ELS LANGUAGE CENTER
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA

About This Center

Centrally located, adjacent to downtown Philadelphia on the stunning, University City campus of Saint Joseph’s University, English Language Center Philadelphia is located 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 studying English courses in Philadelphia, they can visit tourist attractions, historical sights, food markets, bars, and artistic and cultural attractions.

Minimum Age: 17

Learn English at Saint Joseph’s University

IELTS Testing Available

This location is an IELTS testing center and offers computer-based testing. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is recognized by more than 10,000 institutions in over 140 countries. Thousands of universities accept the IELTS as proof of English proficiency as an admissions requirement.

Learn more or book an IELTS test

English Language Center Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Housing Options

Living & Learning Commons

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.

Cost per Week: $375

Occupancy: Double room

Meal Credits: No meals included. A full kitchen with a stove is available.

Minimum Age: 17

Homestay*

Students are placed in single occupancy rooms and might share a bathroom. Travel time to and from homestays varies, but it usually takes between 10 and 20 minutes walking or via Philadelphia's public bus system. Students also have access to free SJU shuttles and buses. Homestay students are responsible for their own transportation.

Cost per Week: $410

Occupancy: Single

Meal Credits: 14 meals per week

Minimum Age: 17

*Please note that homestay is available until the end of 2023, only and will not be available in 2024.  We will be happy to accommodate you in our student residence.