Steps
STEP 1: DISCOVER
Are you interested in joining our program but don't know where to begin? Learn more about our ESL Program below.
What classes are offered?
We offer various levels from Intermediate to Advanced. All new students will take the free English Language Assessment (ELA) prior to beginning their first semester to determine their appropriate level of classes. For more information, click here.
How much does the program cost?
For one Fall or Spring semester, tuition and fees are estimated at $7330. For more information, click here.
When do classes begin?
View the calendar page to see more information about important dates.
STEP 2: APPLY
Apply to your desired undergraduate or graduate program, noting that you would like to be admitted to the ELLP ESL Program to help you prepare for your degree-credit courses.
STEP 3: PREPARE
After you are accepted to Loyola University Chicago and the ELLP, 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 member at Loyola's International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) will be notified to process that for you. They will send the I-20 to the mailing address that 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 at isss@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)
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.
STEP 4: ARRIVE
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 US, 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.
Billing: You can set up your billing information before you arrive at Loyola. You can also do this after you arrive on campus. For billing and payment questions, contact the Office of the Bursar.