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Are you new to the U.S.? We can help! As of September 2024 . . . 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: October 9, October 23, November 13 Our LOCATION as of January 2024 is: 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. We use Zoom online to provide time for non-native English speakers to practice their English with native English speakers. (4) THURSDAY EVENINGS online (NOTE: October 31, 2024, is cancelled so we can answer our doors to "trick or treaters" on Halloween) History/Poetry/Travel/Menus Conversation: 8 to about 9:15 p.m. 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. 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. |
Sign up for our "Notes From ELLA" newsletter to:
1) receive a newsy email about four times a year. 2) receive announcements for our field trips or occasional event cancellations 
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. 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. Bellevue College ESL: Bellevue College offers an English as a Second Language class for $25 a quarter for Bellevue, WA, residents. The ESL Department plans to open the Intake Form for the 2024-2025 school year in August 2024. (Summer enrollment is full!) Bellevue College also offers online-only classes "On the Job Communications" and "Preparing for Work." New classes will begin on September 24; intake form will be online on 7/1/24 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. Westminster Language Academy's The summer schedule dates were not available as of May 1, but the Fall Quarter 2024 begins September 9 and runs until November 15. Online classes and tutoring can be specially requested. Not free. 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. 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 Lake Washington Institute of Technology, Kirkland, WA, in 2024 holds English Language Learning classes. As of May 1, a summer schedule was not posted online. 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 website by submitting your Contact Information Form to have an appointment scheduled. For other questions, email the college at [email protected] Cost: $25 per quarter. 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. 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. |
