Estimated cost includes tuition and housing costs only. All prices are listed in US Dollars. Program & housing availability as well as cost are subject to change.
Centers & Locations
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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.
American Explorer Program has been added to your estimate.
Cost Per Session
$1290
Douglas Hall-International House(Student On Campus)
Douglas Hall is located on the West Campus near the Student Recreation Center. It is also very close to Huskie Stadium as well as some of NIU’s other athletic fields. The residential floors are located in four five-story wings. Most rooms are double occupancy, with twin bunk beds. Douglas also features the popular dining facility, the Dog Pound Deli.
In-Hall Amenities:
• Dog Pound Deli
• Computer Lab
• Tutoring Center
• Wireless Network in All Lounges
• Honors House
• International House
• Science, Engineering, & Technology (SET) House
Rooms include a bed, closet, desk, chair, microwave, mini-refrigerator, telephone and internet access. Self-service laundry machines are available for a small fee.
Students living in the International House are involved with the Foreign Language Residence Program, domestic students who want to live with international students, have studied abroad, are interested in international issues or international students who have an interest in global issues.
Price per Session
$1190
Occupancy
Double
Minimum Age
17
Airport Pickup
180
Meals / week or Meal Credit
$50 declining balance meal card which can be used at various dining sites on-campus and also off-campus restaurants
Homestays(Homestay)
Host family students are responsible for their personal transportation.
Price per Session
$925
Occupancy
Single
Minimum Age
14
Airport Pickup
180
Meals / week or Meal Credit
14 per week (daily continental breakfast & dinner)
Baseball field
Computer center
Gymnasium
Soccer field
Swimming pool (indoor)
Tennis court(s)
Music practice room(s)
Basketball court(s)
Racquetball/squash Courts
Fitness Center
Wheelchair accessible
Meet the Staff
Wendi Raulie
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.
Dieter Zeschke
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.
Elisabeth Wright
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!
Brendan T Rosenbeg
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.
Jim, South Korea
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.
-Jim,South Korea
Jihun, South Korea
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!
-Jihun,South Korea
Duaa, Saudi Arabia
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.
-Duaa,Saudi Arabia
ELS DeKalb Student from Chile
November 23, 2010
Deyse, Brazil
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!
Abdulghani, Libya
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.
Abdulghani, Libya
Jun Sub, South Korea
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.
Jun Sub, South Korea
Khalid, Saudi Arabia
November 22, 2010
I was afraid that DeKalb (as a small town) might lack the facilities and activities to enjoy the time while studying, but I was wrong. I have been enjoying everything that is available and nearby. All the attractions and shopping centers in the area are on the bus lines. The DeKalb ELS center is located at Northern Illinois University which has great opportunities to get involved in the university activities and programs. DeKalb ELS team is very friendly, highly educated and experts in teaching English as a second language. Over all I advise anyone looking for a quiet nice environment while learning English to join ELS DeKalb.
- Khalid, Saudi Arabia
Alice, Gabon
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.
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!
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.
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.
This scholarship is a special recognition for students like you--with outstanding academic achievement in your undergraduate, graduate, and/or secondary school.
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:
ELS has expanded to now include pathways to tertiary institutions in Australia!
Interested in studying in Australia? Choose from ELS Universal English College in beautiful Sydney or the new center opening in May 2012 in Brisbane, located on the campus of Metropolitan South institute (MSIT) of TAFE.
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.
ELS Now Provides Higher Education Pathways from India to the US, Australia and Canada.
Last Thursday marked the opening of ELS International Pathways office in Chennai, India! This momentous next step for ELS was celebrated with traditional Indian foods, Indian dance performances and presentations of the history of ELS and the new mission of ELS in India. We will provide objective education counseling to help students achieve their higher education goals in the USA, Canada and Australia.
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.
