Words of wisdom from ELC students

The staff and teachers at ELC are always excited to see a student return to our school.  In the past few months, we’ve been so lucky to have a handful of students return to Boston yet again.  A few weeks ago, Caroline Matillon, from France, returned to Boston for the third time to complete a very special and unique program that ELC offers: English Plus Photography.

ELC offers a number of “English Plus” programs (such as yoga, music, and dance!).  In these programs, students enjoy morning classes of grammar and conversation and then take part in specialized activities in the afternoons and on weekends. Caroline was our first ever photography student and took such beautiful pictures during her stay.  Her program included tours of some of Boston’s most picturesque neighborhoods as well as visits to Boston’s best art museums.  Caroline was kind enough to answer some questions about her latest visit to Boston and the English Plus Photography program!

Student Photographer: Caroline Matillon

Cara:  I was so excited to see that you would come back for such a special, fun program like English Plus Photography.  What makes you want to visit Boston again and again?

Caroline: I came back for the third time in Boston because I find ELC fantastic.  The atmosphere is friendly and Boston is a very pleasant city.

Beacon Hill

Cara:  What did you think about English Plus Photography? Did it help you improve your photography skills? Did you explore any new Boston neighborhoods?

Caroline: The program is very interesting! First we can discover Boston another way than as a tourist. I learned a lot about using my camera.  Then I learned to look at buildings, statues and monuments from another way.  I discovered new Boston neighborhoods and new buildings. My tour guide was a professional photographer and moments with this professional were so good!

Boston Public Garden

Cara: What has been your favorite moment at ELC Boston?

Caroline: It was last hear during the activity “Pot Luck” when all students brought the specialty food from their country.  It was really fun because all of us tasted everything and we were all excited to share the lunch.

Freedom Trail

Cara: What are your plans for the future? Do you plan to keep practicing your English?

Caroline: This summer I will work at a four-star hotel in the south of France.  I’ll continue my studies of the hospitality industry next year in France.  And for those things I have to improve my English.  So I have a plan to practice my English again. Next year, I’ll be a trainer in a hotel in a country where they speak English.

Photography by Caroline Matillon

Copley Square

Spring in Boston

Granary Burial Ground (where Paul Revere is buried)

Boston Skyline

Quincy Market

Swan Boats

George Washington Statue in the Boston Public Garden

Caroline, thank you for sharing your beautiful photos with us!

Spring is in full bloom in beautiful Boston!  This past weekend, a group of over 20 students joined ELC for a kayaking trip on the Charles River, which separates Boston and Cambridge.  The weather was more than perfect – sunshine, sunshine, sunshine! The water was calm and the students were excited!

Once we crossed the Charles River, we floated down the relaxing esplanade, enjoying the bright and colorful cherry blossom and magnolia trees!  The Charles River Esplanade is one of my favorite places in Boston.  Whether you take a walk, hang out on the docks with friends, enjoy a picnic by the water, or kayak downstream with ELC, the Esplanade is sure to impress and relax you.

After kayaking, we sure did work up an appetite!  Our whole group ventured to Tasty Burger in Harvard Square!  Nothing beats a nice greasy burger and fries after a long kayaking trip!  Our visit to Harvard Square certainly got our students ready for our visit to Harvard University on May 14^th! Be sure to join us then as we visit the campus and explore Harvard Square, which has great food and even better shopping!

Yours truly,
Cara, the activities addict! (also known as the Student Services Coordinator at ELC Boston)

It’s always a special moment when students return to ELC.  Whether it’s just a visit while they’re passing through or they come back again to study, the staff and teachers at ELC are always so excited to see a familiar face. Simone Griener from Germany just completed the ELC Hat Trick – Today, she finished her third course at ELC Boston.  Aside from being an exemplary student, she is a dear friend of mine.  Before she leaves us again, I took a moment to sit down with her and reflect on her time here in Boston.  

~ Cara, the Student Services Coordinator at ELC Boston 

Cara:  This is your third time at ELC Boston. How would you describe your time at ELC?

Simi: It was a wonderful time, probably the most interesting time ever in my life.  I met people from all over the world I would have never met anywhere else. You learn a lot about different culture, make a lot of new friends and improve your English at the same time — Could it get any better?!

Cara:  What keeps you coming back to ELC Boston?

Simi:  I still want to improve my English skills but I also want to see my friends here and visit the beautiful city.  It is so nice to come back and see familiar places; you feel so much love at ELC. It’s like a family.

Cara: What is your favorite memory at ELC? Any favorite activities?

Simi:  I can’t think of any favorite activity. There were so many favorites! Beginning with the Duck Tour, soccer, going out to Fajitas & Ritas, McCormick & Schmick’s, kayaking, visiting a museum together, or going to a Red Sox or Celtics game, everything was just perfect and impressive. You will have the time of your life!

Cara: What are your future plans?

Simi:  I want to finish my studies in Germany.  I am styding English and Spanish so I want to be a high school teacher afterwards. So maybe I can teach in Boston or in any other country some day.  Thank you for everything!

All our students are considered super stars (obviously!), but did you know that some of our students are actually considered stars internationally?

Pavel Derevyanko was one of our students who is currently an actor in Russia. He actually studied here a few years ago, so he was also a returning student! He always came by the office with a smile, and greeted everyone with full positivity. We wanted to know more about him through an interview, and he happily accepted to answer some questions for us.

When we asked Pavel why he decided to study English, he said that the main reason is self-improvement. He explained “I can talk with many other people and there are a lot of information that is available in English like songs, movies, books,” and more. Pavel also wants to possibly work in the United States, and said “I want to be here not as a tourist, but as a part of society.” He felt that there were more friendly people in the U.S., and more democratic than Russia. Pavel said he returned to ELC because he’s been here, and is comfortable knowing the location and people. Some of his favorite places are Venice Beach, streets like Sunset Blvd, and Marina Del Rey.

Pavel has been acting since 2000, and says that he likes acting because he has a chance to improve himself  and considers it the “greatest work.” Through acting, he can live in others’ lives through the character. Pavel told us that his favorite movie was “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.” When asked why he liked that, he said that it’s hard to explain, but he likes how it’s funny, full of freedom, and he can understand the character.

Pavel said his future plans are to work, have fun, and travel around. And guess what? We asked him if he was planning to return to ELC, and he said yes, he wants to! He also left ELC with a smile, and said “I love you, guys!” Good luck to Pavel from all of us at ELC Los Angeles, and we hope to see you soon again!

Pavel & the ELC Los Angeles Staff

Diego: Boston, regarded as the European city of America, was such an incredible experience, not only did I meet amazing people from different countries, but it also was my first winter experience in the USA. My house was located close to the airport; as soon as I opened the window, I was able to see Boston’s skyline. At school, the ELC Staff was always willing to help everybody and the teachers were available at any time to resolve any doubts. In other words, my 6 months in Boston were unforgettable. Then, in January 2013, I moved to Los Angeles, the staff seemed as if they already knew me. I had the opportunity to go to San Francisco as well as Las Vegas. LA, unlike Boston, is a Big City, it takes more time to go to the beach, but trust me, it’s worth it. After 8 weeks at ELC LA studying for Cambridge Exam I am leaving with many memories to tell.

Diego: Well, after General English I wanted to prepare for the Cambridge Exam, so I made a decision to move out of Boston and enroll in the 8-weeks Cambridge Preparation Course. Now I can say that this was the right decision, I feel confident I will pass the test. In addition, I am glad to have known many places in California as well as around the USA such as New York, Houston, Chicago, Miami, and the already mentioned San Francisco and Las Vegas.

Diego: Undoubtedly, my favorite memory at ELC was on Halloween. It was funny to see everybody wearing costumes, even during class. There were different competitions and free food. Spooky! In fact, there is a town on the outskirts of Boston famous for the Salem witch trials; I highly recommend visiting it.

Cyndi: What are your future plans?

Diego: Among my future plans are to continue my studies, start a Master Degree or MBA, and work as Engineer for a multinational company now that I can speak English, Portuguese, and of course Spanish. As Shakespeare said: “Farewell! God knows when we shall meet again ELC”