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Are you new to the U.S.? We can help! As of May 2025 . . . English Language Learners Alliance (that's us) has four ways non-native English speakers in our local area (in and around Seattle, WA) can practice English with us. All events are free. All events are "rolling" - there is no start or stop date. HOW TO JOIN US: For in-person events, no sign-up is required, just stop by. Please be vaccinated and well so we can protect each other. For online events, the email sign-up process begins here. ******************************** (1) TUESDAY MORNINGS in-person Casual Conversation: 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the tables near the stage at Crossroads Mall 15600 NE 8th St., Bellevue, WA 98008 Thanks SO MUCH to all our English language speakers who lead conversations at the tables. To stay informed of our occasional cancellations, sign up for the "Notes From ELLA" newsletter. Also, generally, if Bellevue schools are closed during the school year because of bad weather, we will not meet in person that Tuesday. (2) 2nd and 4th WEDNESDAY EVENINGS of the month in-person 7 to 9 p.m. upcoming meetings: May 28, 2025 Lincoln Square, on the second floor, in the South Food Hall near Dote Coffee Bar 500 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004 To stay informed of our occasional cancellations, sign up for the "Notes From ELLA" newsletter. Also, generally, if Bellevue schools are closed during the school year (for example for a snow day) we will not meet in person that day. *************************************************************** (3) WEDNESDAY MORNINGS online Casual Conversation: 10 to about 11:15 a.m. May 28, 2025: meeting cancelled We use Zoom online to provide time for non-native English speakers to practice their English with native English speakers. (4) (normally) THURSDAY EVENINGS online History/Poetry/Travel/Menus Conversation: 8 to about 9:15 p.m. No May 29, 2025 meeting No meetings in June 2025 restart date to be announced later We share American culture in a structured (but still casual and friendly) way by reading poetry or a text about history, menus, travel or American culture together on Zoom. ABOUT US: We are a non-profit organization located in Bellevue, Washington. We help adults who are learning English connect with others and practice speaking English in the community. Most of our events (when we meet in person) happen in the city of Bellevue in the state of Washington.
Find out more about our history and leadership here. You can also visit our photo gallery to learn more about ELLA. WE ARE FOR:
Our organization is for newcomers to the Seattle/King County/Bellevue local area AND people who have lived here for a long time but still want to practice speaking English! ALSO INVITED: ELLA is a great social outlet for friendly native English speakers who can volunteer with us to help others learn English through casual chat. 
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"Notes From ELLA" Newsletter:
Sign up to: 1) receive a newsy email about four times a year. 2) receive announcements for our field trips or occasional event cancellations WHERE TO TAKE FORMAL
CLASSES IN OUR AREA: Hopelink online "English for Work" classes are held via Zoom on Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. with added optional in-person times at Hopelink’s Redmond and Shoreline Centers. Students attend five hours of class per week. Best for students who have intermediate and advanced level English. Classes are free but are only for people who live near Hopelink centers in Western Washington State. Not for B, F, J or M visa holders. For students who plan to get a job or enter a job training program. Information last updated February 2025. Bellevue College offers its "English as a Second Language" class for $25 a quarter for Bellevue, WA, residents. Bellevue College also offers online-only classes "On the Job Communications" and "Preparing for Work." Free for Bellevue, WA, residents who are immigrants, refugees, or U.S. citizens with English as a second language. Not for tourists or people with Foreign Student Visas (J-1, F-1, M-1, B-1, B-2). Students must live in Bellevue and be ready to attend all classes. Non-Bellevue residents will be served if space available. Information last updated February 2025. Westminster Language Academy's Spring 2025 Quarter runs from March 31 to June 16, with levels including Beginner to Advanced Intermediate. In group classes, the main focus is topics for daily life in the United States. Online classes and tutoring can be specially requested. Not free. Information last updated February 2025. Literacy Source serves Seattle residents. Classes are free for low-income residents of the city of Seattle. Other free online and in-person classes and tutoring for adults are also possible. classes focus on the ability to listen, speak, read, write, use math, think critically and creatively, and use technology to navigate daily life. Literacy Source talks to candidates directly to help determine how/if a tutor or a class can be set up to match an individual's needs. 206-782-2050. Information last updated February 2025. Lake Washington Institute of Technology, Kirkland, WA, in 2024 holds English Language Learning classes. A placement test will determine which of six levels from beginning to advanced are right for students. For citizens, immigrants and refugees, but not for F1, M1, J1, B1 and B2 visas. Must be a Washington resident. Begin registration at the organization's website by filling out the Contact Information Form. For other questions, email the college at [email protected]. Cost: $25 per quarter. Information last updated February 2025. KCLS's CONVERSATION GROUP: King County Library (from this link, search the events calendar for "Talk Time"). Practice speaking with other English language learners. Learn about American culture and meet people from around the world. Information last updated February 2025. EXTRA STUDY MATERIALS: The Online Study & ESL Class Materials section of our website (included under the tab "Helpful Links") includes handouts and materials from our founder Suzanne's excellent presentations at previous Wednesday classes. |
