EC English Language Schools

EC
English Language Centres

Type	Academic Organisation
Industry	English Language Teaching
Founded	Malta, 1991
Founder	Marguerite Mangion
Headquarters	EC Central - Malta
Number of locations	21
Key people	Andrew Mangion, EC Executive Chairman, Michael Xuereb, CEO
Services	English Courses, Exam Preparation Courses (TOEFL, IELTS, FCE, CAE, CPE), University Access Programmes
Website	www.ecenglish.com

EC is a privately owned Maltese company which specialises in the teaching of the English Language as part of the language travel industry. The company’s educational maxim is ‘helping students succeed in a global community.’ ^[1] It currently runs 21 English Language schools in five countries on three continents: the UK, USA, Canada, South Africa and Malta.

Schools are based in English-speaking countries, in city central locations or on campus at US universities. City locations include Boston, San Diego, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, London, Cambridge, Oxford, Manchester, Brighton, Bristol, London Covent Garden, Montreal, Vancouver, Toronto, Cape Town and Malta.

EC’s chain of schools offer full immersion English and French Language Programmes, whereby students are completely exposed to the language and culture of the English-speaking country they chose to study in, in a classroom environment.

History

Dates of Establishment:

• 1991 - ^[2]"EC Malta".

• 2002 - ^[3]"EC Brighton"., UK

• 2004 - ^[4]"EC Cambridge"., UK

• 2005 - ^[5]"EC London"., UK

• 2006 - ^[6]"EC Cape Town"., South Africa

• 2007 - ^[7]"EC Boston"., USA

• 2008 - ^[8]"EC San Diego"., USA

• 2009 - ^[9]"EC New York"., USA

• 2010 - ^[10]"EC San Francisco"., USA

• 2011 - ^[11]"EC Bristol"., UK

• 2012 - ^[12]"EC Los Angeles"., USA

• 2012 - ^[13]"EC Miami"., USA

• 2012 - ^[14]"EC Montreal"., Canada

• 2012 - ^[15]"EC Toronto"., Canada

• 2012 - ^[16]"EC Vancouver"., Canada

• 2012 - ^[17]"EC London Covent Garden"., UK

• 2013 - ^[18]"EC Oxford"., UK

• 2014 - ^[19]"EC Manchester"., UK

• 2015 - ^[20]"EC on campus at Fredonia"., USA

• 2015 - ^[21]"EC Washington"., USA

• 2015 - ^[22]"EC on campus at Oswego"., USA

Malta: Origins and background

EC Malta was established in 1991 as EC’s first and only school. It was originally known as the ‘European Centre of English Language Studies’ and remains the largest EC school to date. Malta is also home to EC’s business centre, the hub of all the company’s commercial activities. EC Malta and the Business Centre make up EC Central.

EC Malta - School

EC Malta

• Location: Language House, Marguerite Mangion Street, St. Julians, STJ 3181, Malta

• Student Capacity: 678

• Classrooms: 62

• Minimum Age: 16, (18 high season)

• Class Size: Max 12, Mini Group: 6

• Student Computers: 20

• Other Facilities: Internet Cafe, Wi-Fi, Library, Business Lounge, Student lounge, Roof Gardens

EC in the UK

EC Brighton - Reception Area

The Brighton school ^[23] was established in 2002 as EC’s first venture outside of Malta. Operating this school essentially contributed to the business’ early growth.

• Location: EC Brighton, Dolphin Place, Manchester Street, Brighton, BN2 1TF, UK

• Student Capacity: 386

• Classrooms: 33

• Minimum Age: 16

• Class Size: Max 15

• Student Computers: 30

• Other Facilities: Wi-Fi, Library/Self Study Room, Business Lounge

EC Cambridge

EC’s school in Cambridge is the only language school operating in the city centre. The school’s building dates back to 1820.

• Location: EC Cambridge, Gibson House, 57 - 61 Burleigh Street, Cambridge, CB1 1DJ, UK

• Student Capacity: 203

• Classrooms: 14

• Minimum Age: 16

• Class Size: Max 14

• Student Computers: 20

• Other Facilities: Wi-Fi, Student Services Centre, Student Lounge, Self Study Room

EC London Euston

EC London - Student Lounge

The London school was originally opened in 2005. In 2012, EC London expanded from one school in Covent Garden to the newer premises directly opposite Euston station. EC London Euston is popular with students under 30. It is also a recognised TOEIC Testing Centre (Test of English for International Communication).

• Location: Euston House, 24 Eversholt Street London, NW1 1AD

• Student Capacity: 301

• Classrooms: 26

• Minimum Age: 16

• Class Size: Max 14

• Student Computers: 24

• Other Facilities: Wi-Fi, Self-study Room, Café (including cinema screen) and Student Lounge.

EC Bristol

EC Bristol's student lounge

The school in Bristol is one of EC’s more recent investments in the UK.

• Location: EC Bristol, 63 Queen Square, BS1 4JZ, Bristol

• Student Capacity: 272

• Classrooms: 22

• Minimum Age: 16

• Class Size: Max 14

• Student Computers: 21

• Other Facilities: Wi-Fi, Library, and Student Lounge

EC London Covent Garden 30+

Inside EC London Covent Garden

EC London Covent Garden is exclusively for students aged 30 years and over.

• Location: EC Covent Garden 30+, 7-11 Stukeley Street, Covent Garden, London WC2B5LB.

• Student Capacity: 198

• Classrooms: 11

• Minimum Age: 30

• Class Size: Max 14

• Student Computers: 10

• Other Facilities: Wi-Fi, Self-study Room, Café (including cinema screen) and Student Lounge.

EC Oxford

EC Oxford,^[24] is located next to the colleges of Oxford University.

• Location: Threeways House, Gloucester Green, Oxford, OX1 2BT

• Student Capacity: 204

• Classrooms: 15

• Minimum Age: 16

• Class Size: Max 15

• Student Computers: 17

• Other Facilities: Located in the city centre, Next to Oxford University, Convenient for public transport, Near shops, cafes and restaurants.

EC Manchester

EC Manchester - Classroom

EC's latest school in the UK is EC Manchester.

• Location: EC Manchester, Boulton House, 17-21 Chorlton Street, Manchester, M1 3HY, UK

• Student Capacity: 135

• Classrooms: 9

• Minimum Age: 16

• Class Size: Max 15

• Student Computers: 18

• Other Facilities: Wi-Fi, Self-study Room, and Student Lounge.

EC in South Africa: Cape Town

EC Cape Town

In 2006, EC ventured into a second continent, Africa. EC Cape Town ^[25] was set up in the heart of the city’s Central Business District.

The school embraces the local environment, with African art adorning the classrooms’ walls and a student activity calendar revolving around the city’s landmarks and places of interest.

• Location: EC Cape Town, 75, Church Street, Cape Town, South Africa

• Student Capacity: 274

• Classrooms: 22

• Minimum Age: 16

• Class Size: Max 15

• Student Computers: 9

• Other Facilities: Wi-Fi, Library/Self Study Room, Cambridge ESOL testing centre, IELTS Exam testing centre

EC in the USA

EC's school in Boston

The company’s first American school was set up in Boston ^[26] in 2007. Apart from being the nation’s academic capital, Boston is now also home to EC USA, the regional office overseeing EC’s thrust into Higher Education.

EC’s expanding network of partnerships with universities and colleges is a development which enables the company to offer students valuable access to the American higher education system.

In 2014, in partnership with the State University of New York, EC opened its first on-campus school in Fredonia ^[27]followed by a second school in Oswego.

• Location: EC Boston, 729, Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116, USA

• Student Capacity: 300

• Classrooms: 21

• Minimum Age: 16

• Class Size: Max 15

• Student Computers: 35

• Other Facilities: Wi-Fi, Library, Self Access Audio Facilities, Student Area

EC San Diego

EC's school in San Diego

EC San Diego ^[28] was established in 2008, in La Jolla.

• Location: EC San Diego, 1012, Prospect Street, Suite 200, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA

• Student Capacity: 227

• Classrooms: 20

• Minimum Age: 16

• Class Size: Max 15

• Student Computers: 20

• Other Facilities: Wi-Fi, Library, Student Area, Terrace with Sea View

EC New York

EC's school in New York

The school in New York ^[29] is located in the centre of Manhattan, in close proximity to the Times Square area.

• Location: EC New York, 1450 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, New York 10018

• Student Capacity: 228

• Classrooms: 16

• Minimum Age: 16

• Class Size: Max 15

• Student Computers: 23

• Other Facilities: Wi-Fi, Library, Business Lounge, and Student Area

EC San Francisco

Classroom - EC San Francisco

EC’s fourth American school ^[30] was opened in 2010, near the Union Square.

• Location: EC San Francisco, 100 Montgomery, 18th Floor, San Francisco, California 94104

• Student Capacity: 219

• Classrooms: 15

• Minimum Age: 16

• Class Size: Max 15

• Student Computers: 23

• Other Facilities: Wi-Fi, Library, and Self Study Area

EC Los Angeles

EC's school in Los Angeles

EC Los Angeles ^[31] was opened in 2012 and is located close to Santa Monica Beach.

• Location: 401 Wilshire Boulevard, Floor 3, Santa Monica Los Angeles, LA, USA

• Student Capacity: 330

• Classrooms: 22

• Minimum Age: 16

• Class Size: Max 15

• Student Computers: 30

• Other Facilities: Wi-Fi, Library, Student lounge

EC Miami

Inside EC Miami

In 2012, EC Miami ^[32] was established close to South Beach.

• Location: 1111 Lincoln Road, 3rd Floor, Miami, Florida 33139-2452, USA

• Student Capacity: 207

• Classrooms: 14

• Minimum Age: 16

• Class Size: Max 15

• Student Computers: 13

• Other Facilities: Wi-Fi, Library, Student lounge

EC Washington, D.C.

EC’s school in America's capital ^[33] opened in 2015.

• Location: EC Washington, D.C., 1025 Connecticut Ave. Suite 701 , Washington DC , 20036, USA

• Student Capacity: 165

• Classrooms: 11

• Minimum Age: 18

• Class Size: Max 15

• Student Computers: 25

• Other Facilities: Wi-Fi, Library, and Self Study Area

On-Campus at Fredonia, The State University of New York

• Location: EC On-campus at Fredonia (State University of New York), Jewett Hall, SUNY Fredonia, 280 Central Avenue, Fredonia, NY 14063, USA

• Student Capacity: 45

• Classrooms: 3

• Minimum Age: 17

• Class Size: Max 15

• Student Computers: 20

• Other Facilities: Full access to university facilities

On-Campus at Oswego, The State University of New York

• Location: EC On-Campus at Oswego (State University of New York), Mackin Hall , 7060 Route 104 , Oswego, , NY 13126, USA

• Student Capacity: 45

• Classrooms: 3

• Minimum Age: 17

• Class Size: Max 15

• Student Computers: 20

• Other Facilities: Full access to university facilities

EC in Canada

Inside EC Montreal

EC’s largest venture was completed in 2011 with the acquisition of LSC Language Studies Canada,^[34] which not only represented a fifth new country, but also brought along a second language, French, as part of the purchase was a popular French Studies course in the bilingual city of Montreal.

LSC was established in 1962 as the first language school to operate in Canada, where it spent 49 years running schools in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.

LSC’s 50th anniversary marked the transition of its three main schools to EC. The refurbished and renovated EC Montreal was opened in 2012, followed by two more schools: EC Toronto and EC Vancouver respectively.

EC Montreal

• Location: 1610 St. Catherine Street West Suite 401 Montreal, Quebec H3H 2S2

• Student Capacity: 290

• Classrooms: 23

• Minimum Age: 16

• Class Size: Max 15 (Higher Score 18)

• Student Computers: 10

• Other Facilities: Wi-Fi, Library, Student lounge

EC Toronto

Outside EC Toronto

• Location: 124 Eglinton Avenue West Suite 400 Toronto, Ontario M4R 2G8

• Student Capacity: 435

• Classrooms: 30

• Minimum Age: 16

• Class Size: Max 15 (Higher Score 18)

• Student Computers: 45

• Other Facilities: Wi-Fi, Library, Student lounge

EC Vancouver

Inside EC Vancouver

• Location: 570 Dunsmuir Street Suite 200 Vancouver, B.C. V6B 1Y1

• Student Capacity: 495

• Classrooms: 33

• Minimum Age: 16

• Class Size: Max 15 (Higher Score 18)

• Student Computers: 31

• Other Facilities: Wi-Fi, Library, Student lounge

Courses

• General English
  • Lessons per Week: 20 (15 hours)
  • Course Duration: Min 1 Week
  • Level: Beginner to Advanced

• Semi-Intensive English
  • Lessons per Week: 24 (18 hours)
  • Course Duration: Min 1 Week
  • Level: Beginner to Advanced

• Intensive English
  • Lessons per Week: 30 (22.5 hours)
  • Course Duration: Min 1 Week
  • Level: Beginner to Advanced

• English for Work
  • Lessons per Week: 30 (22.5 hours)
  • Course Duration: Min 1 Week
  • Level: Low Intermediate to Advanced

• Academic Year/Semester
  • Lessons per Week: 20 (15 hours) /24 (18 hours) /30 (22.5 hours)
  • Course Duration: Min 24 Weeks
  • Level: Beginner to Advanced

• Business Year/Semester
  • Lessons per Week: 30 (22.5 hours)
  • Course Duration: Min 24 Weeks
  • Level: Low Intermediate to Advanced

• Mini Group
  • Lessons per Week: 20 (15 hours) /30 (22.5 hours)
  • Course Duration: 1 Week - 4 Weeks
  • Level: Elementary to Advanced

• One-to-One
  • Lessons per Week: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10
  • Course Duration: Min 1 Week
  • Level: Beginner to Advanced

• Exam Preparation - TOEFL and IELTS
  • Lessons per Week: 30 (22.5 hours)
  • Course Duration: 4 Weeks Crash Course
  • Level: Intermediate to Advanced

• Exam Preparation - Cambridge ESOL: FCE, CAE & CPE
  • Lessons per Week: 30 (22.5 hours)
  • Level:
    • FCE: Upper Intermediate
    • CAE: Advanced
    • CPE: Proficient

Accreditations

All schools forming part of the EC chain are accredited by leading associations in their respective countries, as well as by major international organisations.

• UK
  • British Council^[35] - The United Kingdom's international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations.
  • English UK^[36] - The national association of accredited English language centres.

• USA
  • AAIEP^[37] - Through its support for ethical and professional standards for intensive English programs, AAIEP promotes the well-being and educational success of its English language students.
  • ACCET^[38] - ACCET provides institutional accreditation for organizations whose primary function is for educational purposes and also for organizations offering continuing education as a clearly identified institutional objective within the operational entity, such as in-service corporate training.

• South Africa
  • ELTASA^[39] - The English Language and Travel Association of South Africa is committed to ensuring that its members meet or exceed guaranteed minimum standards of professionalism and quality.

• Malta
  • FELTOM^[40] - Federation of English Language Teaching Organisations in Malta.

• Canada
  • Languages Canada^[41] - Federation of Language Teaching Organisations in Canada.

• Global
  • ALTO^[42] - Association of Language Travel Organisations.
  • WYSE^[43] - World Youth Student & Educational (WYSE) Travel Confederation.

Awards

In 2004, EC was awarded the Entrepreneurship Award in the Small Enterprise Growth Category by Malta Enterprise: the agency responsible for the promotion of foreign investment and industrial development in Malta.

EC has also been recognised by peers and partners in the LTM Star Awards almost every year since the company’s inauguration in 1991.

In 2011, EC was awarded the title of LTM Star Chain School ^[44] and nominated for two LTM Star awards in 2012.^[45]

References

• http://www.ecenglish.com/about-us - Retrieved on 2008-10-31
• http://www.britishcouncil.org/accreditation-az-list.htm - Retrieved on 2008-10-31
• http://www.englishuk.com/search/view_organisation.php?startAt=&db_organisation_id=21 - Retrieved on 2008-10-25
• http://www.eltasa.com/centres.php - Retrieved on 2008-09-26
• http://www.altonet.org/portal/page/portal/MenuSecSiteALTO/Memberdetails?pCmpid=35650&pAssocode=ALTO - Retrieved on 2008-10-15
• http://www.aboutwysetc.org/Docs/MEMBER_LIST_1908_2008.pdf - Retrieved on 2008/10/31
• http://www.timesofmalta.com/business/view/20091008/news/ec-to-open-its-fourth-efl-centre-in-us-in-march-2010
• http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100502/business/ec-acquires-50-per-cent-stake-in-argentine-spanish-centre
• http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=94631
• http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120611/local/EC-School-s-gone-global.423731
• http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/national/Maltese-English-language-group-EC-invests-in-further-US-expansion-20120608
• http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/national/Debono-rebuffed-by-Gonzi-PM-told-me-to-keep-up-the-attack-on-Labour-20120626
• http://www.di-ve.com/Default.aspx?ID=72&Action=1&NewsId=93543&newscategory=36&cache=false
• http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=32895319

External links

1. About EC - http://www.ecenglish.com/about-ec
2. EC Malta
3. EC Brighton
4. EC Cambridge
5. EC London
6. EC Cape Town
7. EC Boston
8. EC San Diego
9. EC New York
10. EC San Francisco
11. EC Bristol
12. EC Los Angeles
13. EC Miami
14. EC Montreal
15. EC Toronto
16. EC Vancouver
17. EC London Covent Garden 30+
18. EC Oxford
19. EC Manchester
20. EC on-campus at Fredonia
21. EC Washington, D.C.
22. EC on-campus at Oswego
23. 2010 - Brighton - Change of school location http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20101003/business/ec-upgrades-uk-presence-in-anticipation-of-market-growth.329555
24. 2013 - Oxford Opening http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20130407/business-news/EC-extends-global-network-to-17-with-new-Oxford-school.464477
25. 2007 - Cape Town Opening http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20070225/business/ec-expands-to-africa.25346
26. 2012 - Boston Relocation http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120617/business-news/English-language-tuition-group-EC-invests-in-more-US-expansion.424630
27. 2014 First on-campus school http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20140619/local/first-ec-on-campus-school-opens-in-new-york.524107
28. 2008 - EC San Diego http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20080409/business/ec-opens-school-in-san-diego.203376
29. 2009 - EC New York Opening http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20081205/business/ec-opens-new-york-school.235853. 2009 - Prime Minister opens EC New York http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090926/local/prime-minister-opens-ec-new-york.274820
30. 2011 - San Francisco http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20091008/business/ec-to-open-its-fourth-efl-centre-in-us-in-march-2010.276573
31. 2012 - LA Opening http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110904/business-news/EC-pursues-rapid-US-growth-with-new-Los-Angeles-centre.383156
32. 2012 - Miami Opening http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110724/business-news/EC-to-open-fifth-US-school-in-Miami.376964
33. 2014 - Washington, D.C. http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20141214/business-news/EC-expands-presence-in-the-US.548244
34. 2011 - Canadian Schools Acquisition http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110930/local/EC-acquires-three-Canadian-schools.387077. http://thepienews.com/news/its-official-ec-acquires-lsc-in-canada/
35. "British Council Official Site".
36. "English UK Official Site".
37. "AAIEP Official Site".
38. "ACCET Official Site".
39. "ELTASA Official Site".
40. "FELTOM Official Site".
41. "LANGUAGES CANADA Official Site".
42. "ALTO Official Site".
43. "WYSE Official Site".
44. Award 2011 http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110922/business-news/EC-named-world-s-best-chain-school-at-LTM-awards.385856
45. http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120809/business-news/EC-chain-nominated-for-two-LTM-Star-awards.432161

• EC English Language Schools Official Site
• LearnEnglish
• EC San Francisco
• EC English Language Schools Turkish Agency