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Philadelphia, PA

5414 Overbrook Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131
Tel.: (215) 473-4430
On the campus of: Saint Joseph's University

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ELS/Philadelphia is located just 25 minutes from downtown Philadelphia on the beautiful, safe campus of Saint Joseph’s University. Philadelphia, the second-largest city on the East Coast, is a modern yet historic city offering visitors a lively experience in American culture and a wide range of recreational activities.


  • Campus Facility Use
  • Philadelphia’s many historical attractions (Liberty Bell, others)
  • Downtown museums, restaurants, cultural events & sports
  • New York City, Atlantic City, Washington, DC and Niagara Falls are all possible weekend trips.

Fast Facts - Philadelphia

Fast Facts - Philadelphia

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Distance to Key Locations from ELS Center

Location Minutes Transportation Method
Airport 30
Bank 10
Downtown Area 20
Post Office 5
Restaurant(s) 5
Shopping Mall/Outlet 15
Sports Stadium/Center 5
Bus Stop/Subway 5

LEGEND

Walking

Bike

Car

Bus

Train


Electricity

110V 60KHz.
Electric Plug Details

1

2


Programs available at this location

English for Academic Purposes

Achieve English Proficiency for University Study

Cost Per Session
$1730
General English

Communicate Fluently in Social and Business Settings

Cost Per Session
$1650
Semi-Intensive English

Learn English and Explore

Cost Per Session
$1350
American Explorer Program

Learn English on your Personal Vacation

Cost Per Session
$1290
The Complete Prep Program for the TOEFL® iBT

Learn Test Taking Strategies to Achieve the Score you Need

Cost Per Session
$1950

Student Residence Female Dorm Student Residence Male Dorm ELS - Philadelphia Dorm ELS - Philadelphia Dorm ELS - Philadelphia Homestay ELS - Philadelphia Homestay ELS - Philadelphia Homestay ELS - Philadelphia Soccer Team Thanksgiving Dinner at Homestay Christmas Holiday at Homestay

SJU - Rashford Hall(Student On Campus)

Shared bedrooms within 2-bedroom campus apartment-style dorm. Shared bathrooms (2 per apartment). Each apartment offers a furnished living room, dining area, and kitchen and has free cable TV, internet access and local telephone service. Rooms include 2 beds, 2 desks, 2 closets & 2 night tables. Linens are also included. Coin-operated washers and dryers (small fee) are located on each floor. Married couple rooms may be available with advanced notice, but requires that both parties study at ELS. For a flyer with photos please see the pdf file posted to the left. Security: 24-hour Security Desk at entrance; Card access. There is a resident assistant for ELS students. Overflow housing: When Rashford Hall is full, students will be placed in alternative apartment-style housing at the Iroquois Apartments. These two-bedroom, two bathroom apartments are beautifully furnished with every amenity. Just 7 blocks from the university, students may take the free university shuttle bus. A Resident Advisor lives on site to assist students with all of their needs. Students will be notified two weeks before the start of the session if their dormitory assignment is Iroquois Apartments. Please see the flyer in the upper left corner under “Overflow Housing Info.”

Price per Session $1095
Occupancy Double - Contact ELS for Married Couple rate/availability. Both the husband and wife must study at ELS.
Minimum Age 17
Airport Pickup $175
Meals / week or Meal Credit
No meals are included. Most students prepare their meals in their dorm kitchens. If students wish to purchase cafeteria meals, a typical meal would cost $8. There are many restaurants in the area.

Iroquois Apts(Student Off Campus)

Fully furnished apartments with cable TV, DVD players, wireless internet access, Fully-equipped kitchens with dishwashers, garbage disposals, coffee makers, microwaves, all dishes and utensils. A small shopping center is across the street and the university is just 7 blocks away. A free university shuttle bus serves the students, and many university students live at the Iroquois Apartments. There is an ELS Resident Advisor who lives on the premises to help ELS students with all of their needs.

Price per Session $1095
Occupancy Double - Fully furnished apartments with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, living room, dining area and fully-equipped kitchen
Minimum Age 17
Airport Pickup $175
Meals / week or Meal Credit
Meals are not included. Apartments have full kitchens and many restaurants and a supermarket are across the street

Homestays in the area(Homestay)

Host family students are responsible for their personal transportation. Most students walk or take the university shuttle to campus. For a flyer with photos please see the pdf file posted to the left.

Price per Session $1010
Occupancy Single
Minimum Age 17
Airport Pickup $175
Meals / week or Meal Credit
14 meals per week (daily continental breakfast & dinner)

Outside the ELS Building Philadelphia Campus Library Campus Track and Field Aerial Shot of Campus Campus Pool Inside an ELS classroom ELS Class Fitness Center Philadelphia Liberty Bell Philadelphia Art Museum Philadelphia Skyline
  • Baseball field
  • Computer center
  • Gymnasium
  • Ping pong
  • Running track
  • Snack bar
  • Soccer field
  • Swimming pool (indoor)
  • Golf course nearby (fee)
  • Tennis court(s)
  • Language Technology Center (LTC)
  • Health center
  • Basketball court(s)
  • Library
  • Billiards (pool)
  • Racquetball/squash Courts
  • Volleyball court(s)
  • Fitness Center
  • Fitness Classes
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Cafeteria

Meet the Staff

Regina Brown

Regina Brown

Center Director

Regina has overall responsibility for the smooth operation of the center and for ensuring that the students are satisfied with their ELS educational experience. She is always available to assist students and listen to their comments and concerns. Regina and Evren are also responsible for student immigration matters. If you want to take a vacation or leave the United States, you must see Regina or Evren first.

Bernadette McGlynn

Bernadette McGlynn

Academic Director

Bernadette is responsible for the instructional part of the ELS program. In consultation with the instructors, she decides on student placements in a particular level. Students wishing to change their courses or choose an elective class should speak with Bernadette. Any academic concerns should be discussed with her.

Evren Bunul

Evren Bunul

International Student Advisor

Evren is responsible for advising students who are planning to go to certificate programs, community colleges, undergraduate or graduate programs at universities. All students who will do so must make an appointment with Evren beginning with Level 107. If you are an intensive student in Level 107 or above, you may see Evren to arrange to observe a class at Saint Joseph's University. She will help you with choosing a program which is appropriate for you and helping you with the application process. Evren is also able to assist with statements of attendance.

Mayra Forrest

Mayra Forrest

Registrar

Mayra is responsible for student registration and payments. Questions about tuition, housing fees, or dormitory reservation deposits should be discussed with her. Students who want to buy an ELS Dictionary should see Mayra. She will also help you with questions about the ELS medical insurance or making medical appointments.

Susan McKelvey

Susan McKelvey

Homestay Coordinator

Susan is responsible for the Housing program, both for homestays and dormitory placements. She also helps students to sign up for activities and distributes their letters and packages.

Ahmed Alamoudi, Saudi Arabia

August 11, 2011

When I first came to ELS, I didn't think that I will be ready to start my upper studies in such a short period of time. After 9 months of studying at ELS, I didn't just finish level 112, but also got I high score at the TOEFL exam because of the English program at ELS. Now I can speak fluently, read novels, and write many kinds of articles and researches. ELS made my dream comes true. Thank you ELS for everything that you has been giving to us.

Giulia Grazzini, Italy

September 17, 2009

I’m really proud of my choice of ELS Philadelphia. I can’t imagine another way to improve my English than the perfectly organized school and the well prepared teachers. The staff is always available for any requests, to encourage you and help students achieve their academic or professional goals. The whole atmosphere you are surrounded by lets everyone feel comfortable. Another reason why I’m really satisfied with my studies is the amenities the campus offers. I enjoyed not only the efficient library and the up-to-date gym, but also the trips to the close towns of New York, Washington and Boston. In short, this campus location is strategic to study, travel and experience the typical American lifestyle.

- Giulia Grazzini

Ferdi Hizal, Turkey

May 8, 2009

"Before I came to ELS, I was worried about so many things, however, the very friendly and cozy environment of ELS made me forget all my worries right away. When I compare ELS with other language schools, one of the most important differences is that ELS has a more serious education policy than many other schools. I think ELS is the best address for English as a Second Language education."

- Ferdi Hizal, Turkey

Spotlight on ELS/Philadelphia housing

January 11, 2012

ELS Philadelphia offers excellent housing choices, close to the center, Saint Joseph’s University and the many great cultural attractions and commercial opportunities that Philadelphia offers!

Click here for more information on ELS Philadelphia housing.

ELS Philadelphia

ELS at Saint Josephs University

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Wishing you a Happy Holiday!

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:

ELS Holiday Closure Chart

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

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ELS 50th Anniversary University Tuition Scholarship

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.


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:

  • Adelphi University
  • Barry University
  • California Lutheran University
  • Clemson University
  • College of Mount Saint Vincent
  • College of Southern Nevada
  • Concordia University Portland
  • De Anza College
  • Dominican University
  • Dominican University of California
  • Eckerd College
  • Fairleigh Dickinson University
  • Florida Institute of Technology
  • Foothill College
  • Front Range Community College
  • Golden Gate University
  • Grand Valley State University
  • Hawai'i Pacific University
  • Idaho State University
  • Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
  • Lewis University
  • Louisiana Tech University
  • Loyola Marymount University
  • Marquette University
  • Middle Tennessee State University
  • Mount Ida College
  • Northern Illinois University
  • Ohio Dominican University
  • Oklahoma City University
  • Plymouth State University
  • Point Park University
  • Queens University of Charlotte
  • Roger Williams University
  • Saint Joseph's University
  • Southern Arkansas University
  • Southern Polytechnic State University
  • Stetson University
  • Tennessee Tech University
  • University of Arkansas Fort Smith
  • University of Cincinnati
  • University of Houston - Clear Lake
  • University of La Verne
  • University of Mary Washington
  • University of Missouri - St. Louis
  • University of New Haven
  • University of North Dakota
  • University of St. Thomas - Houston
  • University of St. Thomas - Minnesota
  • University of Tampa
  • University of the Incarnate Word
  • University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
  • University of Wyoming

Read more.

ELS International Pathways expanding in Australia

October 21, 2011

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.

For more information please visit ELS Universal English College and UniversityGuideOnline.org

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Higher Education Pathways

October 12, 2011

ELS Now Provides Higher Education Pathways from India to the US, Australia and Canada.




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.

For more information, please visit ELS.in

Read more.

2012 Brochure goes "E"

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

ELS 50th Anniversary

June 16, 2011

ELS is excited to celebrate our 50th anniversary of leadership in international education in 2011!



Get to know us by the numbers ... and by what our students say. It's great to be part of the ELS family!

Learn more about our celebration here: http://www.els.edu/en?s=50th

Read more.

Photos - Philadelphia

April 11, 2011

Downloads

ELS at Saint Josephs University

ELS at Saint Josephs University

Provides a brief description of ELS, our Programs and the Philadelphia ELS Language Center at Saint Joseph University. The flyer also offers some specific attributes of the university, its programs and other helpful information.

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ELS Philadelphia

ELS Philadelphia

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Fast Facts - Philadelphia

Fast Facts - Philadelphia

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Philadelphia Campus Map

Philadelphia Campus Map

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