ELT’s former name was the ‘American Academy of Language Art’ (AALA). The AALA was founded in 1994 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It was set up by entrepreneurs from the United States, who believed that education would enrich people’s understanding and ability to help develop the country.

AALA was renamed ‘ELT’ in 1997. ELT stands for a variety of things: English Language Teaching, English Language Training or as in its slogan, ‘Enriching Life for Tomorrow’. It can also stand for ‘Excellent Learning Torch’ which means ELT is a center for students to enlighten themselves as well as to enhance their knowledge and moral conduct. Since its inception, ELT has been dedicated to the advancement of learning and to the sharing of knowledge through education to people in Phnom Penh. Through much persistence and effort, ELT is now a leading educational and professional institution in Cambodia. ELT is rated a leader in its field: it delivers quality and excellence in education and turns out some of the highest caliber individuals into the job market.

Students learn both English and business skills that follow American standards. These are two things are essential in order to advance quickly up the career ladder in any organization. Lower levels of English are taught by Khmer teachers, who conduct lessons mainly in English but are able to translate words when needed. Upper levels are usually taught by native speakers from countries such as America, England, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. Business courses are taught by leading professionals in their retrospective fields. All courses follow the same syllabus as students to in the United States. ELT now provides the following courses:

1. General English Program for Young Learners
2. General English Program for Adults
3. English Diploma/ Advanced Diploma Programs
4. English for Specific Purposes
5. English Grammar
6. Diploma in Computer Studies
7. Basic Computer Course