Archive for May, 2012

ELC Boston Running Club

I’m not sure whether all of ELC’s loyal blog followers have heard but here in Boston we have started a hot new club that is taking the city by storm. It has been called “one of the most exciting things” in Boston by a participating student and it is quite literally making people sweat with anticipation.

That’s right, ladies and gentlemen, I am referring to none other than the ELC Running Club.

Founded by myself and one of the core teachers, this club has been up and running (get it?) for just about a month now. We run twice a week, usually on Mondays and Wednesdays, around downtown Boston and have found some of the most beautiful routes in the city. We have been doing 3 or 4 mile runs up and down the esplanade that runs along the Charles River and there are always points during each of our runs when we can’t help but stop and admire the view of the boats on the river and the city skyline.

When we started the club, we figured it would be a great way to get students out into the fresh air and exercising as the weather warmed up here in Boston. I figured we would have some seasoned runners mixed in with some students who wanted to try it for the first time. Little did I know that I would be joined by a Venezuelan tri-athlete, a Saudi Arabian professional gymnast as well as a Chilean half-marathon runner and would have to push myself far, far beyond my snail’s pace to keep up.

Our end goal is to complete the Run to Remember. This race takes place on May 27th and gives you the option between a 5-mile race and a half marathon. With all of the proceeds going toward community and kids programs through Boston’s Police Department, it is a great way to have students put their hard work toward a great cause.

Overall, I think that it has been fun for students and staff alike to get involved with ELC’s Running Club and to get out and enjoy the city on some of the most beautiful days of the year. I know that I personally have had a wonderful time and have pushed myself harder than I had expected and I hope that the club continues to grow and that perhaps it can continue past our first race!

Written by Laura A., Student Services Coordinator

Things To Do in Santa Barbara

Considered the “American Riviera,” Santa Barbara is a beautiful beach city where you can enjoy a variety of attractions, activities and things to do. There’s never a dull moment, and we want you to be able to experience as much as possible during your stay here.  You can shop, explore, eat, and take in the beautiful scenery at every turn of the corner. We’ve included some student favorites as well as plenty of other outing ideas for you to choose from.

Some of our ELC Santa Barbara students’ favorite things to do:

  • Students can take a ride on the Trolley to get a tour of the historical parts of Santa Barbara as well as a tour of popular local attractions: http://www.sbtrolley.com/
  • Students who are interested in going on a tour that travels on land and in the ocean should make time to experience the Land Shark Tour: http://www.out2seesb.com
  • Our students really enjoy going bowling at Zodo’s. You can grab a bite with your classmates and then enjoy a friendly round of bowling: http://www.zodos.com/
  • Our students have also had a blast visiting the courthouse across the street from campus. There is rooftop access, and from there, you can see a beautiful view of the whole city!

  • For those animal-loving students, there’s beautiful Santa Barbara Zoo. It covers 50 acres of land and features over 500 animals. http://www.sbzoo.org/
  • Students who want to enjoy the beautiful weather that Santa Barbara has to offer usually rent bikes down by the beach and have fun cruising around town! You can rent your own individual bike, tandem bike, or a 4-person bike. http://www.wheelfunrentalssb.com/

 

Here are helpful links with suggestions on things to do:

http://www.santabarbaraca.com/things-to-do/calendar-of-events/
On this site, you’ll be able to stay up-to-date on daily/weekly/monthly activities that go on in and around Santa Barbara by viewing the Calendar of Events.

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/North_America/United_States_of_America/California/Santa_Barbara-755544/Things_To_Do-Santa_Barbara-TG-C-1.html
This website is a good resource for you to use if you want to go to all the main attractions that Santa Barbara has to offer.

http://www.santabarbaraca.com/includes/media/docs/101-Free-Things-To-Do-in-Santa-Barbara.pdf
Here’s a list of 101 FREE things to do in Santa Barbara. The extensive list includes all kinds of fun things that go on around town almost every single day of the week! Who said fun has to be expensive?

 

*If you are a student at the ELC Santa Barbara, make sure you grab the monthly activities calendar that’s on the front desk in the lobby!