Words of wisdom from ELC students

In 1934 the open dirt lot known as Gilmore Island (located on the corner of 3rd and Fairfax in Los Angeles) was used by local farmers who would display their produce (fruits and vegetables) on the back of their trucks turning the lot into a farmers market for the people of Los Angeles. This market was a huge hit and quickly developed into an international landmark (what is now known as the Farmers Market at Gilmore Island). Today the Farmers Market is home to many groceries, restaurants, shops and services. ELC students enjoy delicious treats while visiting a variety of very unique shops.

To learn more about the Farmers Market rich history please visit: http://www.farmersmarketla.com/history/index.html

“The Runaways” by Caroline from Switzerland and Jenny from Germany

On March 11^th, we went to the premiere of a movie called “The Runaways.” It took place in the Arclight Theatre in Hollywood. There were many people waiting and hoping to see a celebrity. After waiting for like three hours, we finally got the chance to meet Kirsten Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Riley Presley and Johnny Lewis. We took photos and got autographs from all of them. They were very friendly. We love spending time in L.A. and we’re already looking forward to the time we can come back!

ELC students and staff go thoroughly into the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day; also known affectionately as St. Paddy’s Day. People wore green shirts, hats, necklaces, sunglasses, headbands, and even shoes! After classes they journeyed downstairs to M.J. O’Connor’s to continue the frivolity.

At IHOP for National Pancake Day!

1. Move to homestay

If this is your first time in the USA, take a driver to find your homestay or your townhouse. It’s easier… If it’s too expensive, you can take a taxi. Because, it’s complicated to quickly find the right place, and it would be less stressful.

2. Check the way to ELC

If you don’t want to be late, you must check the way to the ELC. You will need a train station map and a map of Boston. Ask your roommate or your host family for some details to buy a ticket.

3. Listen carefully the information’s staff

It’s your first day…The first day in a new environment with a language that you don’t understand. But DON’T PANIC!!! It doesn’t matter if you don’t understand all the information. If you have some questions, problems or fears, you can ask the staff. Every person is very nice and kind. All information is important for your future at ELC so don’t be afraid to ask them.

4. Take the first test

It’s not your final test. So don’t panic again. It’s a test for check your level. Do your best and it will be ok.

5. The first course

After you take the test, the Director of Courses will choose your class and your level. If you are uncomfortable in your class, with your teacher or with the level, you should notify the staff as soon as possible. Then you can change to another class.

6. Lunch at student lounge

It’s important to eat in student lounge with other students. You should speak English to improve it. If you speak your native language with your friends from the same country, the other students could feel like they are isolated from the others. Also we make weekend plans in the lounge!

7. Make friends

If you want to make friends, talk with new people every day. It’s easier to meet friends, know the name of everybody and know each other. You can begin with greeting words like: “Hi”, “Nice to meet you” or “How are you today?” Be careful to be kind, nice and friendly because, if you are every time sad and depressed, nobody will want to speak with you.

8. Go to class

To make progress in English, it’s important to go to courses, speak during the lessons and ask your teacher some questions if you don’t understand something. Take with you a notepad or a notebook for writing your new vocabulary words and doing exercises.

9. Go to activities

ELC organize some activities for students to enjoy their life in Boston. There are some trips and parties. For example, you can go to visit the MFA (Museum of Fine Arts) or eat pancakes on the National Pancake Day. It’s important to sign up the list few hours before the activity. Maybe, you should bring some dollars.

10. The first weekend
The first weekend, you will be a little bit tired. It’s the jetlag, the stress or something. During your first week you spend a lot of energy to understand everything, so on the weekend, you can stay at home and talk with your family. To save your energy for the second week, it’s important to rest and be quiet at home.

By Madeline Zosso, Switzerland and Sachi Yoshikawa, Japan

Sam Adams has a lasting legacy for his role in the American Revolution and for the Boston Brewery Company’s beer line named in his honor! The Samuel Adams Brewery tour gives the students the flavor of Boston. The tour shows off their traditional four vessel brewing process and the special malts and hops that give Sam Adams brews their flavor and aroma.  At the end of the tour there is a tasting so that you can try everything you heard about. The tour is open to people of all ages. You must be 21 years old to sample the beers, but there is root beer for people under 21. There is only a recommended donation of $2 so it is one of the best deals in town!