Dominican University Language School

•  
• 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.

Education at Dominican University is built on the Dominican Experience program — an innovative, evidence-based approach. Every undergraduate student works with a personal integrative coach throughout all four years. This ensures continuous academic support and guidance in achieving educational and career goals.

Key elements of the learning process:

• A final authored work (independent research or creative project: from choreography and a poetry collection to a business plan) under faculty supervision,
• A digital portfolio reflecting the student's academic journey — 80% of employers consider it a useful hiring tool,
• A community service-learning program: more than 5,209 students are engaged in community activities annually, totaling more than 8,645 hours of practice. About 91.4% of participants noted that this activity supported their learning,
• The Engaged Learning program: internships, study abroad (more than 60 destinations), creative projects, student leadership,
• An annual conference of student research and creative works,
• The Dominican Scholar platform — a repository of research and creative works by students and faculty, accessible to researchers worldwide.

According to the National Survey of Student Engagement (spring 2022):

• 85% of senior students participated in two or more practices,
• 80% — in service-learning,
• 79% — in an internship or field placement,
• 47% — in collaborative research with faculty.

Additionally, free counseling services, interview preparation assistance, and life skills workshops are available.

Dominican University brings together three schools with more than 60 academic programs:

• School of Humanities and Education — 15 undergraduate majors, self-designed programs, graduate programs in creative writing, humanities, and education,
• School of Health and Natural Sciences — programs in biological sciences, nursing, occupational therapy, physician assistant, and public health,
• Barowsky School of Business — undergraduate, graduate, executive education and leadership programs, Center for Global Innovation.

Undergraduate programs include more than 60 majors: from biological sciences, business administration, chemistry and biochemistry, communications and media studies to English literature, global innovation and entrepreneurship, and international studies. Graduate programs cover dozens of fields: from accounting, applied sport psychology, art therapy to MBA, business analytics and AI, counseling psychology, and creative writing. The MBA can be completed in 12 months without submitting management entrance test scores. Doctoral programs: art therapy (PhD), occupational therapy (OTD).

The Adult Degree Completion program is available to students over 24 years of age with a minimum of 30 transfer credits. It covers the following areas: leadership and management, psychology, literary and intercultural studies, English language and creative writing. The Honors Program is available to undergraduate students.

Dominican University is distinguished by a number of recognized academic and institutional achievements:

• Named the most "transformative" four-year university in the country by the American Council on Education,
• Carnegie Community Engagement Classification 2026 — only 277 institutions in the U.S. hold this classification,
• U.S. News & World Report 2026 ranking: #16 for "best value" among regional universities in the West and #31 in the overall ranking of best regional universities in the West,
• #11 in the country among 578 private colleges for student social mobility (Stanford University study),
• In 2022 — #174 out of 3,410 institutions for return on investment for low-income students (Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce), and #9 in California among private nonprofit institutions,
• Ranks in the top third of the Wall Street Journal ranking for learning outcomes and quality of education,
• Ranks in the top 10 for early-career graduate salaries according to the U.S. Department of Education,
• Student-athletes have exceeded a 3.4 average GPA in each of the past six seasons,
• The university has won the PacWest Academic Achievement Award 11 of the last 15 years,
• Has led the PacWest conference in student-athlete academic performance since 2009.

• Total student enrollment — approximately 1,857 students (fall 2025, undergraduate and graduate),
• 76% of undergraduate students identify as ethnic minorities,
• 25% of undergraduate students are the first in their family to attend university,
• The university was founded in 1890 and became the first college in California to award a bachelor's degree to women,
• The campus is located in San Rafael — a city with a population of 57,700, with a civic center designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright,
• The university's sports teams compete under the nickname «Penguins»,
• The historic Edgehill Mansion is located directly on campus,
• Approximately 19,000 living alumni,
• The Dominican Scholar platform features millions of downloads of academic and creative works by students and faculty,
• A 24/7 virtual medical and psychological support service is available.

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.

Dominican University offers extensive financial support opportunities: 99% of first-year undergraduate students receive financial aid. The average amount of grants and scholarships is $34,813 per year.

• All applicants are automatically considered for institutional, federal, and state scholarships and grants based on both academic merit and financial need,
• Federal Pell Grants are available — 43% of undergraduate students qualify for this grant,
• California Grant program,
• Work-study program — the opportunity for part-time employment on campus applied toward tuition costs.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision