From goals and dreams to university admissions, ELS counselors have years of experience in helping students attain English and academic success.
Applying to one of our many ELS Programs is simple!
385 Wirtz Drive
DeKalb, IL 60115
Tel.:
815-753-4600
On the campus of: Northern Illinois University
ELS/DeKalb is located on the campus of Northern Illinois University (NIU), the state’s second largest public university, with an enrollment of about 25,000. Located 104 km west of Chicago, DeKalb is a small friendly college town with an affordable cost of living. NIU offers 63 undergraduate majors and 79 graduate programs, including 11 Ph.D. programs, doctoral degrees in education and the Juris Doctorate.
| Location | Minutes | Transportation Method |
|---|---|---|
| Airport | 60 |
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| Bank | 5 |
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| Downtown Area | 10 |
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| Post Office | 10 |
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| Restaurant(s) | 10 |
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| Shopping Mall/Outlet | 15 |
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| Sports Stadium/Center | 2 |
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| Supermarket | 10 |
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| Bus Stop/Subway | 2 |
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Achieve English Proficiency for University Study
The Stevenson Complex is located on the western edge of the campus and consists of four 12-story towers. Stevenson Towers also feature the popular food court style dining hall, as well as a late-night grill. It is directly across from Eco Park (the West Lagoon). It is also very close to sports fields and tennis courts. In-Hall Amenities: Writing Center Stevenson Food Court Stevenson Expressway Late-Night Dining Smart Class Room Computer Lab Wireless Network in All Lounges Study Rooms Laundry Facilities Community Safety Center Air Conditioning
| Price per Session | $1190 |
|---|---|
| Occupancy | Double |
| Minimum Age | 17 |
| Airport Pickup | 180 |
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Meals / week or Meal Credit $50 declining balance meal card which can be used at various dining sites on-campus and off-campus restaurants. |
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Host family students are responsible for their personal transportation.
| Price per Session | $925 |
|---|---|
| Occupancy | Single |
| Minimum Age | 14 |
| Airport Pickup | 180 |
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Meals / week or Meal Credit 14 per week (daily continental breakfast & dinner) |
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Center Director
Wendi is the Center Director for the DeKalb center. She is originally from Missouri but has also lived in several other Midwest states. Wendi received her Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science majoring in College Student Personnel Administration from the University of Central Missouri. As a non-traditional college student Wendi has a strong belief in higher education. Wendi worked with the Intensive English Program and Short Term International Programs at University of Central Missouri while obtaining her masters. Wendi began working with ELS Language Centers in August 2010 as Registrar when the DeKalb center first opened. Wendi is married and lives in the DeKalb area with her family.
Academic Director
Dieter is the Academic Director for the DeKalb center. Dieter grew up near DeKalb but has lived all over the United States. After completing his Bachelor’s degree in English in 2000, he spent two years teaching English to children and adults in South Korea. When he returned home from Korea, he completed a Master’s degree in English at NIU and spent seven years working with NIU’s international students and visiting scholars. He began working as an instructor at ELS DeKalb when it first opened in September 2010 and became the Academic Director in April 2011. He enjoys challenging students to achieve their full potential.
International Student Advisor
I am the International Student Advisor at the ELS Language Center in DeKalb, IL. I am from the DeKalb area, but have traveled around the world experiencing and exploring different cultures. I am a recent graduate of Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor’s degree in Cultural and Linguistic Anthropology and a concentration in Southeast Asian Studies. While at NIU, I took advanced languages courses in Thai and spent a summer abroad in Thailand researching ethnic minorities and anthropological politics. My job is to help the students acclimate to their new environment—helping them with their every day needs, planning fun and educational activities, and providing college counseling. I thoroughly enjoy working with International students in every way I can and I hope to help them succeed in their future endeavors, wherever they may take them!
Registrar
I began with ELS DeKalb in March 2011. I have previously held a management position with Borders Books and Music Stores and have worked for Barnes & Noble College Division. I grew up in DeKalb and attended Northern Illinois University majoring in Political Science. I have been married for 6 years. I enjoy sports, being with my family and reading books pertaining to history and politics. I am a dual citizen of the United States and Ireland. I hope to travel back to Ireland soon. I enjoy working with the students and learning about the different cultures. As someone who has spent the majority of my life in DeKalb, I truly believe this is an ideal environment with a very knowledgeable staff and dedicated teachers for international students to learn a new language and a new culture.
February 23, 2012
The English is a language very important in the world, for this I decided to study it. I came to ELS unable to speak English but during my two months here, I learned thanks to my teachers, their patience, and their kind with me. I liked this experience, I knew people of different places with the same need. I will have this to remember forever.
January 19, 2012
For those who are looking for a good place to learn and practice English, I strongly recommend that you come to ELS at Dekalb. You do not need to be afraid of speaking with native American. They really understand foreign students who learn English as their second language, and help students to get courage and confidence. This ELS center is located at Northern Illinois University, which means student can actually practice and apply what he/she learns into a real life.
January 19, 2012
Hi, my name is Jihun Kwak. Now, I have been here for seven months and I'm studying English in ELS Language Center located at NIU. I just want to tell you guys about my opinion. You might be simply think that it is just for language, however, if you think that you are totally wrong. You can learn not only English but also academic skills for University such as summary, paraphrasing, note-taking skills and how to write essay. If you have thought that you would study for master or doctoral degree, it is really good choice to study English through ELS program. Moreover, you can also experience real culture of the US and make many friends in the world. Don't hesitate. Choose ELS program! It will give you many opportunities!
January 19, 2012
I have decided to come to ELS because I wanted to learn English easily. I have been here for eight months. My plan after I finish is to go to the University and study the bachelor degree here in USA. I made a lot of friends from China, Thailand, Brazil, Venezuela, and Saudi Arabia. My favorite part in ELS is the Friday party which is the last day of the session. I liked all my teachers and I love all of them. I enjoyed the most when we went to Chicago downtown because in that day was my 21st birthday and we enjoyed all together. I enjoyed the time here in ELS and I won't forget these amazing days all of my life.
November 23, 2010
November 22, 2010
Hi, I am Deyse, from Brazil. Now, I am studying in ELS Dekalb. I am really happy here. My teachers are very nice. I can say that this is a big experience in my life!
November 22, 2010
I like ELS/DeKalb because they have good teachers and a lot of activities. The activities and the teachers help me to improve my language. I have been here for only 2 months, but I have learned a lot of new words. And I have learned more and more English and culture from the other international students. I can say that I have not thought about Libya, because ELS feels like my family. I think that's why ELS is different from other schools.
November 22, 2010
My name is Jun Sub from South Korea. I have been at the DeKalb center about 2 months. It is a new center which was opened on September 13. There aren't many people now, so I can learn English more intensively. Because there aren't many people now, I can also get along with all other international students and can make a close relationship with them. This center is at NIU(Northern Illinois University), so I can use many facility such as health club, soccer field(indoor) and participate in outdoor activity like canoeing, climbing and camping. We can communicate with many American students in these places. I think the DeKalb center is a very good place to study English and learn American culture.
November 22, 2010
Hi, my name is Alice. I'm from Gabon. I have been at ELS DeKalb at Northern Illinois University for a month. It is a great experience. First of all I was afraid to talk with other people, but by the time, I discovered them, they were very cheerful and kind to me. We did a lot of interesting activities like playing football, visiting the haunted house, discovering American culture etc. Also, teachers are very good and fascinating. To finish, the environment in NIU DeKalb is very beautiful with animals and trees etc. The students are open minded and able to help us if needed. I recommend to everyone to have the same great experience I have had in ELS DeKalb at Northern Illinois University.
May 11, 2012
ELS DeKalb was invited to visit the semi-annual ELS Chicago College Fair! Over 30 ELS DeKalb students had the opportunity to meet and talk with recruiters from over 20 universities that partner with ELS Langauge Centers!
March 23, 2012
ELS DeKalb celebrated the end of Session 3 with a graduation and certificate ceremony, fun prizes. ELS DeKalb also said goodbye to one of our favorite instructors, Dr. Wright who retired.
March 12, 2012
ELS DeKalb took a fun trip to downtown Chicago to see the famous Willis Tower Skydeck! At 1,353 feet in the air, the Ledge’s glass boxes extend out 4.3 feet from Skydeck.
March 6, 2012
ELS students had a private tour of the Northern Illinois University Asian American Center with its director, Michelle Bringas! ELS students got VIP access to its facilities, along with a great discussion about NIU and what it has to offer to International students.
February 24, 2012
ELS DeKalb celebrated students with perfect attendance and academic progress (and graduation!) for session 3!
February 24, 2012
ELS took a trip to the famous research facility, Fermilab in Batavia. Fermilab is particle acceleration laboratory researching atom collision.
February 13, 2012
ELS Dekalb went rock climbing at Vertical Endeavors!
February 1, 2012
ELS DeKalb celebrated the end of the first session of 2012 with awards and breakfast!
January 23, 2012
ELS DeKalb students enjoyed an evening of bowling, billiards, and pizza!
December 22, 2011
In celebration of the holidays, all ELS Language Centers in the United States, Canada and Australia, plus Princeton Headquarters, will be closed on several different days. Read more to find out.
Dear ELS Students,
With the close of 2011, ELS reflects with deep appreciation on your choice to attend ELS Language Centers. We would like to take this opportunity to again say thank you. It is truly rewarding to work with all of you in our common goal of enabling you to fulfill your career and life goals through education.
In celebration of the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays, all ELS Language Centers in the United States, Canada and Australia, plus Princeton Headquarters, will be closed on several different days.
Please refer to the following grid as a guide to which days our various units will be closed:
Regular class schedules will resume on Tuesday, December 27 in the USA (Wednesday, December 28 in Canada and Australia) and on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 (in all locations).
ELS wishes you a wonderful holiday season, and much success in 2012!
Sincerely,
The ELS team
December 21, 2011
ELS Students celebrated the upcoming holidays by decorating Christmas cookies!
December 14, 2011
NIU celebrates diversity in Dekalb through the 12th annual Parade of Flags. ELS students participated by giving presentations about their home countries to 5th graders from local elementary schools.
November 18, 2011
Calling All Merit Scholars! We are proud to present our ELS 50th Anniversary University Tuition Scholarship in celebration of Fifty (50) Years of ELS Leadership in International Education.
If you meet the minimum grade point average (GPA) and several other requirements, ELS will award 50 percent of your ELS Language Centers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) tuition. The ELS 50th Anniversary University Tuition Scholarship will be paid directly into your student account at the ELS Host Institution or AEC member that issued your CLA, making the process simple and official.
Contact an ELS-authorized Counseling Agent, who will ensure that you follow the admissions process properly, meeting all scholarship terms and conditions. Participating ELS university partners are as follows:
October 21, 2011
ELS has expanded to now include pathways to tertiary institutions in Australia!
ELS provides a full range of English training programs, as well as pathways to over 40 institutions in Australia, including prestigious and popular institutions like Macquarie University, University of Western Sydney, University of Newcastle, University of Wollongong, TAFE New South Wales and Le Cordon Bleu.
Now over 650 schools, colleges, TAFE, and universities worldwide accept the ELS certificate of completion as evidence of English proficiency, and fulfilling the English language requirement for admission.
For more information please visit ELS Universal English College and UniversityGuideOnline.org
October 12, 2011
ELS Now Provides Higher Education Pathways from India to the US, Australia and Canada.
For more information, please visit ELS.in
September 21, 2011
Learn more about the wide range of program and center options ELS offers, by checking out our 2012 e-brochure!
Read it here: www.els.edu/2012Brochure
June 16, 2011
ELS is excited to celebrate our 50th anniversary of leadership in international education in 2011!
Learn more about our celebration here: http://www.els.edu/en?s=50th
Information about living on the NIU campus while you study at ELS Dekalb
Provides a brief description of ELS, our Programs and the DeKalb ELS Language Center. The flyer also offers some specific attributes of the university, its programs and other helpful information.
© Copyright 2012 ELS Educational Services, Inc., 400 Alexander Park, Princeton, N.J. 08540 USA, a Berlitz company
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