At ELAM, we believe that the heart of an exceptional learning environment starts with the people who make it possible. As we’ve recently been recognized as a Great Place to Work in 2025, we couldn’t be prouder to share the core values and practices that helped us earn this prestigious certification. From fostering an inclusive culture to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, our people are the cornerstone of everything we do. 

Building an Inclusive and Safe Workplace 

At ELAM, inclusivity and safety aren’t just buzzwords—they are the foundation of our work culture. We strive to create an environment where everyone, regardless of their background, feels welcome and valued. We celebrate diversity and encourage the free exchange of ideas, knowing that it enriches both our workplace and the experiences we offer our students. 

In the world of business, language is more than a tool; it’s the bridge that carries trust, understanding, and partnership across borders. That has been at the core of what we do since 1993. 

This philosophy has made ELAM a workplace where employees feel like they truly belong. We recognize that when our staff thrives, so does the community we serve, making a meaningful impact on everyone involved. 

Work-Life Balance: Our Priority 

In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy balance between work and life is more important than ever. At ELAM, we place a high priority on this balance, knowing that when our staff feels supported in both their personal and professional lives, they’re more motivated and productive. We’ve developed flexible work schedules, wellness programs, and regular check-ins to ensure that everyone can manage their commitments effectively. 

It’s hard to even express how proud I am that ELAM is certified Great Place to Work! It’s something when you know some people think it’s a great place to work, but to have the confirmation that everyone feels the same way… I have no words. Over the years, we have built a culture that is inclusive, that allows people to grow as people and as members of this team’’
Melissa Lemay, ELAM Director 

 This mindful approach to work-life balance has been one of the key factors in our certification as a Great Place to Work. Our staff feels empowered to prioritize their well-being, and in turn, they bring a greater sense of energy and focus to their work. 

A Flat, Collaborative Structure 

One of the most defining aspects of the ELAM culture is our flat organizational structure. We’ve worked hard to create an environment where everyone, regardless of their position, feels empowered to contribute ideas and collaborate openly. Our teachers are not seen as subordinates; they are equal partners in shaping the direction of our institution. 

This collaborative mindset ensures that everyone has a voice and a sense of ownership in our work. We all share the responsibility of building a positive, enriching environment for our students, and that spirit of teamwork has helped ELAM become a place where people truly want to work. 

Teacher Testimonials 

At the end of the day, the best advocates for ELAM are the people who live and breathe the culture every day. One of our long-time German teacher, Nora, says:

This isn’t just a job; it’s a vibrant, thriving community of educators and learners. From the moment I joined, I’ve been consistently impressed by the fantastic structure, brilliant organization, and overall efficiency that permeates every aspect of this workplace. It’s truly a great place to teach, fostered by a super supportive environment that empowers both educators and students to excel.

A typical day here is remarkably well-structured. I always know what I’m doing and where I need to be, which allows me to focus on what matters most: my students. Speaking of which, the students here are wonderful – enthusiastic, engaged, and a joy to teach. This positive energy is further amplified by the fantastic work culture, characterized by international-appropriate communication that ensures everyone feels included and understood.

My professional growth has been significant. The feedback I receive is consistently great and constructive, helping me to refine my teaching methods and reach my full potential. The team meetings and workshops are invaluable, providing opportunities for collaborative learning and reinforcing the strong support system I have within the team. The management team deserves special commendation. They are well-organized, helpful, understanding, and always “have their heads in the game.” Importantly, they are also friendly and approachable, creating an open and communicative atmosphere.

The workplace culture is simply outstanding. It’s fun, energetic, and incredibly supportive. There’s a palpable sense of camaraderie and a shared passion for education that makes coming to work each day a genuine pleasure.
Ironically, the hardest part of the job is sometimes having too much fun! The positive energy and collaborative spirit can make the day fly by. However, this speaks volumes about the work environment.

The most enjoyable aspect of this role is undoubtedly the reliable team. Being able to feed off the knowledge of others, learn from their experiences, and collaborate on innovative teaching strategies is incredibly rewarding. This, combined with the well-structured setup and the overall supportive atmosphere, makes this an exceptional place to work. I wholeheartedly recommend this organization to anyone seeking a fulfilling and enriching experience in education. It’s a shining example of how a well-structured, supportive, and fun environment can lead to outstanding results.

This feeling of mutual respect and care is felt across our entire team, and it’s this positive, inclusive environment that has earned us the Great Place to Work certification in 2025. 

Conclusion 

Being recognized as a Great Place to Work is a tremendous honor, but it’s not the goal—it’s a reflection of the culture we’ve built and continue to nurture. At ELAM, we’re committed to our people, knowing that when our staff feels valued and supported, they’re able to create an environment where students can thrive. We’re excited to continue growing and evolving with a team that embodies our core values of inclusivity, respect, and work-life balance. 

As we look ahead, we’ll continue to listen, adapt, and evolve—because at ELAM, a happy team is the foundation for a happy learning experience.