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ELS Language Centers at Dominican University: Chicago (IL)

Lewis Annex, 2nd Floor, 7900 West Division Street, River Forest, IL 60305, USA
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Special offer

NZ$ 323 discount for all courses and accommodations from 12-52 weeks Show details »

ELS Language Centers at Dominican University: Chicago (IL) offers the following course types:

starting at
NZ$ 987

starting at
NZ$ 3,131

starting at
NZ$ 3,224

starting at
NZ$ 3,575

starting at
NZ$ 3,677

starting at
NZ$ 5,173

starting at
NZ$ 6,233
school

School description

ELS/Chicago is on the gorgeous campus of Dominican University, only 25 minutes from downtown Chicago. Cultural activities include the Lyric Opera, the Museum Campus (Aquarium, Planetarium, Natural History Museum), the Art Institute of Chicago, an exciting nightlife scene and world-class sporting events. The “Magnificent Mile” and Navy Pier offer stores and restaurants within walking distance of beautiful Lake Michigan.

Accreditations

Facilities

  • Cultural Trips
  • IELTS Test Center
  • TOEFL Test Center
  • Eating Area
  • Free Internet
  • Wireless Internet
  • Computers
  • Studying Area
  • Audio Learning

Teacher qualifications

Teachers with English teaching certification
All
Teachers with college degrees
All

Nationality and age mix

The nationality and age mix at ELS Language Centers at Dominican University: Chicago (IL) varies over different time periods, courses and levels. Throughout the year, the average age is 23. In the summer, the average age is 21.

ELS teaches students from all over the world, including:

Japan
35%
China
17%
Brazil
10%
Saudi Arabia
9%
South Korea
9%
Spain
5%
Turkey
5%
Other
10%

School holidays

ELS does not hold classes on the holiday dates below. The school does not compensate for these holidays, so make sure to choose your start date accordingly.

Open dates
Year round
School holidays
18 Apr 2025, 26 May 2025, 19 Jun 2025, 04 Jul 2025, 01 Sep 2025, 27 Nov 2025 - 28 Nov 2025, 24 Dec 2025, 25 Dec 2025

School location

Area Description
As the third largest city in the U.S., Chicago offers a variety of cultural activities including the Lyric Opera, Symphony Orchestra, world-famous Art Institute and an exciting nightlife ranging from blues and jazz venues to comedy clubs. Chicago's "Magnificent Mile" offers an international showcase of famous architecture, elegant shops and superb restaurants within walking distance to the beautiful shoreline of Lake Michigan. ELS/Chicago is situated on the beautiful Dominican University campus, just 30 minutes from downtown Chicago and minutes from the birthplace of Ernest Hemingway and the site of the Frank Lloyd Wright home and studio. The tree-lined streets in their seasonal colors encourage joggers, strollers, and afternoon walks with family and friends.

Area Attractions
River Forest is walking-distance to shops & restaurants
Chicago's Magnificent Mile, blues, jazz and comedy clubs, world-class museums and symphony and professional sports
Lake Michigan shoreline and Navy Pier complex (entertainment, amusement park, dining, and shopping)
Ice skating, skiing, concerts, top-notch shopping (Apple, Nike, Louis Vuitton, luxury outlets)
Indiana Dunes State Park
24 shoreline beaches
Navy Pier dining and shopping
Near professional sporting events: Bulls, Cubs, Sox, Blackhawks, Fire, and Bears
Close to world-class museums, theatres, concert halls
Ski slopes and water parks

Local Transportation

This suburban campus is centrally located, with easy access to downtown via the Green line and Chicago O'Hare International Airport via the Blue line. The campus is also convenient to a variety of CTA and Pace buses, as well as a free shuttle to the main campus and apartments.

Take a video tour

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photos

Photos

  • Building of ELS Language Centers at Dominican University: Chicago (IL) 1/9
  • Building of ELS Language Centers at Dominican University: Chicago (IL) 2/9
  • Building of ELS Language Centers at Dominican University: Chicago (IL) 3/9
  • Building of ELS Language Centers at Dominican University: Chicago (IL) 4/9
  • Campus 5/9
  • City of Chicago 6/9
  • City of Chicago 7/9
  • Entrance to ELS Language Centers at Dominican University: Chicago (IL) 8/9
  • Rooms 9/9
reviews

Reviews

100% recommend

based on 7 reviews
5 stars
3
4 stars
3
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing

"It was excellent !"

Sayuki Hirotomi, student from USA

Teachers answered all questions from everyone. All classes were so fun. After class I went to downtown with my classmates.My host family are so kind and friendly. I had a great time there.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
13 Aug 2018 - 7 Sep 2018
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Perfect staff and wonderful classes"

Aisha Abdulaziz Abubshait, student from USA

I am fortunate that I studied at this school .I learned with the best teachers and housing varied teaching strategies. I know an international students who have an amazing experience with ELS. Thanks for everything.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
11 weeks
Date of study
19 Jun 2017 - 8 Sep 2017
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Perfect environment in order to learn English."

Edgar Munoz, student from Colombia

The teachers are very good because they prepared for their classes. The location is excellent because students have the chance to interact with other American students from the university.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
7 weeks
Date of study
1 Apr 2013 - 24 May 2013
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Wasn't expected"

Dong Hyun Lee, student from Mexico

The experience was good. I was looking for something like business, speaking, listening but It was different because it was like a school.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
1 Apr 2013 - 26 Apr 2013
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Intense and valuable week to improve my English skills."

Ricardo Gentile Rocha , student from Brazil

As a general overview, I really liked the course. The first day was somewhat tedious, but was quickly adjusted in the following days, making the course become very pleasant. The teachers were extremely professional. They are very well prepared, dedicated, and really good at their jobs. The location and facilities are good. I would recommend a wireless connection. We had some difficulties when it was planned to use internet as a support in classes. About the city, I am very happy to have chose Chicago, the city is amazing and people are kind.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Date of study
21 Oct 2013 - 25 Oct 2013
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"It was very nice."

Rachel Paranhos, student from Brazil

I had a private class, so sometimes I felt bothered. However, all of the teachers were very good; there was just one that I did not like. I had a problem with him, but it was solved quickly. The location was perfect. My host mother was perfect, too. She drove me to school every day.
Thank you for everything!

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
3 Jun 2013 - 14 Jun 2013
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Now I know what I want!"

Ksenia Mukhanova, student from Russia

I am working at the American Center in Moscow and this English course was really important for me. I was in Chicago only 4 weeks, to tell the truth, for it was not enough. But after this trip I feel more confident while talking to Americans at my work. I think that this is a big progress. I want to say thank you for an amazing hosting family, Anne (I do not remember her last name, she lives 1716 North Natoma Avenue, Chicago, IL 60707). She is very interesting woman. She tried to help in everything, explained what I wanted to know and she cooked wonderfulyl. And she lived close to the courses, so I could even get there by foot. Among teachers I very much liked Melissa. She is a great teacher. She gave so much. She works like she really want to give us knowledge.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
4 weeks
Date of study
15 Oct 2012 - 9 Nov 2012
Age group
35 - 49
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.
housing

Housing

ELS offers the following housing types:
homestay

Homestay - Single-person room - Breakfast and dinner

NZ$ 745
weekly
Age range: 16 years old and older
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Distance to school: 30 minutes
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
NZ$ 745
Description:

Many of the ELS\Chicago homestays are located within walking distance from the ELS center in the historic neighborhoods of the local community. Most students walk or bike to school. Located on the outskirts of Chicago, homestays provide students with a safe and quiet place to live and experience American life during the week and the chance to explore downtown Chicago on the weekends.

These communities are connected by an extensive public transportation network of buses, trains, and two subway lines, which provide easy access to the ELS Center and downtown Chicago, which is fewer than 30 minutes away. The local community also provides a wide variety of grocery stores, restaurants, and shops within walking distance of most host families.

Meals:

14 meals per week. ELS host families serve a variety of healthy American and international dishes. Families are generally happy to accommodate students' preferences and to prepare foods based on lifestyle choices and cultural sensitivities.
student-residence

Chicago Student residence (off-campus) - 2-person shared room - No meals

NZ$ 718
weekly
Age range: 18 years old and older
Address: 479 N. Harlem Ave Oak Park, Chicago, IL 60301, United States
Location: Outside the city center of Chicago
Housing type: Student residence (off-campus)
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: No meals
Facilities: Kitchen and laundry
Distance to school: 15 - 30 minutes by bus
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
NZ$ 718
ELS’s Chicago Student Residence is an apartment-style accommodation offering double occupancy rooms, in two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments close to shops, movie theater, bookstore, and a variety of restaurants. The residence is located within 30 minutes’ walking distance, or 15 minutes by public transportation from the ELS center.
visa

Visa support

We cannot apply for visas on behalf of students. However, the school can supply you with all the documentation you need to support your visa application.

If you are studying full time in the United States for more than 18 hours per week, you will receive an I-20 that you need to submit to the US embassy along with your F-1 student visa application. The I-20 has a SEVIS tracking number on it. Students who wish to apply for a student visa must pay the SEVIS fee online before going to the US embassy or consulate for their visa interview.

Your I-20 will be sent to your home address by regular mail at no charge to you.

Please note that United States law states that an I-20 can only be issued to students who intend to pursue full-time English language studies. United States law does not permit students to study part-time with an F-1 Student Visa. If you are studying for less than 18 hours per week, you have to apply for a Visitor Visa (B1/B2) on your own.

Learn more about how to get a US student visa »

Visit the US Department of State website »

Flights and airport transfer

The closest airport to the school is Chicago O'Hare International Airport (OHR).

The school offers airport pickup services. If you wish to be picked up, just give us your flight details and arrival date. The price of a one-way airport transfer from Chicago O'Hare International Airport is $135. You must book your airport transfer in advance when you register.

Please note that we do not book flights for our students. If you are researching airfare costs, we recommend using Kayak.com, a search engine that lets you compare flight options from your home country to Chicago based on your budget, schedule and preferences.

Travel insurance

Study abroad worry-free with Language International's health and personal effects insurance coverage. When you book a course with us, you can opt to purchase an international insurance plan that covers not only your health care cost but also loss of your personal belongings. You must book your insurance in advance when you register.

Learn more about our insurance plan »

Read more...
map

Map

Lewis Annex, 2nd Floor, 7900 West Division Street
River Forest
IL 60305
USA

School location

Area Description
As the third largest city in the U.S., Chicago offers a variety of cultural activities including the Lyric Opera, Symphony Orchestra, world-famous Art Institute and an exciting nightlife ranging from blues and jazz venues to comedy clubs. Chicago's "Magnificent Mile" offers an international showcase of famous architecture, elegant shops and superb restaurants within walking distance to the beautiful shoreline of Lake Michigan. ELS/Chicago is situated on the beautiful Dominican University campus, just 30 minutes from downtown Chicago and minutes from the birthplace of Ernest Hemingway and the site of the Frank Lloyd Wright home and studio. The tree-lined streets in their seasonal colors encourage joggers, strollers, and afternoon walks with family and friends.

Area Attractions
River Forest is walking-distance to shops & restaurants
Chicago's Magnificent Mile, blues, jazz and comedy clubs, world-class museums and symphony and professional sports
Lake Michigan shoreline and Navy Pier complex (entertainment, amusement park, dining, and shopping)
Ice skating, skiing, concerts, top-notch shopping (Apple, Nike, Louis Vuitton, luxury outlets)
Indiana Dunes State Park
24 shoreline beaches
Navy Pier dining and shopping
Near professional sporting events: Bulls, Cubs, Sox, Blackhawks, Fire, and Bears
Close to world-class museums, theatres, concert halls
Ski slopes and water parks

Local Transportation

This suburban campus is centrally located, with easy access to downtown via the Green line and Chicago O'Hare International Airport via the Blue line. The campus is also convenient to a variety of CTA and Pace buses, as well as a free shuttle to the main campus and apartments.

questions

Questions and answers

Have questions? Get answers from ELS Language Centers at Dominican University: Chicago (IL) staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.

Ask a question

"Can you gurantee whether a student's classes can be scheduled either for the morning or the afternoon?"

Frida Test, student from USA

We cannot guarantee whether the schedule will be morning or afternoon; it all depends on availability

Was this helpful? Yes

"Can a student take the regular adult course for just one week?"

Oliver Rizzo, ELS Language Centers school representative (Student Services Coordinator Housing & Airport Pickup A Centers)

No. Our regular adult programs are 4-weeks long. The student can elect for private lessons for a week instead.

Was this helpful? Yes

"What sort of visa is required for this course?"

Gabriela Bertinetti, student from Italy

Our Executive Programs does not issue a certificate in the sense of our regular academic program and we categorize these as professional development/ training sessions. The student with valid tourist/business visas are welcome to come to the US and attend any of our executive courses. If the Executive does not have a business/tourist visa and the program will be sponsored by his/her employer, the sponsor must submit a financial guarantee letter covering educational and living expenses. If the program will covered by the Executive, we require a bank statement or a letter in English from a bank showing sufficient funds (cash or savings account with current date) is acceptable evidence and copy of passport. ELS will then issue a Form I-20 for use in applying for a student visa.

Was this helpful? Yes

"Can a Swiss student take this course on a toursit visa or do they require a student visa?"

We always recommend that students come on a proper visa and it’s up to the student to make that decision. While the majority of our students come on an F-1 student visa, some choose otherwise. Unless otherwise instructed by the authorities, at the present time LSI will accept enrollments of individuals in any course of study should they present themselves at the school with a visa other than an F-1. In this case, the individual assumes all responsibility for the maintenance of their legal immigration status in the United States.

Persons with Tourist Visas may be allowed to study at the school if their reason for being in the US is tourism and their course is incidental to this, subject to the determination of the Port of Entry officer. According to <http://travel.state.gov> http://travel.state.gov: Enrollment in a short recreational course of study, which is not for credit toward a degree or academic certificate, is permitted on a visitor (B) visa.

The student should be aware that if he or she chooses to travel on a tourist visa or visa waiver but tells immigration that he or she is coming here to study, the immigration officer at the Port of Entry (airport) may ask for a student visa which the student does not have. In this case, the student may not be allowed entry to the United States.

Please use this link for any other questions regarding visas: <http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html> http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html

Was this helpful? Yes

"Does ELS offer a pre-arrival test?"

Robert Bosshard, student from Switzerland
Oliver Rizzo, ELS Language Centers school representative (Student Services Coordinator Housing & Airport Pickup A Centers)

ELS does offer a pre-arrival test. The test is also only offered at approved ELS agency locations and it does not guarantee the level placement as it is used as an estimate only. The student would still need to take the placement test upon arrival which would determine if the student is eligible for the Business English Program.

Was this helpful? Yes

"Can a student study for 52 weeks on a tourist visa?"

Elman Sofiyev, SOLEX College school representative

No, they will need a student's visa.

Was this helpful? Yes

"Do you have availability for tweo girls sharing in on-campus residence?"

Valeria Gigli, student from Italy
Oliver Rizzo, ELS Language Centers school representative (Student Services Coordinator Housing & Airport Pickup A Centers)

We do have availability on-campus. The dormitory rooms are single so the two girls would nto be able to stay together. N

Was this helpful? Yes
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