Learn more about our ESL Program...

What classes are offered?

We offer four levels: Beginner, Low Intermediate, High Intermediate and Advanced. All new students will take a placement test at the start of their first semester to determine the appropriate level. For more information, click here.

How much does the program cost?
For one Fall or Spring semester, tuition is estimated at $5,767 and living expenses are estimated to be $7,020, for a total of $12,787. The actual amount you pay may vary, but students who need the F-1 visa will have to show funding for the total estimated amount. For more information, click here.

When do classes begin?

The Spring 2012 semester begins January 17. View the calendar page to see more information about important dates.

Decided our program is right for you? Great! Now you should fill out our online application...

I'M READY TO APPLY! (click here)

What additional documents must I submit?

• Either your diploma OR transcripts from high school or college.

• Completed Declaration of Finances form (if you need an F-1 visa).

• Bank statement or other financial document(s) that shows you have sufficient funds (if you will need an F-1 visa).

• Passport identification page.

After you are accepted to the ESL program, you should prepare for your arrival at Loyola. Be sure to make arrangements for the following...

Visa

In your application, you told us if you had a visa or would need one. If you will need an I-20 from Loyola in order to get an F-1 student visa, a staff memeber at the Office for International Students & Scholars will be notified to process that for you. They will send the I-20 to the mailing address you provide on the application form, so please make sure that information is accurate. For questions about the I-20 or F-1 visa, please email lsimon2@luc.edu.

Housing

It is important to arrange your housing early, as certain places are not always available. Your housing options depend on what term you will take classes and how long you plan to be enrolled at Loyola. Click on the link for the term you will begin the ESL program.

• Fall and/or Spring

• Summer (not yet available)

Most of your classes will be at the Lakeshore Campus, so if you are arranging your own housing and want to be close to campus, look for places in the Rogers Park and/or Edgewater neighborhoods.

As the time for you to arrive at Loyola gets closer, here are some things to keep in mind...

Customs: When you travel to the U.S., you will be required to fill out an I-94 card, which is a record of your entry into the U.S. The I-94 is a white card where you will fill out your First/Given name, Last/Family name, date of birth and country of citizenship. The immigration officer will stamp the card with your status (F-1 or J-1) and the amount of time you are allowed to stay. For F-1 or J-1 students, the I-94 should show "D/S" which means "Duration of Stay". Keep the I-94 in your passport. You will also have to stop at Customs & Border Patrol at the airport to have your I-20 (for F-1 students) or DS-2019 (for J-1 students) stamped for entry. Again, this should be stamped with "D/S".

Transportation from the Airport: If you are traveling from outside the U.S., you will arrive at O’Hare International Airport. While it is possible to take public transportation from the airport to your housing, it can take a long time and be very confusing. We recommend following the signs to the Taxi stand, where they can call a taxi for you. It is a good idea to have the address of your destination written down so you can give it to the taxi driver. Make sure ahead of time that you will be able to access the residence hall or apartment where you will be living when you arrive. If you cannot get into the building right away, you should make arrangements to stay at a hotel or hostel until you can get into your residence.

Campus: Your classes will be held on Loyola’s Lakeshore Campus. You can view a campus map here: http://www.luc.edu/campusmap.shtml.

Placement Test and Orientation: You should receive information about taking the placement test and your orientation before you arrive a Loyola. These events will take place the week before classes are scheduled to start. The placement test will be held in the Sullivan Center for Student Services on the Lakeshore Campus. You can find more information on the calendar page.

Billing: You can set up your billing information before you arrive at Loyola. You can also do this after you arrive on campus. You will not be charged for your classes or housing until after taking the placement exam before classes start. For billing and payment questions, contact the Office of the Bursar.