Easy Languages

School

Location

Boston, the capital and largest city of the state of Massachusetts, is one of the most desired student destinations in the United States. Its intense cultural life, prestigious schools and universities, festivals, animated nightlife and charming architecture attract students from across the United States and the world. As the economic and cultural centre of New England, Boston does not resemble other American metropolises; the centre boasts a number of colonial buildings, the streets are windy and not on a grid pattern and the city has a number of pedestrian and bike zones.

We offer two options to students interested in this dynamic and interesting city: either in an international school situated in the heart of the city, with accommodation in host families; or a school in a campus setting, located one of the city’s nicest suburbs, with accommodation in the campus residences.

Dubbed the "cradle of freedom", Boston is the oldest of the new cities of the United States. A scent of England, still alive in the home as in habits, contributes to the charm of this landmark of American history, famous for its cobbled streets and monuments, that alongside the modern skyscrapers of the district business. The capital of Massachusetts has preserved its multiple identity, shaped by four centuries since the influx of immigrants from places like Ireland and Italy in the nineteenth century. But far from being locked in its past, this great university centre has developed into a major cultural and economic centre of the United States.

School

Our partner school in downtown Boston, Embassy CES, is on West Street, just a few minutes’ walk from Macy’s, Quincy Market, Boston Common and the public gardens. It’s in a vibrant area packed with restaurants and shops, including the famous Brattle Bookshop. If you like to be in the heart of things, Boston Downtown is the school for you.

There are also many opportunities to join in with the full programme of excursions and activities available exclusively to our students. You’ll be close to the Atlantic Coast beaches, ski resorts of New Hampshire, and historic local towns such as Salem and Newburyport.

The average number of students is 100, with a maximum of 800. The average student age is 25. We try to ensure a good mix of nationalities in each of our classes. That means that there’s less temptation to speak your own language. On the other hand, if your English isn’t too good, and you’re worried about communicating, relax. Our centres employ counsellors of many nationalities in case of emergencies or problems. And all our staff have many years of experience in looking after students and understanding even those with a low level of English.

Our school has a wireless Internet access which is free and unlimited. Students can also use the school computers for free all day, but may have to wait during busy times.

Courses

You can join on any Monday (except public holidays), and following our entrance test, you’ll be placed into a class with other students at your level. On arrival at any of our centres, you will be given a written test and a brief interview with a teacher or one of the academic staff. This will decide the best class for you to be placed in. We offer general English courses focusing on all-round language skills. The maximum number of participants for this course is 15.

• Standard Programme
  Choose our Standard 20 course, and you’ll have 20x 50-minute lessons per week, mornings or afternoons only, using an approved textbook as the basis for the class, and focusing primarily on grammar.
  
  
• Intensive Programme
  For faster progress, choose the Intensive 28 option: the same 20x 50-minute classes, plus 8x 50-minute classes which target writing, listening, speaking, reading and fluency.

Our flexible set-up allows you to select from a range of electives. Join classes focused on Business, exam preparation, pronunciation, or other areas which suit your needs and interests. These modules change regularly and you’ll have a chance to choose your path on arrival at the school.

All lessons are taught with full in-class participation, group work, pair work, class discussions and fun role-plays. These make learning enjoyable and improve both your confidence and fluency. At the same time, there are strong underlying principles which ensure that you’ll be consolidating your understanding of vocabulary and grammar. Our professional, qualified teachers will respond to the needs of the class, using an assortment of materials. You’ll be expected to complete regular homework assignments. You’ll also have access to the modern technologies in our schools, which include interactive whiteboards and captivating online learning environments.

Your teacher will assess your progress regularly, and provide you with reports on your development every four to five weeks. At your departure, you will receive a final progress report, and a certificate. All course books and supplementary materials are provided on this course. You may wish to purchase additional supporting books, although they are not essential.

Activities and excursions

Embassy activities are a terrific way to make lifelong friends and discover the city. During term time, there’s a choice of things to do in the evenings and at most weekends. Please note that some activities are free, while others require a small payment.

Some of the most popular excursions are: Faneui Hall, Freedom Trail, Newbury Street, Newport, New York City, Vermont, Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Harvard University and McMullen Museum of Art.

Accommodation

Homestay

Live as part of an English-speaking household. You’ll have either a private bedroom or you will be sharing it with another student, and you will eat breakfast and evening meals with your hosts. It’s a great chance to meet native Bostonians and share their way of life. Living with English-speakers also means that you will never stop learning and improving your fluency.

We cannot guarantee internet access. Please mention at the time of booking if it is important to you, and we will do our best to accommodate your requirements.

In Boston Downtown, our Homestay households are all within 60 minutes’ travel from the school. Homes are likely to be the typical New England style.

Student residences

Residences are made for students who would like more independence, and a chance to socialise with friends from around the world. In Boston Downtown, our primary student residence is located just a 20-minute subway ride from the school. It contains a cafe, free gym facilities and business centre, and there are also numerous cafes, restaurants and shops nearby.

All rooms are shared, with a full bathroom en-suite. Each contains two double beds, a desk, telephone, refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, and cable TV. Housekeeping services are provided on a weekly basis.

Wifi access is provided in the lobby, and in all public areas of the hotel.

Prices & Dates

Prices include:

• The selected English course programme
• The selected accommodation
• Academic materials
• Assistance from our staff in Belgium and the USA
• All administrative fees
• Assistance in obtaining a student visa if necessary

The prices do not include :

• The flight
• Visa fees, when applicable
• Transportation between Airport (Boston-Logan) and accommodation
• Private room supplement (for homestay accommodation only)

Dates 2012

Courses start every Monday (except holidays)

Holidays 2012 : 2 & 16/01, 20/02, 28/05, 4/07, 3/09, 8/10, 22 & 23/11, 25/12.

Christmas period : closed on 25/12

Practical Info

Journey

• Airport: Boston Logan International (BOS)
• Transfer possible and recommended; see price table for more information

Visa

For EU residents:

• For visits of less than 90 days (12 weeks) comprising 18 lessons per week: a student visa is not necessary. You will simply need to fill out an online ESTA declaration (14$) to enter US territory.
• For visits of less than 90 days (12 weeks) comprising more than 20 lessons per week: you will need a student visa and we will provide you with all necessary paperwork.
• For visits of more than 90 days (weeks): you will need a student visa and we will provide you with all necessary paperwork.

It is highly important that you familiarise yourself with all the documentation necessary for the acquisition of a visa in your home country before visiting your local US embassy.

http://www.london.usembassy.gov/  (United Kingdom)

http://germany.usembassy.gov/ (Germany)

http://thehague.usembassy.gov/ (The Netherlands)

http://denmark.usembassy.gov/ (Denmark)

http://sweden.usembassy.gov/ (Sweden)

http://www.usembassy.be (Belgium)

http://www.amb-usa.fr (France)

http://bern.usembassy.gov (Switzerland)

Canadian nationals do not need a visa.