Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
updated December 2023
WHAT IS ELLA?
ELLA stands for English Language Learners Alliance. The mission of ELLA is “to connect non-native speakers with opportunities for improving their English skills and their knowledge of American culture through educational, cultural, social, and community events that promote English language learning.”
HOW LONG HAS ELLA BEEN AROUND?
ELLA was founded in 2011.
WHAT DOES ELLA DO?
Pre-pandemic, ELLA hosted in-person meetings that included adult conversation groups, one large class on practical issues, and some parent-child activities. During the pandemic ELLA hosted online conversation groups only. As of 2023, we have restarted two in-person conversation groups.
WHAT IS A CONVERSATION GROUP LIKE?
ELLA groups provide participants with a casual and welcoming place to practice speaking English.
As of December 2023:
ONLINE: On Wednesdays at 10 a.m. we host unstructured conversation. We use the Zoom breakout feature to allow multiple small groups to chat. On Thursdays at 8 p.m., we operate a little more like a classroom: we use Zoom’s “Share Screen” feature to discuss a short poem, history text or other document (we like to change it up).
IN-PERSON: We meet at 9:30 a.m. at Crossroads Mall in Bellevue for casual in-person conversation. Several native-English speakers come to help lead conversations among non-native English speakers. We also meet in person at 7 to 9 p.m. at Bellevue Square on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month.
Meetings are “rolling” – there is no start or stop date.
Participants can come to as many or as few classes as they want.
We do not separate beginning and advanced speakers; everyone can participate to the best of his or her ability.
WHAT IS THE COST?
It is free. (Thank you, local donors!)
WHO CAN SIGN UP?
Residents of the Bellevue/Seattle/King County area who want to practice English. We have no visa requirements or restrictions.
HOW TO SIGN UP:
If you live in our area and want to join an online group, start by sending an email to [email protected] with the header "Conversation Groups" to ask about space availability. To join our in-person group, just stop by.
OUR BASE LOCATION:
Our non-profit is registered in Washington state. Our events are held mostly in Bellevue, WA.
MAY I JOIN AS A VOLUNTEER?
Native English speakers can enrich their lives by volunteering as conversation leaders. Good candidates are people who like to meet other people from around the world and share what they know about local culture, history, and the English language. Prospective volunteers can email [email protected] for more info.
HOW CAN I ASK ELLA A QUESTION?
Write to [email protected]. We reply (to non-marketing emails) quickly.
ELLA stands for English Language Learners Alliance. The mission of ELLA is “to connect non-native speakers with opportunities for improving their English skills and their knowledge of American culture through educational, cultural, social, and community events that promote English language learning.”
HOW LONG HAS ELLA BEEN AROUND?
ELLA was founded in 2011.
WHAT DOES ELLA DO?
Pre-pandemic, ELLA hosted in-person meetings that included adult conversation groups, one large class on practical issues, and some parent-child activities. During the pandemic ELLA hosted online conversation groups only. As of 2023, we have restarted two in-person conversation groups.
WHAT IS A CONVERSATION GROUP LIKE?
ELLA groups provide participants with a casual and welcoming place to practice speaking English.
As of December 2023:
ONLINE: On Wednesdays at 10 a.m. we host unstructured conversation. We use the Zoom breakout feature to allow multiple small groups to chat. On Thursdays at 8 p.m., we operate a little more like a classroom: we use Zoom’s “Share Screen” feature to discuss a short poem, history text or other document (we like to change it up).
IN-PERSON: We meet at 9:30 a.m. at Crossroads Mall in Bellevue for casual in-person conversation. Several native-English speakers come to help lead conversations among non-native English speakers. We also meet in person at 7 to 9 p.m. at Bellevue Square on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month.
Meetings are “rolling” – there is no start or stop date.
Participants can come to as many or as few classes as they want.
We do not separate beginning and advanced speakers; everyone can participate to the best of his or her ability.
WHAT IS THE COST?
It is free. (Thank you, local donors!)
WHO CAN SIGN UP?
Residents of the Bellevue/Seattle/King County area who want to practice English. We have no visa requirements or restrictions.
HOW TO SIGN UP:
If you live in our area and want to join an online group, start by sending an email to [email protected] with the header "Conversation Groups" to ask about space availability. To join our in-person group, just stop by.
OUR BASE LOCATION:
Our non-profit is registered in Washington state. Our events are held mostly in Bellevue, WA.
MAY I JOIN AS A VOLUNTEER?
Native English speakers can enrich their lives by volunteering as conversation leaders. Good candidates are people who like to meet other people from around the world and share what they know about local culture, history, and the English language. Prospective volunteers can email [email protected] for more info.
HOW CAN I ASK ELLA A QUESTION?
Write to [email protected]. We reply (to non-marketing emails) quickly.
