ENGLISH LANGUAGE

ACADEMY

DePaul University’s

The region’s premiere English language program features intensive instruction and a diverse student population. Classes are small and all are taught

by experienced instructors who hold advanced degrees. ELA prepares students for university study and professional advancement in the global world.

Students at ELA receive lots of individual attention. Tutoring is available and students have full access to DePaul University facilities such as student housing, fitness center, library, and computer labs.

Our campus is in the heart of Chicago.  The “Loop” – as the area is known – is home to a broad range of educational and cultural institutions.  A spectacular variety of entertainment and recreation is available. Nearby, you will find shopping, restaurants, beautiful parks, and a very active student scene.

THE INTENSIVE 

ENGLISH PROGRAM

The Intensive English Program offers five levels of Academic English.
New students receive a thorough English proficiency evaluation to ensure proper level assignment. Students entering the Intensive English Program should have at least low-intermediate English skills.
Classes for this program meet for 18 hours each week. 

ELA offers a range of electives that vary by term.  These include Pronunciation Workshop and Intercultural Communication, as well as university experience electives designed for students with advanced English proficiency and conditional admission to university degree programs.

ELECTIVES

EDUCATIONAL 

PHILOSPHY

The ELA’s comprehensive approach to academic English instruction prepares students for success in university degree programs.
Our program focuses on language skills, university academic and social life, and contemporary American culture with a view toward helping all students prepare for careers in the global community.
We are committed to developing the potential of our students.  Small classes ensure students get individual attention and ELA makes every effort to maintain native language and gender diversity in all classes.

CONDITIONAL 

ADMISSION

UNIVERSITY 

LIFE

All ELA students are eligible for conditional admission to most DePaul University undergraduate degree programs.  Students must meet English proficiency standards prior to matriculation into degree programs.
Conditional admission to selected DePaul University graduate programs is also available.  ELA can assist students in understanding individual program requirements.

Extracurricular activities at ELA are open to students at all levels and provide important opportunities to practice English in authentic interactions.
Activities available include:
    Intramural Sports Teams
    Book Club
    Conversation and Culture Club
    ELA Club (social activities)

Watch the video:

Questions?
    ela@depaul.edu
    +1(312)36a2-6455

Application CHECKLIST

Submit application online 

Application essay

$80 application fee

2016-2017

Academic Calendar - ELA

Term

Application deadline for overseas applicants

Application deadline for applicants within the U.S.

Program begins

Fall Term 2016

Winter Term 2017

Spring Term 2017

Summer Term 2017

July 15

November 7 

February 7  

May 1

August 29

September 1 

December 5

March 6

June 7

January 2

March 27 

June 15

COSTS

10 weeks (Fall, Winter, Spring)

8 weeks (Summer)

Fall: $240 Winter/Spring: $180

Health Insurance
(F-1 visa holders only)

Testing Fee

UPASS

Books (approximate)

Totals:

Tuition

$3,595

$40

$92

$250

Fall: $4,167  Winter/Spring: $4,107

$3,595

$120

$40

$92

$250

$3,797 

Program ends

November 22 

March 17

June 9

August 18

ACADEMY SUPPORT

SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES

The English Language Academy is committed to its students’ learning.  We believe that great lives are created through the power of language and that language is acquired through authentic social interaction with others.  The ELA is a learning community with special programming to help students master English.

•  Extra weekly tutorial lab for pre-academic Foundations

   Level students
•  Individual tutoring for mid-level students needing additional help
•  Outstanding university Writing Center that emphasizes

   non-native speakers’ needs
•  Student led Book Club and Conversation & Culture Club
•  Individual conversation partner opportunities with trained do

   mestic students

•  ELA Club offers field trips and social activities for ELA students
•  ELA students participate in intramural sports at DePaulds
•  ELA students regularly attend DePaul University social events
•  Service Leaning and volunteer opportunities available

The English Language Academy’s location in the cultural heart of Chicago gives ELA students easy access to one of the richest social and cultural experiences available anywhere.  Our students also enjoy broad access to diverse student organizations and activities at DePaul University, one of the ten largest private universities in the United States.

How long does it take to process my application? 

Where will I live? 

How many students attend ELA?

Where are ELA students from?

How many students are there in a classroom?

What kind of transportation is available in Chicago? 

How do I apply to the 

English Language Academy? 

It takes approximately ten business days from the time ELA receives a completed application, including the supporting documents and application fee.

There are many housing options in Chicago for international students. Most ELA  students find their own apartments through apartment finders and friends (we can help you connect). To request DePaul University campus housing contact us.

•  Housing Department
 

Approximately 200

ELA students come from 35 to 40 countries around the world.

There are about 10-14 students 

per class.

Chicago boasts of the second largest rapid transportation system in the U.S. Public transit serves the city and surrounding suburbs with commuter trains, regularly scheduled busses and the famous Chicago “L”.

•  Apply online

FREQUENTLY ASKED

QUESTIONS

Summer English Language & Culture Program

Want to enjoy a beautiful summer in Chicago while improving your English skills? Enroll in our Summer English Language & Cultural Program, where you will study alongside a diverse group of students while learning about American culture and America’s third largest city.

Program Details:

Apply Today!

July 2017

• The program consists of three courses and runs through the month of July.
• Courses and excursions are led by DePaul’s outstanding English Language Academy

   (ELA)  faculty.
• Classes meet Monday through Friday, 15 class hours per week, with excursions every

   Friday afternoon providing students the opportunity to apply their in-class learning as

   they experience the city of Chicago.
• This is a non-credit program.
• A tourist visa will be required.

The $2,664 package rate includes:

• ELA courses
• On-campus housing
• $100 per week for meals
• Public transportation pass for duration of program
• Airport pick-up
• Health Insurance.

Admission requirements:

• Minimum age: 16 years old
• English proficiency requirements: minimum TOEFL iBT 34

SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES

What kind of transportation is available in Chicago? 

Student Services

ELA students are DePaul University students and eligible to receive a variety of student services. A partial listing of important services follows. More detailed information related to these and additional services is available in the ELA office at 25 E. Jackson Blvd., Suite 1700 and in the ELA student handbook that all ELA students receive.

Housing 

& Dorms

Student

Discounts

Dining

Services

Health 

Insurance

Ray Meyer

FITNESS CENTER

Sage 

Medical Clinic

STUDENT 

ORIENTATION

DePaul offers limited on-campus housing for ELA students on our Lincoln Park Campus. Please view the DePaul University Department of Housing web page for more information. 
Other options include homestay, apartments or private dormitories. Please view our Off Campus Housing page for more infomation about those options.

The DePaul University Demon Discounts program offers discounted pricing on a variety of services around the city. The complete

list of discounts is extensive and includes dining, entertainment, retail stores and more. 

DePaul dining services operates full-service, food-court style dining facilities on the Lincoln Park and Loop campuses. The types of food available range from pizza and sandwiches to salad bars and full meals…even sushi! Optional meal plans are available at a variety of pricing levels. 

ELA students are required to carry insurance coverage. This insurance must be acceptable to US health providers, and must be sufficient to cover the major expenses of illness, accident, hospitalization, medical evacuation, and repatriation. ELA students are eligible to enroll in DePaul’s student health plan that is underwritten by ISO. The ELA office can assist students in identifying plans that fit their individual needs.

(ADDITIONAL FEE APPLIES)
ELA students are eligible to join the Ray Meyer Fitness Center. “The Ray” is a four story, state-of-the-art fitness facility that is comparable to the best health clubs in the city. Facilities include indoor pool, gymnasium, modern cardio machines, weight room, auna and more. There is an additional fee of $82/quarter ($41 in Summer) for unlimited access. Day passes are also available for $13.

DePaul University students can also purchase basic health services from the university’s Sage Medical Clinic for $60 per quarter. The clinic provides only minor services. Its services are not sufficient to meet the ELA health insurance requirement. Sage Medical Clinic participation is required for DePaul students living in on-campus residences.

New ELA students participate in a two-day student orientation at DePaul. Important information related to safety is included along with advice related to living in and navigating around the city of Chicago. Students are given a comprehensive tour of the campus to ensure that they know where to go for key services related to being a DePaul student.

Academic 

Services

ELA students receive a professional language placement exam as part of the orientation process for new students. Other ELA academic services include:
•  Directed Tutoring Program for

    Writing and Reading
•  Peer tutoring and conversation

    partners through the University

    Writing Center
•  Undergraduate programs

    advising through the Office of

    International Admissions
•  Graduate programs advising by

    appointment with the ELA

    director

Clubs

& Activiities

ELA students are eligible to join student clubs and activities. The ELA fields intramural teams in Fall, Winter and Spring Quarters (participation fee required). 
DePaul offers over thirty intramural activities. ELA participation is determined by student interest. Soccer, volleyball and basketball are the most common ELA teams. 
Additional opportunities for social engagement within the ELA exist through ELA Club (field trips), The Conversation and Culture Club, and Book Club (not all clubs meet in all terms).  These clubs are student led and organized and are free to join.

Counseling 

Services

The ELA supports the Vincentian mission of DePaul University by creating a nurturing and supportive environment that respects the dignity of all members of our learning community. Our staff works closely and confidentially with University Ministries and the professional psychologists at DePaul University Counseling to address the emotional and mental health needs of ELA students. 

DEPAUL UNIVERSITY ID CARD

ELA students receive DePaul University student ID cards. (Cards are normally issued the Monday after classes begin.) DePaul ID cards give students access to all university facilities such as libraries, computer labs, and public access printers. Many optional services such as meal plans are also accessed using the ID cards. 
Students should carry their ID’s with them at all times when on  the DePaul campuses.

Apply Now

ela.depaul.edu