Loyola University Chicago

ESL summer students who are US citizens or permanent residents can take single courses or any combination, although afternoon classes are limited to full time students unless space is available.  International students on F-1 visas must study full time (10 credit hours), and the F-1 visa is required for anyone who is coming to the United States for the purpose of studying.  Classes are open to all English learners, including Loyola degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students, other members of the Loyola community, and non-Loyola students. Students who have been admitted or who have been conditionally admitted to Loyola degree programs are welcome.

Applicants must fulfill the following requirements for admission into the English as a Second Language (ESL) program:

STEP #1: Complete the ESL Summer Application (PDF).

• Deadline for F-1 visa applicants: May 12, 2008
• Deadline for transfer or non-visa applicants: June 16, 2008

STEP #2: In addition to the ESL Summer application, applicants must provide:

• Proof of secondary or high-school completion: A high-school diploma or a university transcript. Photocopies are acceptable.
• Proof of English skills  ** A photocopy of a grade report showing successful completion of intermediate level classes is sufficient.
• Verification of funding for an F-1 visa for international students.  For more information, see Student Visa Information. The amount that must be shown on the bank statement for Summer is $4,900 which covers the funds you will need for university expenses, room and board, but not health insurance.   U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement requires that those coming to the US for the purpose of studying have an F-1 student visa. B tourist visa holders are not permitted to study except for "recreational and avocational purposes."   If a sponsor in Chicago will be providing room and board, the bank statement can be for the university expenses alone ($2,900) but must be accompanied by a letter from the sponsor specifying the support.
• Copy of a valid passport for F-1 international students.
• Non-refundable application fee of $25 in US dollars, by check or money order payable to Loyola University Chicago.

** Because we do not offer beginning or intermediate-level courses, prospective Loyola students applying to the ESL program must have a firm grasp of level and abilities.  You must prove that your English skills are at least "low advanced" before we are able to accept you into the program and issue an I-20. 

We want you to succeed in the program. Therefore, we will require a placement test upon arrival and before you register for classes.  If your skills do not match the minimum requirements for the ESL program at Loyola, we will release you to transfer to another program in the Chicago area or to a school of your choosing with instruction at the appropriate level where you will be able to make good progress.

STEP #3: Send your application and the required materials to Loyola University Chicago ESL (mailing address below).  

It is best to send all application documents at the same time and in a single package. For international mailing, the large express mail companies (such as DHL or FedEx) are generally faster and more reliable than regular post. 

Mailing Addresses

U.S. Postal Service:
ESL Program
Office for International Programs
Loyola University Chicago
6525 North Sheridan Road
Chicago, IL 60626

DHL, FedEx and UPS:
ESL Program
Office for International Programs
Sullivan Center for Student Services
6339 N. Sheridan Rd.
Chicago, IL 60660

STEP #4: For students who require a visa, when you receive your I-20, go to your local U.S. consulate and obtain your student visa.

STEP #5: For information about getting to Chicago and finding a place to live, see Living in Chicago.  If you would like to live in a Loyola dorm, see the links to Residence Life at the link above.