Dominican University Language School, Language School at Dominican University

• • Year of foundation: 1982,
  • Location: Chicago suburb, USA,
  • Number of students: 50-120,
  • Type of study: mixed,
  • Type of institution: language center,
  • Language of instruction: English.

This language school focuses on the systematic study of English in a university course format: fixed schedule, clear workload, level division and regular results monitoring. Studying is conducted according to an academic model, with an emphasis on conscious language proficiency, rather than «phrasebooks» or entertainment formats. Students learn and live in an English-speaking environment where English is used daily — in class, in everyday life and outside the campus. The format is designed for those who need a working language for further education, career or long-term stay in the USA.

Accommodation for students is organized in two formats.

• The first one — placement with host families: single rooms, breakfast + dinner meal plan, accommodation in residential areas with a commute to campus by public transport. This option is suitable for deeper language immersion and getting acquainted with everyday American life.
• The second option — student apartments off-campus with accommodation in apartments without meals. It is chosen by those who value independence and household autonomy.

Extracurricular life at the language center is closely connected with the city and university environment, including regular organized trips to downtown Chicago: walks through Millennium Park and along Lake Michigan, visits to the Art Institute of Chicago, museums of science and history, observation decks of skyscrapers and architectural districts. Students attend sporting events, city festivals and cultural events, which helps them better understand and feel the rhythm and daily life of the metropolis.

Various events, conversation clubs, meetings and joint activities with American students are held at Dominican University. Special attention is paid to informal language practice: discussions, group outings and volunteer initiatives that allow you to use English in real, not academic situations.

• Classes are conducted not in an isolated language school, but on the Dominican University campus, in a full-fledged university environment,
• Quiet Chicago suburb, safe living environment,
• Convenient location — you can get to downtown Chicago by public transport without transfers,
• The program is designed for those who plan further education in the USA: completing advanced levels is credited as a language requirement for entering a number of universities,
• Study harmoniously combines with regular activities in the city and on campus, providing lively language practice outside the classroom.

Classes are conducted on the Dominican University campus, which provides students with a full-fledged university infrastructure: classrooms, a library, computer classrooms, and areas for independent work. The campus grounds have a modern sports center with a gym and running track, as well as numerous outdoor sports grounds.

The campus itself is located in the green suburb of River Forest — a quiet and well-maintained area with convenient transport links to Chicago. It is easy to get to the city center by subway and commuter trains, which makes regular trips and excursions easier.

Studying is held in a four-week session format with the possibility of starting classes almost any Monday throughout the year, except for official US holidays. Final tests and transition to the next level are conducted upon completing each session.

In addition to tuition fees, students pay:

• Registration fee (one-time),
• Educational materials and service fees,
• Campus fee (access to campus infrastructure),
• Medical insurance (if not provided),
• Airport transfer,
• Excursions: some are included, some are paid separately, upon actual participation.

The admission procedure includes the following stages:

1. Choosing a study program and course duration,
2. Registration at the school and payment of mandatory fees,
3. Selection and booking accommodation (if necessary),
4. Receiving confirmation of enrollment and, if necessary, visa documents,
5. Arrival at the center and orientation day,
6. Entrance testing and distribution into study groups.

Graduates can use their learning outcomes to apply to colleges and universities in the United States: completed advanced levels are accepted by many institutions as confirmation of English proficiency and replace a language exam during admission.

The minimum age for enrollment is 16 years old. There are no English language requirements — an internal test is conducted before the start of studying to determine the appropriate level. Academic documents and previous study experience abroad are not required.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision