges, once they matriculate.
Access to Campus Facilities/Services
ELS students may use many of the facilities at our host college/university for free (or low cost) during their studies. Available facilities may vary, but usually include a fitness center, swimming pool, campus library, tennis court, and more.
Volunteerism Experience
ELS Language Centers offers a unique opportunity for full-time students who wish to participate in volunteer experiences at public and private, national and local organizations that provide services to adults, youth, children, elderly, handicapped and needy, or services protecting and improving the environment. Students who complete this experience will receive a certificate, which recognizes their participation.
Concurrent Enrollment at Host College
ELS students who have received conditional acceptance from the host college/university may have the chance to attend one or more individual college courses (for credit) while still studying in the Intensive English Program or Fast Track Program.
TOEFL Testing Center
In addition to our academic TOEFL Prep Program, we offer the TOEFL exam on-site. For more information on the TOEFL test click here
Activities
ELS Activities
| ELS-San Rafael Fall Session |
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| ELS-San Rafael Winter Session |
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| ELS-San Rafael Spring Session |
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| ELS-San Rafael Summer Session |
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Center Staff
Dean Wright
Dean, Center Director has been working in the field of International Education for almost 20 years. He holds two degrees from Dominican University of California. A Bachelors Degree in International Studies with an emphasis on Business from Dominican University of California, and an MBA in Pacific Basin Studies. Dean has lived in China, Taiwan and Germany, and traveled extensively in many other countries as well. In addition to being Center Director for San Rafael, he is also District Director responsible for ELS’ California and Hawaii based centers. He enjoys traveling, hiking, biking, reading and camping.
Jessica Kuwata
Jessica, Academic Director has been teaching ESL since 1998 in the US, France, and Japan. After obtaining her MA TESOL degree at the Monterey Institute of International Studies, she became Academic Director of ELS in San Rafael. She enjoys traveling, meeting new people, dancing, singing, swimming, camping, hiking, picnicking, reading, and spending time with her family. She loves learning about culture by talking with people from all over the world. Please come and share your cultural insights with her any time!
Akiko Hirai-Kong
Registrar: My name is Akiko, and this is my 7th year with ELS Language Centers.
After completing my bachelors degree in Japan, I enrolled in the Language Institute for English program (L.I.F.E.) here at Dominican University in 1989. I went back to Japan and worked for a travel agency for 3 years. Then, I worked for an international college. I had an opportunity to come back to the US and I got a job offer at that time, then I decided to stay here in the Bay Area for good! I feel that I am very lucky to live in such a beautiful area with friendly people and mild weather. I look forward to meeting you here in San Rafael, California.
Ellen Arneaud
Hi, I’m Ellen and I’ve been at ELS San Rafael for over 2 years as an Instructor, as well as an Administrative Assistant. I have a Bachelors degree in Spanish and a Masters in English and Creative Writing. Being part of the international environment at ELS reminds me of when I was an exchange student in Mexico. Having experienced similar situations as our students, I can easily relate to their challenges as well as their successes.