- Although 8 students is the maximum class size, the average class is even smaller: just 3-5 students. - At ALPS, students study anywhere from 1 to 72 weeks. - Successfully complete advanced ALPS levels to attend one of our partner colleges or universities.
ALPS Language School Seattle, WashingtonAbout the
ALPS was formed in 1992 when a group of teachers came together to offer a unique, personalized approach to teaching English. We started small and have stayed small – by choice. Our combination of small group classes and private lessons have helped a diverse range of students from around the globe to achieve a wide variety of goals. Successful college, university and graduate students got their foundation in English at ALPS. Professionals who needed a personalized touch upgraded their skills here. New arrivals to Seattle and travelers passing through joined us to hone the English skills they needed to thrive and survive in America. It has been a pleasure and privilege getting to know so many students and teachers over the years. So many lifelong friendships have formed here in the school, and even some marriages. With ongoing improvements, and new programs to embrace the opportunities Seattle’s recent growth has offered, we’re excited for the future.
Improve your general English with a focus on speaking and listening. Study intensively to improve quickly.
Study 18 periods per week: take 1 Intensive Speaking & Listening class (2 periods daily, Monday-Friday) and 2 different Special Topics classes (each Special Topics class is 1 period daily, Monday-Thursday). In total you will study for 4 periods per day Monday-Thursday and 2 periods on Fridays.
Benefit, Goal of this course :
This package is ideal for new arrivals to Seattle and professionals looking to build speaking confidence and increase their vocabulary.
This is a full-time package suitable for students with F-1 student visas.
Curriculum : Speaking skills: hold conversations, ask questions, explain your opinions and experiencesListening skills: understand English-language news, movies, and music in addition to following conversations in EnglishVocabulary for your daily life in SeattleUS culture and the cultures of your classmatesGrammar to express basic and complex ideas
Classroom Hour :
4 periods daily, Monday-Thursday, 2 periods on Fridays
1 ALPS period = 50 minutes + a 10-minute break
Each ALPS session is 4 weeks long – take 1 or more sessions
Beginning to advanced levels
We’ll give you a placement test before you begin class to determine your level.
Improve your general English with a focus on speaking and listening. Study intensively to improve quickly.
Study 18 periods per week: take 1 Intensive Speaking & Listening class (2 periods daily, Monday-Friday) and 2 different Special Topics classes (each Special Topics class is 1 period daily, Monday-Thursday). In total you will study for 4 periods per day Monday-Thursday and 2 periods on Fridays.
Benefit, Goal of this course :
This package is ideal for new arrivals to Seattle and professionals looking to build speaking confidence and increase their vocabulary.
This is a full-time package suitable for students with F-1 student visas.
Curriculum : Speaking skills: hold conversations, ask questions, explain your opinions and experiencesListening skills: understand English-language news, movies, and music in addition to following conversations in EnglishVocabulary for your daily life in SeattleUS culture and the cultures of your classmatesGrammar to express basic and complex ideas
Classroom Hour :
4 periods daily, Monday-Thursday, 2 periods on Fridays
1 ALPS period = 50 minutes + a 10-minute break
Each ALPS session is 4 weeks long – take 1 or more sessions
Beginning to advanced levels
We’ll give you a placement test before you begin class to determine your level.
Course Information
Class size
8 Students
Schedule
4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40 Weeks
Minimum age
18
Accommodation
Homestay, Off-campus Residence
Qualification
N/A
Course Schedule
(2024Year schedule), has been finished. (2025Year schedule), has been updating
* Dates and Fees are approximate and may change without prior notice.
Location
Accommodation
HOUSING
ALPS does not arrange for housing on students’ behalf. You should arrange housing yourself, but ALPS staff can assist you if you have any questions!
Our friendly staff is very happy to answer your questions about housing and help you with the process.
We strongly advise that you secure your housing before you leave your home country. It can be very difficult and expensive to arrange housing in Seattle at the last minute!
HOMESTAYS
In a homestay, you stay with an American family in their home. Homestays can be a great way to learn more about American culture and practice English outside of class. You stay in a private room in a homestay. Most homestays include some meals.
The cost of a homestay generally depends on its location. Homestays closer to the center of Seattle cost more. For most homestays, you pay a one-time placement fee to the homestay agency, and then pay a monthly stipend directly to your host family. Most monthly stipends are $950-1150 per month.
Most homestays are 40-60 minutes away from the school by public transit.
You should apply for a homestay as early as possible, because availability can be limited.
ALPS recommends the following homestay agencies:
Intercultural Homestays Phone: +1 206-367-5332
USA International Phone: +1 425-483-5974 Japanese-speaking staff available
Airport pickup is available from these agencies for an additional fee. Taxis, ride-shares, and public transportation options are also available from the airport.
If you have questions about homestays, talk to our friendly staff! We are happy to advise you.
APARTMENTS AND SHARED HOUSING
Neighborhoods close to ALPS
ALPS is located in Seattle’s central Capitol Hill neighborhood. Our address is 430 Broadway E, Seattle, WA.
Capitol Hill has many apartments for rent. If you prefer to live close to the school, try to find an apartment in Capitol Hill or in one of its surrounding neighborhoods:
South Lake Union First Hill Belltown Montlake (NOT Montlake Terrace!) Madrona Park Eastlake Central District
Websites to find apartments Apodment.com Apartment Finder PadMapper Rent.com
Watch out for scams! Never send a landlord money before you meet them in person. Never sign a lease before you see the apartment in person.
Furnished and unfurnished apartments
Most apartments are rented unfurnished (= without furniture). Be sure to check the apartment listing to see if it is furnished or unfurnished.
Utilities
It is common in the United States for renters to be responsible for certain utilities in addition to rent. Utilities can include internet, electricity, water, gas, garbage, Internet, and more. Be sure to check the apartment listing to see which utilities you are responsible for.
How to apply for an apartment
The usual procedure for applying for an apartment is the following:
Contact the property manager for an in-person showing. You can see the apartment building, the inside of the apartment, and ask questions. Do not send an apartment manager money before you see the apartment in person.Fill out a rental application. Usually there is an application fee for a credit or background check. You may need to provide a copy of your I-20.Put down a deposit to reserve the apartment. Do not pay a deposit before you see the apartment in person.Sign a lease (= housing rental contract) that stipulates the terms of the rental, including the amount of rent and other rules.
Roommates and shared apartments
Roommates and shared housing arrangements can be a great way to save money, make friends, and get extra English practice.
USA International is a local agency that will find a shared house or apartment for you for a placement fee.
DORMITORY-STYLE HOUSING
The American Hotel provides dormitory-style accommodation.
Dormitory-style student housing is available in shared or private rooms. This housing is only available in the fall, winter, and spring months.
The American Hotel is conveniently located in Seattle’s Chinatown / International District, and is just a few stops away from the school by light rail.
SHORT-TERM HOUSING
AirBnB
You can rent a private room or an entire apartment. Be sure to check the location on Google Maps to see how close your AirBnb is to ALPS.
American Hotel
Dormitory-style housing is available for a maximum of 14 days.
Surrounding Area
ALPS Language School is located in Seattle on the Capitol Hill neighborhood’s lively main street, Broadway. Capitol Hill has many restaurants, laid-back coffee shops and specialty stores, and you can always find something to do close to the school. ALPS is near downtown Seattle and South Lake Union.
Activity
Each 4-week session an ALPS teacher leads 4 cultural activities around the Seattle area. Activities can include:
Social hours with games and conversation in local cafes and pubsVisits to local cultural attractions, museums or tourist attractionsMoviesSporting eventsPicnics or BBQs in Seattle’s beautiful parksFinal Friday gathering with prizes
All students pay the Facility & Activity Fee to cover the cost of our activity coordinators. Students pay for their own transportation, entry fees (if applicable), food, beverages, etc.
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