ELS Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at Saint Joseph’s University

Learn English in Philadelphia on a university campus with ELS Language Centers.

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Discover ELS Philadelphia

Learn English in the buzzing heart of University City in Philadelphia, where college town feel meets metropolitan energy, all infused with vibrant arts, culture, and community.

Centrally located, next to downtown Philadelphia on the stunning, University City campus of Saint Joseph’s University, our English school in Philadelphia makes its home in the fifth-largest city in the country. Popular for its historical sites, the city attracts nearly 40 million visitors per year.

Using the city’s extensive public transportation system, students can enjoy Philadelphia’s culture, iconic sights, professional sports, dining, shopping, and entertainment. When students are not participating in English courses in Philadelphia, they can visit tourist attractions, historical sights, food markets, bars, and artistic and cultural attractions.

Learn English in Philadelphia at ELS
on the campus of

The nationally recognized private Saint Joseph’s University offers over 40 academic majors, including some top-ranked programs like Marketing. ELS students have complete access to the campus facilities, which include both academic and non-academic offerings. Whether it’s using the modern computer labs for extra studying or going for a swim in the indoor pool, this institution offers it all.

Planning to transfer to an American college or university after your studies? Upon successful completion of ELS Intensive English level 112, you will fulfill the English language entry requirement for conditional admission to Saint Joseph’s University, as well as additional nearby partner colleges and universities.

Explore Saint Joseph's University

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Why you should Choose
ELS Philadelphia for Your English
Learning Experience

Learn English surrounded by the youthful innovative energy of the safe University City neighborhood, in the diverse and dynamic metropolis of Philadelphia, the birthplace of America.
Get an American student experience as you learn English while connecting with Saint Joseph University students around campus and while you use SJU facilities.
Enjoy easy access to the buzz of downtown Philly, and to the city’s many iconic landmarks, museums, zoos, sporting events, and cultural institutions.
Choose from our range of English classes and programs tailored to match your learning goals, whether you’re aiming for intensive Academic English or more flexible study options.
Learn with our renowned, high-quality curriculum and supportive teachers. ELS Intensive English levels 109 and 112 meet the English language entry requirement for over 600 colleges and universities across the USA, including Saint Joseph’s University.

Unique opportunities at
Saint Joseph’s University

American Conversation Partnerships

ELS students can connect with current SJU students to practice their English conversation.

FREE SJU Class Visits

Once you’ve reached ELS level 109, we can arrange class visits for you at no cost so you can see what it’s like to learn at Saint Joseph’s University.

University Scholarships for ELS Students

Planning to study at SJU after you complete your ELS studies? Take advantage of scholarships to help with your tuition fees and other costs.

IELTS Testing Center

Planning to take the IELTS test? ELS Philadelphia is an official IELTS Test center.

Learn More

Explore the ELS Philadelphia Campus

Important Campus Info

John Catlett
ELS Chicago Center Director

John Catlett started with ELS in 2018 as a teacher, then Academic Director, and now Center Director. A lover of languages and veteran Spanish and ESL teacher since 2005, John has always worked to center our success on the student experience. If his door is open, he welcomes you to come in.

17

Years Old

MINIMUM AGE
12-15

Students

AVERAGE
PER CLASS
18

Students

MAXIMUM
PER CLASS

ELS Philadelphia | Saint Joseph’s University Campus Facilities

The ELS Philadelphia Center is located on SJU's University City Campus. Facilities may be located on this campus or on the Hawk Hill campus, easily accessible by shuttle bus.

BASKETBALL COURT
INDOOR TRACK
CAFETERIA
UNIVERSALLY ACCESSIBLE CENTER
UNIVERSALLY ACCESSIBLE CLASSROOMS
COMPUTER LAB
PAID PARKING AT UNIVERSITY
FITNESS CENTER
GYMNASIUM
J.W. ENGLAND LIBRARY
STUDENT HEALTH CENTER
COUNSELING &
PSYCHOLOGY SERVICES
WI-FI
ARBORETUM
SHUTTLES

An aerial view of the courtyard at Saint Joseph's University, the host institution for ELS Language Centers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

Campus

Whitecar Hall

McNeil Science and Technology Center

J.W. England Library

Fitness Center

Gymnasium

Wilson Cafeteria

Table Tennis

Foosball

Classroom

Computer Lab

Alumni Classroom

Things to do in Philadelphia

Explore Philadelphia's top attractions to make your English study experience unforgettable.

Fairmount Park

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Fairmount Park, a 2,000-acre green oasis featuring beautiful rolling hills, woodlands, and tranquil waterfronts. Enjoy the park’s amazing scenic walks, recreational activities, and cultural events.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Explore an extensive collection of art spanning various periods and cultures at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Outside the museum, make sure to take a run up the “Rocky” steps made famous in the classic movie starring Sylvester Stallone.

Independence National Historical Park

Dive into American history by visiting Independence National Historical Park. Explore iconic landmarks such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, gaining insights into the nation's foundation.

Reading Terminal Market

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Reading Terminal Market, a bustling hub for food enthusiasts. Indulge in diverse culinary delights, from local specialties to international flavors.

Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Stroll down the Ben Franklin Parkway, a picturesque boulevard lined with cultural institutions, museums, and beautiful fountains and a sculpture garden. Enjoy the architectural splendor and artistic richness of this renowned avenue.

Philadelphia Magic Gardens

Explore a whimsical wonderland at Philadelphia Magic Gardens. This mosaic art environment provides a unique and visually stunning experience created by artist Isaiah Zagar along a half city block.

Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk

Go for a run or walk along the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk, a scenic riverside route with skyline views. Enjoy green spaces, public art installations, museums, shops and craft breweries along this stunning suburban trail.

Philadelphia Zoo

Check out America’s first zoo, home to almost 1300 animals, and stretching over 42-acres. The Philadelphia Zoo features a unique “Zoo360” experience where zoo animals like big cats and monkeys roam freely around overhead trails that can be seen from below.

ELS Philadelphia
Student Residence Accommodation

The Living & Learning Commons, or LLC, is a 426-bed, mixed-use residence hall located on SJU’s University City location. It features double-occupancy rooms with private bathrooms; laundry, lounge and study spaces on each floor; Residence Life staff apartments and offices; state-of-the-art classrooms; retail spaces; TV and game rooms; and an open-air plaza. The LLC also incorporates numerous sustainable design features which earned a Green Globe rating. American students live in the same building.

living-and-learning-commons-philadelphia

$375

Cost per week
Double

Occupancy
Meals not included

A full kitchen with a stove is available
17+

Minimum Age
Off Campus

Get to the ELS campus in just five minutes by walking.

Discover ELS English Programs in Philadelphia

Intensive English

Our most complete English learning experience, designed to develop your language proficiency to support success in English-speaking higher education, business, or in any activity where you need to speak English well. Choose this program if you plan to attend one of the 600+ colleges that recognize ELS level 109 or 112 for language entry.

Discover our Intensive English program

Semi-Intensive English

Make English language development a priority while still leaving plenty of time to discover local culture and activities. Enjoy four daily English lessons designed to quickly improve your English communication skills. Outside the classroom, connect with locals and discover the attractions in your USA study city.

Discover our Semi-Intensive English program

American Explorer

The American Explorer Program offers a casual English learning experience while providing plenty of free time for local discovery and American cultural immersion. Designed for the curious explorer, this relaxed study program will help you improve your English to enrich a short-term study adventure.

Discover our American Explorer program

English for Executives

English for Executives is built to cater to the unique needs of business executives and professionals. Combine group classes designed to build comprehensive English skills with private lessons tailored to your specific learning needs and business communication goals. Available for individuals or for teams.

Discover our English for Executives program

Super Intensive English Program

A fully customizable, one-on-one course designed for executives and professionals to quickly gain proficiency in business English. Choose 15, 20 or 30 lessons per week, and schedule this flexible program at a time that fits around your professional and personal commitments.

Discover our Super Intensive English Program program

Where to Find ELS Philadelphia

ELS Philadelphia is located on the Campus of Saint Joseph’s University:

600 S. 43rd St,
Whitecar Hall Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, United States
19104
(215) 596-8811
phi@ELS.edu

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