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!

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!

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”

Last week, love was in the air at ELC Boston!  Our annual Valentine’s Day celebrations commenced last Thursday with our traditional bake sale and candy gram deliveries to benefit the American Red Cross.  Through delicious staff contributions, we were able to raise just over $100!  Students went crazy for Mei’s chocolate filled cookie cups and the scrumptious brownies from Andrea and Danielle.  Our candy gram deliveries were a surprise to students who received a chocolate rose from their secret admirer. 
ELC’s Valentine’s Dance was an enormous success!  Students danced the night away to music from all around the world as Migren, ELC’s resident student photographer, took beautiful portrait pictures of everyone with their dates.  The fashion was simply to-die-for as students followed our dress code of “fabulous.”  Overall, the Valentine’s Day FUNtivities were a great way for our students to experience the chocolate-filled holiday that is Valentine’s Day. 

When fresh snow covers the city, Boston turns into a charming, winter wonderland. Boston celebrates the winter through activities inspired by the snow. Below are some of our some of our favorite things to do. These activities should not be missed, especially if you are from a warm weather climate! You should experience everything winter has to offer. Come play in the snow with us!

Ice Skating at the Frog Pond: This activity is one of Boston’s oldest and most fun traditions! Each winter, the Frog Pond attracts thousands of visitors looking to have fun, get moving and take in some breathtaking, romantic views of the city. The rink is open Sunday - Thursday from 10AM – 9PM and stays open until 10PM on Fridays & Saturdays! Admission is only $5.00 and you can rent skates for just $9.00.

Sledding at Jamaica Pond: A bit off the beaten path, this pond is a local landmark and offers some of the best hills in the city for sledding. Pick up a cheap sled at Yumont Hardware on Center Street in Jamaica Plain (known as JP by the locals…) and walk down Burroughs Street to get to the pond. Be sure to take part in the “Sugar Bowl Challenge” – slide down this inverted hill and see if you can build enough momentum to make it up and over the bowl on the other side!

Go Skiing: This year, the Wachusett Mountain has teamed up with Boston’s MBTA to create a round trip “ski train” that leaves North Station at 8:35AM on Saturday’s and Sunday’s. A free shuttle bus will take skiers directly to the mountain and back at the end of the day to catch the 5:35 train back to Boston. This special train schedule will run from December 10 – March 31. Ski Train (commuter rail) fares as low as $7.75 one way! Visit www.wachusett.com for more information, prices and schedules.

Play in the Snow: Step One: Bundle up! Step Two: Gather friends and head to any of Boston’s beautiful snow-filled parks. Step Three: Pick up a handful of snow and throw it at your friends!

Climb the Bunker Hill Monument: At the top of this 221-foot granite monument you will see some of the best views that Boston has to offer! The monument is open to the public from 9AM – 5PM every day with the last climb at 4:30PM. You’ll certainly break a sweat climbing the monument’s 294 steps!

Join a Gym: Many Boston gyms offer pools, rock climbing and best of all: saunas! For indoor rock climbing, visit Rock Spot Climbing! They offer Student Nights on Friday & Sunday with discounted rate! The Boston Rock Gym offers indoor and outdoor climbing. For $58.00 you get a two-week course that includes three hours of lessons and climbing, equipment rental, a day pass and a two week gym membership! For more info on this awesome deal, visit bostonrockgym.com/indoor.htm!