Archive for the ‘ ELC Los Angeles ’ Category

ELC’s Sixth Annual Fiesta in the Park

Students Group Photo

EllynThis year’s sixth annual ELC Fiesta in the Park was held on a perfect day… May 5th! Cinco de Mayo! Fiesta in the Park is an annual party hosted by ELC Los Angeles for our students, homestay families, staff, and teachers to join together to enjoy a day with good food, good music, and good company. As usual, we gathered at Burton Chace Park in Marina Del Rey, and had a live Mariachi band for full entertainment. Ellyn, president and founder of ELC, also joined the Mariachi band to perform for us too! 

Breaking Pinata

And for the first time, we also had a piñata for our students. A couple of students were blindfolded, spun around, and took turns trying to break open the piñata with a broomstick. Some students hit it so hard that the broom even got bent near the top! Although some were really close, our new student Melanie was the one who made the critical hit. As soon as the piñata spilled out the candies, students crowded around to pick up some treats for themselves.

Hula Hoop Game
Another item that was popular this year were the hula-hoops. We played a game where a line of students had to pass down a hula-hoop through each other, but while holding hands with the next person. We had two lines of students facing each other so that they could race and played for a couple of rounds, including a staff & teachers vs. students round. Students also played with the hula hoop on the side, and also utilized the rope to play jump rope and tug of war. Props definitely go out to one of our students, Tobi, for gathering our students and making our activities so lively!

Thank you and great job to Liz for planning such a great Fiesta! We all had a great time, and the pictures taken by James definitely reflect that. Check out our Facebook page for more great pictures! 

~ Cyndi, the Student Services Coordinator

Vanessa and Tobi

2013
05/10
CATEGORY
ELC Los Angeles
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Captured! A Funny Photo Shoot at ELC Los Angeles

Film strip picture

Hollywood is a city full of stars and during ELC LA’s picture day, many students had the opportunity to be one. Well… at least they had the opportunity to be in a full on photo shoot equipped with lights and backdrops taken by high profile professional photographer James Benito. After a long two weeks of promoting “picture day” amongst the school population, Cyndi and I were hopeful that picture day would be a success.  It was about five minutes past 3:20 when students started to show up to room 15 to take pictures. Thanks to our recruit Tobi Krebs who rounded up students throughout the school, ELC Los Angeles had many faces to photograph. With props like mustaches, bunny ears, ties, and boa’s, provided by Cyndi and Brandy, students were able to showcase their silly side in front of the camera. Using ELC Boston’s polaroid frame as an idea, Cyndi and I also made a vertical frame like a photo strip, and used the back side to make a horizontal frame like a film strip. It became clear, after just a few minutes, that some students, like Basmah and Sascha, were great models thanks to their love for the camera. Room 15 soon came to life full of fun and laughter as students split into groups and out-posed one another. Towards the end, everyone was invited to take a group picture.

Group pic

It was so much fun that the ELC staff decided to participate as well. In the end, everyone got a taste of celebrity in front of the camera!
~ Nancy, the Administrative Assistant at ELC Los Angeles

ELC Los Angeles Staff:  Beth, Cyndi, Nancy, James, Vanessa, and Liz

See the full photo album on the ELC Los Angeles Facebook Page!

2013
04/25
CATEGORY
ELC Los Angeles
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An “Egg-citing” Hunt at ELC Los Angeles

Egg_hunt

When we opened up ELC last Thursday morning, students immediately started roaming around the school with full enthusiasm. Why? Because it was the ELC egg hunt day! A couple of our office staff stuffed 170 eggs with little treats, and hid them all around ELC after school on Wednesday. There was also one special gold egg that we made sure to hide carefully, because the finder of the golden egg would receive a golden chocolate bunny for the prize. Yannis and Alex (pictured below) were especially motivated to find the golden egg. By 8:45am, Alex had already found it hanging by a paper clip in our ceiling of the main office!

Alex and Yannis

The egg hunt was a great success and it looked like all the eggs were gone by the time it was our B-block. Some students were calling themselves “egg hunters”, and trying to find the rest of the eggs too. We’re so happy that a lot of our students were really into this Easter-themed activity! 

2013
04/05
CATEGORY
ELC Los Angeles
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Student Spotlight: Pavel Derevyanko (Russian Actor)

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

DerevyankoPavel 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

Pavel & the ELC Los Angeles Staff

2013
03/27
CATEGORY
ELC Los Angeles
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Student Spotlight: Diego

diego2Diego is currently a student at the English Language Center here in Los Angeles, but prior to this, he was actually also an ELC Boston student! Diego is a very friendly student, who drops by our office quite often to have casual conversations with us. Right now he is enrolled in the Cambridge course, and is taking his exams this week. (Please wish him and the other students good luck!) Although the Cambridge exam itself can be pretty stressful, Diego even took the TOEFL iBT test during his own time – what a driven student! We were really lucky to have him here in Los Angeles, and wish him the best with his future.  

~ Cyndi (the Student Services Coordinator at ELC Los Angeles) & the ELC staff 

Cyndi: How was your stay in Boston, and how was your stay in Los Angeles? Were there any similarities or differences?

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_Bos_LA

Cyndi: Why did you want to study in two different locations? Were you glad you did? 

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_Trips

Cyndi: What was your favorite memory at ELC?

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.

Halloween

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”

Diego_&_Melissa_Hollywood

2013
03/15
CATEGORY
ELC Boston
ELC Los Angeles
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Cupid, Candy Grams, & Cupcakes at ELC Los Angeles

Happy Valentine's Day
On Valentine’s Day, ELC Los Angeles was filled with love..and sweets! This year, we sold candy grams like previous years, and also had a cupcake decorating activity. Our candy grams were Hershey’s kisses roses that I handmade by putting together two Hershey’s kisses, cellophane, a lollipop stick, and floral tape. We sold three stems for $1 in the Main Office, and attached a little heart note where students could write a message. And of course, if students wanted to, they were allowed to keep the notes anonymous to surprise the recipient. It was a great success, and we will be donating any profit to a non-profit organization later on!

Candy Grams

Candy Grams

Cupid & Bodyguard

Cupid & her bodyguard

I had the privilege to be the ELC cupid this year, and delivered the grams with my bodyguard Nancy during Conversation class. The grams were sent not only to students, but to teachers and office staff members too. It was such a pleasure to see the pleasantly surprised faces when I delivered them to each person!

Later during lunch, we had free cupcakes, frosting, and sprinkles in the student lounge for students to decorate and eat. (Big thanks go to Vanessa, Liz, and Nancy for helping me bake those cupcakes!) Students were slowly trickling in at 12:40pm already, and then there was a sudden rush of students who came to claim their cupcakes. By 12:55pm, all the cupcakes had completely disappeared! Lesson of the day? Our students love cupcakes, and next time we’ll need a lot more than 100 cupcakes.

Marine and Ornella with their cupcakes

Marine and Ornella

It was my first time celebrating Valentine’s Day with ELC, and I definitely had a pleasant day. I hope everybody else had a nice Valentine’s Day too!
- Cyndi, the Student Services Coordinator

2013
02/20
CATEGORY
ELC Los Angeles
Student Activities
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ELC L.A.’s New Student Message Board

“How can I look for someone to buy my ticket?” “I’m looking for somebody to rent an apartment with.” It always seems like our ELC students are on a search for something, or maybe somebody. We came to realize that our students needed a method to communicate with not only their friends, but with the whole school. That’s when our former student Tim’s idea sounded like the best solution. In his evaluation, Tim explained, “I would like to have a board on which students can communicate with each other e.g. announce a private party, marketplace for used bike and stuff.” We appreciate your feedback!

Tim at the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Tim at the Hollywood Walk of Fame

And now ELC Los Angeles now has a Student Communication Board in our student lounge! There are some note papers and a pen attached to the bulletin board, and students can now freely post up any announcements they may want other students to know.  
 Students' Communication Board

Also, look forward to a slight modification to this board in February because…it’ll become Hearts & Kisses Board! There will be heart shaped notes provided, and students will be able to leave messages to someone special! Students will also have the option to write their name, or leave it anonymous. There’ll be plenty more Valentine’s Day activities such as a free movie day, candy grams delivery, and a cupcake decorating on the day of, so be excited!  

Valentine's Day Hugs and Kisses Board

2013
02/13
CATEGORY
Advice from Students
ELC Los Angeles
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Meet an ELC Teacher: Beth

Amongst the many great instructors at ELC Los Angeles, we are lucky to have Beth, who’s not only a teacher but also a valuable office staff member! Beth, (or also nicknamed as “Bethinator” by our Director of Courses, Matt) teaches in the morning time and also works as the Academic Assistant in the office in the afternoon. Read the brief interview below to learn more about her!

Beth, a teacher at ELC Los Angeles

Name: Elizabeth “Beth” Peattie
Hometown: Los Angeles
University: UC Berkeley
Hobbies: Reading, going to cafes, hiking, jogging, watching movies

1) How long have you been teaching, and what ages have you taught?
“I’ve been teaching since 2010. I taught English in Taiwan, and their ages ranged from 3 to 40. So I taught from preschool to middle school, and also an adult class. I taught for about 13 months, traveled a bit, and then started at ELC since April 2012.”

2) Why did you decide to teach international students?
“I wanted to combine both teaching and traveling. I’m really interested in different cultures, and love talking to people from all over the world. I think the most interesting discussions develop when people from different backgrounds converse together.”

3) What is your best memory at ELC so far?
“That’s a very hard question…maybe Fiesta in the Park? I liked that event because it was casual, and I was able to talk to both students and teachers in a setting outside the classroom. But another moment is when all of the students are engaged in the classroom. I love it when everybody’s interested and so willing to talk, because the goal of the classroom should be for everybody to be comfortable and willing to participate.”

4) If you could travel to anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?
“That’s a difficult question.. hmm.. if it’s right now, I’d go to Iceland to see the Aurora Borealis and stay in those ice hotels. And to be in those hot springs surrounded by snow. I’d be there for three weeks or a month. I like to be comfortable and stay at places for a bit.”

5) Any advices for our students learning English?
“I’d say, to speak and think in English as much as possible. And also to listen to American music and karaoke to it. Just speaking casually to anyone in English is good. “

beth officeBeth in classroom

2013
01/18
CATEGORY
ELC Los Angeles
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Restaurant Week in LA

Do you love eating and checking out new places to try? If so, mark down the dates January 21st to February 1st on your calendar because it’s almost time for DineLA!

DineLA is a 12 day event where participating restaurants arrange a specially price fixed meal for lunch/and or dinner. DineLA takes place bi-annually, during the months of July and January, so you are definitely in luck if you’re here around that time! The event gives chances for both locals and visitors to explore the good eats around LA and enjoy a gourmet meal for a special price that is usually not offered.

There are different price ranges that you can choose from for lunch and dinner, so it’s up to you to decide whether you want to keep a low budget, or to go all out for a fancy meal. For lunch, it costs $15, $20, or $25, and for dinner you can choose from $25, $35, or $45. Prices vary for each restaurant and exclude beverages, tax, and gratuity so make sure to bring some extra money!

Also, since this is a pretty popular event, make sure to contact the restaurant to make a reservation ahead of time!

Here are some restaurants that you can check out:

Napa Valley Grille
Westwood, (Lunch: $20, Dinner: $35)
Type of food: Californian  (i.e. Steaks, Grilled Chicken, Sandwiches, Salad)

Gyu-kaku
Beverly Hills & West LA (Lunch $20, Dinner $35)
Type of food: Japanese BBQ (Do-it yourself style BBQ over an open charcoal fire)

Caulfield’s Bar & Dining Room
Beverly Hills, (Lunch: $25, Dinner: $45)
Type of food: American  (i.e. Steaks, Lambs, Pizza)

Father’s Office
Culver City (Dinner: $25)
Type of food: Gastropub  (European bar style, burgers, big selection of beers)

Fogo de Chao
Beverly Hills (Lunch: $25, Dinner $45)
Type of food: Brazilian BBQ (15 cuts of meat, gourmet salad with over 30 items)

Da’ Pasquale Trattoria
Beverly Hills (Dinner: $25)
Type of food: Italian (i.e. pasta, pizzas)

What are you waiting for? Go online and checkout www.discoverlosangeles.com/dinela to see the whole list of restaurants and menus that will be provided!

2013
01/08
CATEGORY
ELC Los Angeles
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Happy Holidays from ELC Los Angeles!

The Christmas spirit has finally arrived in Los Angeles! With the Cambridge testing over, it was time for all the Christmas decoration to come out and shine. Tinsels, snowglobes, reindeers, and christmas lights took over the student lounge and the main office, bringing the holiday spirit to all of us. And of course, our main star was the eight feet Christmas tree put up in the student lounge. Some of our students helped decorate the tree with our colorful ornaments, and also tried candy canes for the first time!

To continue the Christmas celebration, there was a free Christimas movie screening at ELC last Friday, and we also have a White Elephant Exchange this Friday, the 21st. White Elephant is a game/gift exchange where students will be bringing in wrapped gifts worth $5-$10, and put it in a pile where students will then be able to choose a random gift to take as their own. Each participant will draw a random number and choose one present from the pile, or steal a gift from someone who has already chose something good. The more people the merrier, so start looking for some presents that you can bring in to participate!

Also, don’t forget that ELC will be closed on the 24th and 25th! If you are still looking for something to do during the four day weekend, there is a San Francisco trip starting from Saturday (12/22) morning until Monday (12/24) evening. Union Square is beautiful with the tall Christmas tree and the ice rink during this season, and this trip will also include a Santa Barbara tour on Monday afternoon. Make sure to bring layers though-it’ll be cold up north!

Happy Holidays from us all at ELC Los Angeles!

- Cyndi, Student Services Coordinator

2012
12/20
CATEGORY
ELC Los Angeles
Student Activities
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