FAQ

Admission Questions

What documents are required to apply?

In order to apply to any ELS Language Centers’ program, you will need to submit the following documents:

1. Completed and signed application form
2. Non-refundable application fee of $135
3. Financial certification documentation (affidavit of support), in English
4. Housing deposit of $200 (if ELS housing is required)
5. Airport pick-up fee (if requested)
6. Express mail fee (if requested)

When ELS Language Centers receives your completed application, deposits, and proof of financial responsibility, your application will be processed within two business days, and an acceptance packet, including your I-20, will be sent to you. It normally takes about two weeks for your admissions packet to arrive. You can request express courier service. Please check this option on the application form if you want express mail.

Please submit your application form to:
ELS Language Centers
Central Admissions
400 Alexander Park
Princeton, New Jersey
08540 USA

What is financial certification?

Your application must be accompanied by certification that while you are attending ELS Language Centers, sufficient funds are available to meet your combined living and tuition expenses. If you will be accompanied by family members, their living expenses must be covered as part of their student-dependent (F-2) visas. Any one of the following is an acceptable form of certification:

1. A current personal bank statement or an original letter from your bank, in English.
2. Both a letter/affidavit of support from your parents or other source of support stating they will be responsible for your expenses during your stay at ELS Language Centers, and a bank statement (or bank letter) verifying their financial ability to meet your expenses.
3. A letter guaranteeing financial support from your employer.
4. An original scholarship letter from your government or other organization.

Since you will need to present financial documentation to the U.S. Consular Officer when applying for a student visa, we suggest that you make sufficient copies of all financial documentation for both ELS Language Centers and for visa application purposes.

What is the deadline for applying?

There is no set deadline for applying to study. The earlier you send in your application, financial certification and deposits the sooner ELS Language Centers Admissions Office can process your materials. This will give you more time to receive your welcome package which contains your Form I-20 (required for obtaining your student visa) and information about your arrival at ELS.

How can I reserve housing?

If you require housing, you should send in your application at least 6 weeks before your arrival.

Housing in the student residences fills quickly. Reservations are processed for applicants who submit their requests along with their deposit in the order in which they are received.

If you are considering homestay accommodations, please apply as soon as possible so that we may place you with a family compatible with your requirements. (These requirements are taken from the housing section of your ELS application form).

You will receive the details of your host family within 21 days of your scheduled program start date.

How do I make payments?

Your application processing fee as well as any deposits must be paid in $U.S. dollars. You may pay fees and deposits by checks drawn on a U.S. bank, postal money orders, or Cashier's check. All of these must be made payable to ELS Language Centers.

Tuition may be paid using all of the above methods as well as by credit card (American Express, Diners Club International, VISA, JCB or MasterCard) or wire transfer of the funds. Bank transfers should be made to:

Bank of America
San Francisco Commercial Banking Office, Unit 1499
345 San Francisco, CA 94104 USA

Account Name: ELS Language Centers
Account Number: 1499903686
ABA Routing Number: 0260-0959-3
Swift Address: BOFAUS3N
Chips Address: 0959

Start Dates

When do sessions start?
During Schedule A or B below:

Tuition and Fees

What are your tuition costs and fees?

2008 Tuition Costs
• Intensive Program (30 lessons/week): tuition per 4-week session: US$1465
• ELS Fast Track Program (40 lessons/week): tuition per 3-week session: US$1400
• Complete Prep Program for the TOEFL ®iBT
option 1: 3 sessions (12 weeks, 30 lessons per week, includes tuition, materials fee, and a seat for official TOEFL®iBT), tuition: US$4890
option 2: 2 sessions (8 weeks, 30 lessons per week, includes tuition, materials fee ), tuition: US$3260
option 3: 1 session (4 weeks, 30 lessons per week, includes tuition, materials fee), tuition: US$1680
• Business English (30 lessons/week): tuition per 4-week session: US$1465
• Semi-Intensive Program (20 lessons/week): tuition per 4-week session: US$1100
• American Explorer Program (15 lessons/week): tuition per 4-week session: US$1055
• Big Apple Language and Culture Program (16 lessons/week): tuition per 3-week session: US$1175

* Special discounts may be available on prepaid long-term study packages. Please contact your local ELS Counseling Agent or download an official ELS application for details.

2008 Fees
• • Application Fee: $135 ($100 for Manhattan, Juilliard, Riverdale, and Garden City)
• Express Mail: $65 international/$30 domestic (if requested)
• Materials and Technology: $55 per session attended
• ELS Student Health Plan: $95 per 4-week session ($85 per 3-week Fast Track or Big Apple Language & Culture session)
• Housing Reservation Deposit: $200 per session of ELS-arranged housing requested ($400 for Manhattan)

Visa Questions

How do I get a student visa?

According to U.S. immigration laws, you must enter the United States on a nonimmigrant, student (F-1) visa if you wish to study in our Intensive and Semi-Intensive English Programs. ELS Language Centers is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students.
To obtain an F-1 student visa you will need to present to the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate certain documents to demonstrate your intent to study in the United States and, after completion of your studies, return to your home country. The documents you need include an I-20 obtained from ELS, proof of financial certification, a valid passport, and evidence of ties to your country. In addition, a personal interview with a visa officer will be required. We recommend that you make an appointment for your interview at least 60-120 days before the date you intend to begin your studies. More information on how to apply for a student visa, including the required visa application, is available on U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulate websites, a listing of which may be found at http://usembassy.state.gov/.

How do I get an I-20?

When applying to ELS Language Centers make sure to indicate on the application that you need an I-20. You must also supply documentation with your application showing proof of financial responsibility. You must have enough available money to pay for one session’s tuition, living expenses and miscellaneous expenses.