Chicago, IL ELS - Chicago



ELS Address: 7200 West Division Street River Forest, IL 60305
Tel.: (708) 488-5010
On the Campus of: Dominican University

Center Information

Our ELS Language Center in Chicago, Illinois is situated on the beautiful Dominican University campus, just 30 minutes from downtown Chicago and minutes from the birthplace of Ernest Hemingway and the site of the Frank Lloyd Wright home and studio. As the third largest city in the United States, Chicago offers a variety of cultural activities including the Lyric Opera, Symphony Orchestra, world-famous Art Institute and an exciting nightlife ranging from blues and jazz venues to comedy clubs. Chicago's "Magnificent Mile" offers an international showcase of famous architecture, elegant shops and superb restaurants within walking distance to the beautiful shoreline of Lake Michigan.

Programs

Intensive English

Cost Per Session: $1,575.00
Starting Date 2009: July 27, August 24, September 21, October 19, November 16, December 14
Start Dates 2010: January 11, February 08, March 08, April 05, May 03, June 01, June 28, July 26, August 23, September 20, October 18, November 15, December 13
Show Description
The ELS Intensive English Program, our most popular program of study, will help you significantly improve your English skills, achieve greater fluency, and fully prepare you for university study in the USA. More than 550 universities, colleges and career schools accept completion of an advanced ELS level as meeting the English language requirement for admission.

Semi-Intensive English

Cost Per Session: $1,210.00
Starting Date 2009: July 27, August 24, September 21, October 19, November 16, December 14
Start Dates 2010: January 11, February 08, March 08, April 05, May 03, June 01, June 28, July 26, August 23, September 20, October 18, November 15, December 13
Show Description
The ELS Semi-Intensive Program is ideal for students who want to learn English while also having time to visit local cities and attractions. Students take classes in the morning and have afternoons free to explore and use their improving English.

The Complete Prep program for the TOEFL® iBT

Cost Per Session: $1,770.00
Starting Date: Click here for all dates
Show Description
ELS has developed a 12-week comprehensive Prep Program for the TOEFL® iBT that gives you the best preparation possible and the confidence you need to succeed! The new Internet based TOEFL® iBT requires students to answer questions related to speaking, listening, reading and writing – and measures not just what you know, but how well you can express yourself and apply your knowledge. By taking the Prep Program, you will practice integrated reading and listening skills, improve writing and speaking, as well as learn test-taking strategies.

American Explorer

Cost Per Session: $1,150.00
Starting Date 2009: July 27, August 24, September 21, October 19, November 16, December 14
Start Dates 2010: January 11, February 08, March 08, April 05, May 03, June 01, June 28, July 26, August 23, September 20, October 18, November 15, December 13
Show Description
If you are planning a short vacation in the USA and would like to include some English classes, our American Explorer Program is perfect for you. Study English in the morning and enjoy the afternoons practicing your English while sightseeing and visiting local attractions.

Business English

Cost Per Session: $1,575.00
Starting Date 2009: July 27, August 24, September 21, October 19, November 16, December 14
Start Dates 2010: January 11, February 08, March 08, April 05, May 03, June 01, June 28, July 26, August 23, September 20, October 18, November 15, December 13
Show Description
The ELS Business English Program covers the following skills: giving presentations, participating in meetings, negotiating agreements, explaining and defending positions, and using business vocabulary and idiomatic expressions in work-related conversation.

English for Executives

Cost Per Session: $5,195.00
Starting Date 2009: July 27, August 24, September 21, October 19, November 16, December 14
Start Dates 2010: January 11, February 08, March 08, April 05, May 03, June 01, June 28, July 26, August 23, September 20, October 18, November 15, December 13
Show Description
The English for Executives Program is designed for junior and mid-level professionals who want to combine general English practice along with career-specific communication training. The English for Executives Program consists of three 50-minutes interactive group lessons and three personalized, 50-minute one-to-one lessons each day in ELS group classes. The course length may be two or four weeks, beginning on any of the 26 year-round Intensive English Program start dates.

Super Intensive English (30 lessons)

Cost Per Session: $7,050.00
Starting Date: Every Monday
Show Description
The ELS Super Intensive English Program is the fastest way to improve English proficiency. This course combines highly concentrated, one-to-one instruction and a curriculum targeted specially to the participant’s needs. Courses are individually designed based upon level of English ability, desired language use and outcomes, and length of time available for study. This program can begin on any Monday and may last for one week to four weeks or more. The Super Intensive Program consists of either 20, 30 or 45 private, 50-minute lessons each week, taught on a Monday to Friday schedule. ELS will provide assistance with accommodation arrangements.

Super Intensive Plus

Cost Per Session: $5,125.00
Starting Date: Every Monday
Show Description
For maximum results in just one week’s time, the Super Intensive Plus Program is the best choice for a busy executive. This highly rigorous course consists of 70 lessons, 50 minutes each, of combined in-class instruction and out-of-class cultural activities, generally taught from Monday through Sunday. Super Intensive Plus is ideal in preparation for an important business presentation or meeting in the United States. Due to the intensity of this program, intermediate English proficiency is highly recommended. ELS will provide assistance with accommodation arrangements.

Additional Learning Opportunities

IELTS Testing Center
If you wish to qualify for university admission through an IELTS score, you can take the test at our location. Click here for registration information.

American Conversation Partnerships
Interested in after-class conversation and friendship with an American student? Inquire after your arrival and we can arrange time with a native speaker.

Contact America! Program
Through regularly organized activities you can practice English both in and out of the classroom with native guest speakers or American students discussing various topics.

College Class Visits and Auditing
ELS Intensive students (in key levels) can visit one or more college classes, depending on professor approval.

Scholarships/Discounts
After completion of the full ELS Intensive English Program qualified students may receive credit for ELS and/or tuition discounts at select host universities and colleges, once they matriculate.

Access to Campus Facilities/Services
ELS students may use many of the facilities at our host college/university for free (or low cost) during their studies. Available facilities may vary, but usually include a fitness center, swimming pool, campus library, tennis court, and more.

Concurrent Enrollment at Host College
ELS students who have received conditional acceptance from the host college/university may have the chance to attend one or more individual college courses (for credit) while still studying in the Intensive English Program or Fast Track Program.

TOEIC Testing Center
We offer the TOEIC exam at our center. For more information on the TOEIC program or to register click here

TOEFL Testing Center
In addition to our academic TOEFL Prep Program, we offer the TOEFL exam on-site. For more information on the TOEFL test click here


Off-Campus Student Residence

Show Description
Minimum Age Requirement:
18
Luxury option! Located in a quiet, safe and upscale neighborhood, ELS River Forest Apartments offer a luxury one bedroom apartment, shared with 2 twin beds and one bathroom. Each apartment has a fully-furnished kitchen, wireless Internet, local phone service, cable TV, and air conditioning. Linens are included. Note: Private apartments (one-person per apartment) may be available at an additional price.

On-campus Student Residence

Show Description
Minimum Age Requirement:
18
Concordia University’s Gross Hall dorm, located across the street from the ELS Center, has shared bathrooms and a lounge. Concordia University dorm rooms are doubles with air-conditioning.

Homestay

Show Description
Minimum Age Requirement:
16
All ELS Centers offer homestay accommodations with an English-speaking host family. ELS host families are carefully screened to ensure they provide a pleasant and safe “home away from home” for our students. Living with a host family can help you learn English faster while experiencing American customs and culture firsthand. Students often develop very close relationships with their hosts — friendships that can last a lifetime. Students have their own room and are responsible for their personal transportation.

No Accommodation Needed

Show Description
Minimum Age Requirement:
16
Students have the option to find their own housing. Stay at a local hotel or choose to live with nearby family and friends.

General Facilities

  • Basketball court(s)
  • Cafeteria
  • Computer center
  • Gymnasium
  • Language Technology Center (LTC)
  • Library
  • Music practice room(s)
  • Raquetball/squash Courts
  • Recreational park
  • Running track
  • Snack bar
  • Soccer field
  • Swimming pool (indoor)
  • Tennis court(s)
  • Weight/fitness Room
  • Wheelchair accessible

  • Professional Sports Teams
  • Lake Michigan shoreline and Navy Pier Complex
  • River Forest is walking-distance to shops & restaurants
  • Chicago's Magnificent Mile, blues, jazz and comedy clubs, world-class museums and symphony

Area

237 Square Miles.
613.83 Square Kilometers.

Population

2,833,321 People.

Distance to Key Locations (from ELS center)

Minutes Method
Bank 20 Bus Car
Airport 30 Car
Bus Stop/Subway 5 Car
Downtown Area 30 Bus Car Car
Post Office 20 Car
Restaurant(s) 20 Bus Car
Shopping Mall/Outlet 30 Bus
Supermarket 20 Car
Sports Stadium/Center 10 Car
Off-Campus Residence 15 to 20 Car
On-Campus Residence 10 Car
Homestay 20 Bike Bus Car

Car Bike Bus Walk Train/Subway

Electricity

110V 60KHz.
Electric Plug Details

Tourist Attractions

Contact form


Center Album

Activities

ELS Activities

ELS-Chicago Fall Session PDF - 538 KB Download
ELS-Chicago Spring Session PDF - 534 KB Download
ELS-Chicago Summer Session PDF - 642 KB Download
ELS-Chicago Winter Session PDF - 429 KB Download

Center Staff

Lee Fair
Center Director: At age 24 I returned to Oklahoma, my roots, from Afghanistan. I taught in Kabul University’s English department for three years. I started working at ELS/Norman while getting my Masters in Information Sciences. In 1976 I was sent to open ELS/Chicago. As Academic and Center Director I have represented ELS at NAFSA and TESOL both as an officer and as a presenter. As proud as I am of my work in international education, I am equally proud of my three adult children with successful careers throughout the world.

Jennifer Brumfield
I grew up in small town America, hoping to get out and explore the world. I went to a small liberal arts college and took a semester abroad. I traveled a little during that semester and had many exciting experiences, including getting off at the wrong train station in Warsaw. After earning a BA in Sociology, I eventually took the position of International Student Advisor in which I enjoy learning about students and their countries.

Christine Meyer
After teaching at the elementary and high school levels and working at Encyclopaedia Britannica Educational Corporation as a Supervisor in Advertising and Sales Promotion, I assisted in opening the Chicago center at Dominican University (then Rosary College) in January 1993. I have served in the positions of Center Director and Registrar during my years working at Language Institute For English, Berlitz on Campus, and ELS Language Centers. The most enjoyable part of my job is meeting and interacting with our international students.

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