FLS International Boston Commons Adult School
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FLS Boston Commons is in the perfect location, in the heart of downtown Boston, a city which is home to the world’s most prestigious and renowned universities, and boasting the world’s largest and most diverse population of college students. As visitors to an important cultural, business and educational destination, FLS students have the advantage of learning English and preparing for exams in a dynamic environment, while exploring and understanding American culture in one of the country’s most walkable, beautiful and historic cities.
Boston is a fantastic city for students of all nationalities. In the countryside of New England, through historical locations and quaint towns, everyday life runs at a slower pace than that of other American cities, and its people are more relaxed and friendly. The student will quickly become familiar with the city, will socialize with both its residents and the students attending its more than 60 colleges and universities, and will appreciate a lifestyle that is typically American.
FLS BOSTON COMMONS AT A GLANCE
- Year of foundation: 1986
- City: Boston
- School’s position in the city: Downtown, near the Boston Commons (the “Central Park” of the city)
- Minimum age in adult school: 15
- Number of students in school: average 200
- Main type of public transport: Subway and buses
- Approximate number of nationalities in school each year: 100
FLS International Boston Commons, 131 Tremont Street, 02111, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
“I have been working with FLS Boston Commons for about 10 years, and very rarely use any other school in Boston anymore. It has been a real pleasure to work closely with the director, Mike La Riccia, for so long in all the aspects of a student’s stay. FLS International schools are specialized in language programs that prepare for university studies in America, so they are particularly well-equipped to offer classes for the TOEFL (as well as the IELTS), SAT, GRE, or GMAT, exams which are required by Bachelor’s and Master’s Programs in the United States of America and by many schools and employers abroad. As Pathways programs providers, they are also specialized in helping students with American university applications, which can be very complicated. FLS schools have students from many nationalities, with no dominating part of the world. One of the aspects I like best about FLS Boston Commons is the possibility for students to stay in Fisher College during the summer time. The residence is in the very center of the city, in the most touristic area, and is a short walk from the school. It is not used by the other main language schools in Boston, and there are also American students on summer programs staying there, giving FLS students the opportunity to make friends with native speakers of a similar age. Meals are also included, a provision which is unusual in a student residence for adults. FLS Boston Commons is a medium-sized school, but the students I have sent here have always experienced an extraordinary level of care and personal attention, very often by the director Mike himself. There has been almost no special request he has not been willing to accommodate in many years of working with him, for my clients as students or me as agent. All of my students have been very happy there (and received good exam scores if they were preparing for one), and have often returned or recommended their friends and relatives to this school–I have never had to make any special effort to advertise it.”
FLS International Boston Commons
Why Study English at FLS International Boston Commons School?
There are many language schools in Boston, a city which is one of America’s top destinations for English language learning. FLS distinguishes itself in the following ways:
- FLS Boston is located right in downtown Boston in a modern, customized building with excellent facilities.
- FLS International offers proven programs, which prepare students well for transfer to college or use of English in any environment.
- FLS International’s experienced teachers and counselors assist students at every step, from their initial application all the way to their final lesson.
- FLS International was the first ever English as a Second Language School to seek accreditation by ACCET (The Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training), and is also CEA-accredited (The Commission on English Language Program Accreditation), assuring students of high program quality.
- FLS International’s unique “English Everywhere” program brings students English learning into their homestay, their activities and their understanding of music and movies.
- FLS offers eighteen levels of English study, ensuring all students will have a class in their appropriate level.
- FLS schools on the whole have a fantastic nationality mix, with students from over 100 different countries every year.
- The courses are competitively priced and offer good value for money.
- FLS Boston is an official ETS authorized TOEFL testing center, so students can directly take the TOEFL exam after finishing their preparation courses.
- FLS Boston has a unique educational and accommodation arrangement with Fisher College, allowing students to stay in a university dormitory with other American students in the most desirable part of downtown Boston.
The facilities
THE FACILITIES AT A GLANCE
- 14 classrooms, most of which are equipped with interactive white boards
- Free Wi-Fi
- Computer Lab
- Large student lounge
- Self-access reference library and study facilities
MORE ABOUT THE FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Yoga
All FLS Boston Commons students are offered 4 weeks of free yoga lessons at a local studio near the school along with a free FLS yoga mat.
Personal Guidance
FLS centers provide highly qualified staff with expertise and care who guide students through every step of their educational pathway. The Center Directors, Housing Coordinators, teachers and staff all share the same goal of making a student’s experience at FLS memorable and educational.
Tutorials
One-to-one tutoring is available for students to design a personalized study plan and discuss progress and areas to work on with their teachers.
Airport Pickup
On request, FLS can provide airport pickup service from Boston Logan International Airport.
Safety
The school has staff available 24-hours a day by emergency phone.
The courses
Key facts for all English courses:
- Minimum age: 15
- Length of each lesson: 50 minutes
- Number of students in class: maximum 15, average 12
- Average age of students: 20 – 24 years old
English Everywhere Program with Weekly “Hot Sheets”
This is a unique part of the FLS International core program, which centers on the “Hot Sheets,” or quick references for all the material covered in the classrooms. The Hot Sheets are utilized by the entire FLS staff and homestay families to engage students in conversations throughout their entire stay. An example of a “Hot Sheet” can be viewed here.
GENERAL ENGLISH AND EXAMINATION COURSES
Vacation English, General English and Intensive English courses
The Vacation English course offers FLS International’s core class, complete instruction listening, speaking, reading and writing in a communicative style, while still allowing plenty of time for fun and exploration. The General English course combines the core class with a daily Academic Workshop such as pronunciation clinic, conversation club, American music workshop and more options. The Intensive English program offers 3 different classes each day, a core class plus a focused elective class covering a specific skill or topic and an Academic Workshop. Elective Classes include Slang, Business English, American Culture, Public Speaking, Grammar, Composition and many more options.
- Minimum English levels: All
- Course length: 1 – 32+ weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 18 lessons/15 hours (Vacation English, core lessons only); 24 lessons/20 hours (General English, 18 core lessons/15 hours + 6 academic workshop lessons/5 hours) or 30 lessons/25 hours (Intensive English, 18 core lessons/15 hours + 6 electives lessons/5 hours + 6 academic workshop lessons/5 hours)
- Timetable: 9:00 – 12:15 (Vacation English), 9:00 – 14:15 (General English), 9:00 – 15:15 (Intensive English)
- Start dates: Most Mondays
Academic English
The Academic English course has six hours per day of quality language instruction, including two electives and a daily Academic Workshop. Students may choose two Elective Classes devoted to a specific topic or skill, such as Slang, Business English, American Culture, Public Speaking, Grammar, and Composition or choose a premium Test Preparation class to prepare for the TOEFL, TOEIC, SAT, GRE, GMAT, or IELTS. This course is the perfect option for students desiring to transfer to an American college or university or quickly attain English fluency.
- Minimum English levels: All
- Course length: 1 – 32+ weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 36 lessons/30 hours (18 core + 12 elective lessons + 6 academic workshop lessons)
- Timetable: 9:00 – 16:15
- Start dates: Most Mondays
TOEFL / TOEIC / IELTS / SAT / GRE / GMAT Preparation Courses
Exam preparation courses include a total of 36 teacher-led lessons per week: 18 lessons of integrated study to improve all English skills; 12 lessons devoted to chosen examination strategies and skills and 6 lessons of Academic Workshops for additional language practice and skill development.
- Minimum English levels: B1 (TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS), B2 (SAT, GRE, GMAT)
- Course length: 1 – 32+ weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 36 lessons/30 hours (18 core + 12 elective lessons + 6 academic workshop lessons)
- Timetable: 9:00 – 16:15
- Start dates: Most Mondays
ENGLISH FOR PROFESSIONALS
Executive Business Program
The Executive Business program is available to students of advanced level, and focuses on skills related to international business. In this course students will learn specialized language and skills of Business English in the following areas:
- Meetings and negotiations
- Presentation
- Advertisement
- International marketing
- American work ethics
- Business culture
- Leadership skills
Course facts:
- Minimum English levels: B1
- Course length: 1 – 8 weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 30 lessons/25 hours (18 core English lessons + 12 lessons of Business English)
- Timetable: 9:00 – 16:15
FLS International Pathways
FLS offers more than 100 pathway programs to America’s top universities. After completing a pathway preparation program, students follow the FLS Pathways Program to receive two years of university credit. Students may complete their last two years at any of the major universities listed as a UPP (Universal Placement Program) partner. There is no TOEFL test or any other requirement for acceptance to the FLS Pathways Programs. A student’s high marks in the FLS Pathways Program will allow him or her to attend the very best schools, but all students who complete the course will be placed into top-level universities.
HOST FAMILY
One of the best ways to practice conversational English and experience the American way of life is to choose homestay accommodation. All homestays are carefully selected and visited regularly to ensure consistently high standards. The school and Marshall Language Services recommend this form of accommodation the most for language learning. Family life is informal and the people are welcoming, friendly and talkative, so students will have plenty of opportunities to practice their English with native speakers. By booking homestay accommodation, students will also not have to worry about shopping for food and preparing meals every day. Mealtimes are often the occasions in which families converse most with the students.
Additional homestay provisions and information:
- 16 meals week
- Linens are provided
- The average distance from the school building is 25 – 30 minutes by bus or subway
- Twin rooms or single rooms are available
- Accommodation is from Sunday to Saturday. It is possible to book extra nights at an additional cost.
- Private bathrooms in host families cannot be guaranteed
- Minimum age for homestay is 15 years old
STUDENT RESIDENCES
Fisher College Residence
The Fisher College Residence is located only 5 minutes’ walk from FLS Boston Commons center. Students will stay in a shared room (shared with one or more persons) in the student residences, and single rooms are sometimes available. Most showers and toilets are shared, but some rooms have private bathrooms.
Fisher College student residence also offers:
- A desk, chair, bed for each student
- Half board meal plan: Breakfast and dinner are provided in the residence cafeteria
- Common area
- Dining room
- Laundry facilities
- Linens are provided
- Common areas are cleaned
- Students are responsible for cleaning their own rooms and bathrooms (if applicable)
International Guest House
International Guest House is located in the Back Bay, one of Boston Proper’s most esteemed areas, and is located only minutes away from Boston’s most celebrated attractions. International Guest House offers fully furnished rooms, with private bathrooms that receive daily cleanings and freshly laundered linens and towels. 14 meals are included in the price of each week. The residence is available to students aged 16 and over. The residence employs a full-time staff member who is available 24-hours per day, as well as a night watchman.
International Guest House also offers:
- A fully-furnished room with study space and linens
- A shared, well-equipped kitchen
- Private or shared bathrooms
- A dining room
- A shared, common room area with TVr
- Free Wi-Fi
- Telephones with free local calls
- Weekly cleaning service
- Laundry facilities
More information about the International Guest House is available here.
ESL Townhouse
ESL Townhouse is located in the Fenway, a beautiful neighborhood in the city center. It is available year round and has a warm and friendly atmosphere in a secure and caring environment. ESL Townhouse provides comfortable private and shared apartments to students of various schools in Boston. The residence offers shared or studio apartments. Reservations are from Saturday to Saturday.
All apartments include:
- Full furnishings
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cable TV and telephone with free local calls
- Bed linen and towels
- Laundry facilities
- Cleaning service every 2 weeks
Shared apartment features:
- Double or Single room
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Common living / dining area
- Bathroom
- Maximum 3 people per apartment
Studio apartment features:
- 1 double bed or 2 single beds
- Kitchen
- Common living / dining area
- Bathroom
More information about ESL Townhouse is available here.
Insurance
Insurance covering medical and travel assistance, personal liability and trip cancellation is not included in the price of the program. Marshall Language Services has a policy available through Guard.Me that covers these elements, as well as an additional policy through CareMed that covers cancellation under a wider range of circumstances, including the need to repeat school exams. A summary of these policies may be downloaded below.
Dates and Fees
Calculate your own approximate quote
The following tool will help you to get a good idea of the cost of a language course and accommodation, if requested, at this school. It may not include all the courses and accommodation options available or take into account promotional offers or costs associated with student visas, insurance, study materials or exam fees. For these reasons, the availability of any course, accommodation option (especially in the high season) and the final price of a package will always have to be verified with Marshall Language Services prior to enrolment.
Contact us for information about dates & prices
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