Staten
Islanders have the best of urban and
suburban worlds by commuting.
Why not you?
Before the Verrazano Bridge was opened
in 1964, Staten Island was known for
fishing, farming, and parkland. Today
it is a desirable place to live for
people who work in Manhattan and other
boroughs of New York City and adjacent
New Jersey. Staten Island residents
commute to Manhattan by car; by the
ferry, which takes twenty-five minutes
to go to the southern end of Manhattan;
and by express bus; which takes an hour
to go to mid-town Manhattan.
The
English Language Institute (ELI)
at the College of Staten Island offers
programs in English and Cultural Orientation
to international students, professional
and business people, visitors, and members
of the local community.
ELI
provides a supportive environment for
language learning: small classes, individual
attention, highly qualified faculty,
and innovative teaching approaches help
students acquire confidence and develop
fluency and accuracy in English in an
efficient and enjoyable way. Through
special focus classes, field trips,
and visits to the unique cultural institutions
of New York City, students receive an
orientation to American culture and
an introduction to the US system of
higher education. Programs are offered
at all levels of proficiency, from beginner
to advanced. Courses are designed to
address the needs of students who require
English for academic, professional,
or personal reasons.