Washington Academy of Languages

Washington Academy of Languages is the school for students who want to learn English quickly. Classes feature a communicative approach. About 125-150 Americans study other languages at the Academy each term so it is a great place to meet people who are interested in language exchange. We have an active Conversation Partner program! Volunteer placement and activities are also available for enrolled students. The Academy is located near Seattle Pacific University in the Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle. Many sightseeing and recreational opportunities are near and Canada is 3 hours by car from Seattle and is an easy weekend destination. The Academy also offers a graduate Certificate in Teaching ESL in cooperation with Seattle Pacific University, English Study/Tour programs and Custom Programs for people who want private, individualized classes.

WAL is located in downtown Seattle.Seattle is a medley of picturesque views of lush green hills surrounded by snowcapped mountains and sparking blue waters. Cupped between the jagged Olympic Mountains to the west and the volcanic peaks of the Cascade Range to the east with snowcapped Mount Rainier standing the tallest at 14,411 feet, Seattle is nestled on a narrow strip of land between Puget Sound and eighteen mile long Lake Washington. Just to the north of downtown, the city is bisected by a system of locks and ship canal that feed into Lake Union and Lake Washington from Puget Sound. Seattle's mild winters and cool summers work together to make the city lush and green, earning it the nickname, "The Emerald City". Seattle's moderate climate combined with a contrasting geography of water and mountains, encourage a wealth of year round outdoor activities. Sailing, kayaking, rowing, scuba diving, roller blading, jogging, bicycling, and golf are all available within the city limits. If that's not enough, less than an hour's drive will take you to whale watching, fishing, camping, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and skiing. There are a lot of sights and places to visit in Seattle. On the Elliot Bay waterfront, attractions abound with a variety of shops, restaurants, sightseeing vessels, restored streetcars, and parks. Nearby the waterfront is Pike Place Market, the nation's oldest continually operating farmer's market, which features a maze of booths offering everything from fresh produce to fine art. A few blocks south of Pike Place Market is Pioneer Square, the city's oldest district, which features sidewalk cafes, art galleries, antique shops, boutiques, nightclubs, restaurants, and parks. On the north end of the city is Seattle Center, a 74-arce complex built for the 1962 World's Fair, which features several attractions including Seattle's crowning landmark, the Space Needle.

Basic English Program 5-week sessions meet 5 hours daily, Monday through Friday, 11:00-16:00. Elementary A & B Intermediate A & B Study all skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing, grammar and US American culture. Advanced Programs Advanced communication courses focus on real-world English communication. Students go into the community to interview, videotape & participate in special projects. Courses are five weeks in length, and meet Monday through Friday, 11:00-16:00 College Preparation Participants prepare to enter a junior college or university or to increase their TOEFL or TOEIC scores. College Preparation I meets for 10 weeks. College Preparation II is available for 5 or 10 weeks Part-Time English Individual students who wish to study part-time have two choices: Custom courses and part-time study in the Intensive English Program. In the Intensive English Program in Seattle, part-time students study mornings only (9:00-11:00), Monday through Friday, in the group courses. Lessons focus on communication. Students who will be in the area for a short time only may choose to study just 3-4 weeks of the five-week session. The cost for part-time study is pro-rated. All students must start at the beginning of the session.

American Homestay Program : Live with an American host, participate in day-to-day life, and use English naturally. All hosts are carefully screened. Every effort is made to match students with hosts who share similar interests. $700.00/5 weeks Hosted Share-Home: Enjoy the security of an established home, but have the freedom to determine your own schedules regarding meals and visitors. In this option, you buy and cook your own food. This type of home is for a more independent student. $490.00/5 weeks Apartments : WAL maintains a listing of apartments within a 30-minute bus ride of the school. For a recommended list or for assistance with lease or rental information, talk to the Housing Coordinator in the Office of Student Services. (Note: most apartment managers require a six-month or one year rental agreement. For short-term students, there are a few month-to-month rentals available; be prepared to pay a much higher monthly fee for these). $650-$700/month

On the weekends, students can experience some of Seattle's exciting recreational pportunities. Theater, music, dance, movies, professional sports, sailing, skiing and snowboarding are widely available.