English Courses at the University of Illinois Chicago

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE COURSES AT UIC IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO

Study English at the Tutorium in Intensive English of the University of Illinois Chicago in 2024 or 2025. Contact a representative to get a quote, to receive more information, and a pdf brochure

International students choose the University of Illinois Chicago to study English on campus

STUDY ENGLISH AT THE TUTORIUM OF UIC

Enroll on the Intensive English Program of the Tutorium in Intensive English (TIE) at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and start learning English abroad.

International students of the English as a second language of UIC visiting Chicago city

A REMARKABLE INTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAM IN CHICAGO AT UIC

The Intensive English Program is a great course that has offered ESL learning for all kinds of foreign students for over 40 years and is CEA accredited.

Students learning English at UIC in Chicago

ENROLL ON ENGLISH LANGUAGE STUDIES IN AN AWESOME LOCATION SUCH AS CHICAGO

Chicago is a fantastic city with lots of fun activities and tourist attractions for you to explore and continue practicing your English skills outside the classroom.

TOP 10 REASONS TO STUDY ENGLISH AT UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CHICAGO

This is one of the most popular destination for international students
1

A LONG TRADITION OF ENGLISH TEACHING

The Tutorium in Intensive English has offered a remarkable Intensive English Program for over 40 years.

2

FANTASTIC QUALIFIED TEACHERS AT UIC

The faculty of the Tutorium in Intensive English are qualified professionals with years of experience in ESL teaching.

3

5 DIFFERENT LEVELS OF ENGLISH INSTRUCTION

The Intensive English Program (IEP) has 5 different levels, which offers students a more personalized experience.

4

FEW STUDENTS PER CLASS AT THE TIE

Classes on the Intensive English Program have 12 students in average, so everyone gets as much attention as possible.

5

A CEA ACCREDITED PROGRAM

The Intensive English Program (IEP) at the Tutorium in Intensive English of UIC is accredited by the CEA (Commission on English Language Program Accreditation).

6

CLASSES ARE ON THE UIC CAMPUS

All classes take place inside the campus of the University of Illinois at Chicago, so students get to live a real college experience.

7

A DIVERSE ENVIRONMENT AT UIC

UIC has a diverse student body, so you can meet people from all over the world and the US, make friends, and even network with them.

8

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

As a student of the Tutorium in Intensive English, you can participate in a variety of on-campus and off-campus activities, to continue practicing your English.

9

OPEN ACCESS TO ON-CAMPUS UIC FACILITIES

You will have access to computer labs, student lounges, cafeterias, and the sport facilities at the Student Recreation Facility.

10

LEARN ENGLISH IN A FANTASTIC CITY

Chicago is a great city for foreign students, since it is a main economic center, it has numerous tourist attractions, and you can meet lots of new people.

ENGLISH PROGRAMS AT UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CHICAGO

TUTORIUM IN INTENSIVE ENGLISH

INTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAM (IEP)

This Intensive English Program (IEP) is offered by the Tutorium in Intensive English of the University of Illinois at Chicago, and it is a full-time program for all kinds of students, from those looking to learn English for academic or social purposes, to professionals from different industries. It has a challenging curriculum composed of two courses for students between levels 1-4, and 8 different courses in total for those at level 5. All of them will cover the four main English language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking), so you will be improving in a comprehensive manner, on your way to achieving your goals.

Main Features

  • Full-Time Program
  • Classes are on campus
  • 18-25 hours per week (Monday-Thursday)
  • 5 levels from high beginning to advanced
  • 1 week of Elective courses available (business, debate, film, culture, etc.)
  • You can take several sessions until you achieve your English language goals
  • Sessions of 13 weeks (Fall & Spring) and 11 weeks (Summer)
  • Full term (13 weeks) and mid term (7 weeks) programs
  • 12 students per class in average
  • Open access to University facilities (libraries, lounges, sport facilities, etc.)
  • Extra-curricular activities
  • Certificate of Completion after finishing each level
  • Applies for the F-1 student visa

Requirements

  • Students need to be at least 17 years old the first day of classes. No maximum age.
  • High school diploma required (students must have graduated)

More information about the intensive English program at UIC

Levels of instruction:

  • Level 1: high beginning
  • Level 2: low intermediate
  • Level 3: intermediate
  • Level 4: high intermediate
  • Level 5: advanced

Elective Course Week

Each semester, the Tutorium in Intensive English of the University of Illinois at Chicago offers 1 week of elective (selected) English courses. These courses are offered in place of the regular Reading/Writing and Listening/Speaking classes for this week and allow students to choose areas of language study for a special focus according to their needs.

Some of these electives may be:

  • Business Writing
  • Country Music: Johnny and Friends
  • Debate
  • Focus on Film: Survey of American Animation
  • Getting Around in Chicago
  • Writing a Personal Statement
  • Language, Culture and Identity
  • Speaking to Perform

A laptop is required for your classes. Please be sure that you will have a laptop by the start of classes

During the Fall and Spring Semesters, students have about 18-20 hours of instructions per week. During the Summer semester, students have about 24-25 hours of instruction per week.

PRICES & DATES

Complete the contact form to get a quote

PRICES AND DATES ENGLISH PROGRAMS 2024 - 2025

How much does it cost to study English in University of Illinois Chicago?

Table with costs and dates of the English Program at UIC 2024 - 2025

SessionDatesDurationProgram Fee
Spring 2024
Full session
January 8 - April 26, 2024
(Placement Test: January 3-8)
13 weeks$6,800
Spring 2024
Midterm Entry
March 5 - April 26, 2024
(Placement Test: February 26)
7 weeks$4,080
Summer 2024
Full session
May 13 - July 18, 2024
(Placement Test: May 7)
11 weeks$6,800
Fall 2024
Full session
August 26 - December 5, 2024
(Placement Test: August 19)
13 weeks$6,800
Fall 2024
Midterm Entry
October 21 - December 5, 2024
(Placement Test: October 14)
7 weeks$4,080
You can study one, two, or more consecutive sessions, and you can start the English program at any season of the year.

For example if you want to study for approximately 6 months, you can take the Fall and Spring Full Sessions. You will not repeat the same course, because each session will be in a different level.

Other Costs to consider

On top of the tuition fee, students must consider other costs, such as the application fee, visa costs, accommodation, food, among others. These are the following:

  • Application fee: In addition to the total cost, there is a nonrefundable application fee of US$175. It must be paid to the University during the application process
  • UIC International Students Fee: Only International students must pay this fee of US$175.
  • Express Mail: The University needs to send you the application documents by mail (You need the form I-20 to apply to the student visa in your country). Express mail is recommended. This service has an extra cost of $45 dollars.
  • Visa costs: international students who enroll on a full-time program in the USA need the F-1 student visa. Costs related to the F-1 visa include the I-901 SEVIS Fee (US$350 aprox) to register on the Student Exchange Visitor Information System and a Visa fee (US$160 aprox). These are costs set by the U.S. government.
  • Accommodation in Chicago: since you will be living and studying abroad, you should consider certain housing costs. Down below you can read some of the options UIC recommends for foreign students.
  • Health insurance: all those who are on a student visa in the US must have a mandatory health insurance. UIC doesn't offer insurance, but can recommend you different providers.
  • Books and supplies: these materials are not included within your tuition fees and you should consider around US$150.
  • Flight Tickets from your country to Chicago, USA
  • Food: the amount of money you'll spend on food will depend on where you eat. You can try cooking at home or eating on campus.
  • UIC U-Pass: UIC offers students a U-Pass to use the public transportation around Chicago. It costs about US$170.
Dates and costs are subject to change. All prices are in US dollars. Contact us for more details.

Click for Your Customized Quote!

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HOW TO APPLY FOR AN INTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAM AT UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CHICAGO

All the application process is online. Follow the instructions below

Steps to apply for a program

  • 1. Application Process
  • 2. Acceptance Process
  • 3. Visa Processing
  • 4. Payment
  • 5. Classes start!

1. Application Process

Documents must be sent to uicvivecampus.com

Documents needed to apply


1. Application Form

Download and complete the application form. Do not forget to sign the form.

Download Form and Instructions

2. Passport Copy

Clear Copy of the identification page of your passport. The passport must be valid for 6 months after the first day of classes.


3. Financial Verification

Bank letter or bank statement that shows that you or your sponsor have at least the "Estimated Total Expense" of the program (amounts can be in US dollars or your local currency). In addition students must complete the financial verification form.

The estimated total expense is an estimate made by the university that includes tuition fees, and an estimate of what you might spend in medical insurance, housing, meals, books and supplies. Flight tickets are not included in this estimation.

Bank document must show at least the following amount per program:

  • At least US$15,850 per session.

4. Application Fee

Non-refundable application fee of $175 dollars paid to the Tutorium in Intensive English. After receiving confirmation from one of our representatives, you must pay the application fee online, following the instructions provided.


Send your application documents

A representative need to review all your documents are correct.

Your application documents must be sent to uicvivecampus.com

*If you are a transfer student from another US school, please contact us for more details. The application process is different

2. Acceptance Process

After we have received all your application documents and you have paid the application fee, you will be contacted by the admission office within 2 weeks.

If you are applying for a full-time program, you will need an F-1 student visa. After you have been accepted in the program, the admission office will send you the acceptance documents plus the form I-20, needed to apply for the F-1 student visa.

3. Visa Processing

Please check with us what type of visa you need, depending on the program you are interested in at UIC.
  • If the program you are applying for is a full-time program (18hrs/week or more), you will need the F-1 student visa. With an F-1 visa you can extend your stay in the United States as long as you continue studying.
  • If your program is less than 18 hours a week, you will have to travel to the U.S. as a tourist with a B1/B2 tourist visa or visa waiver ESTA. As a tourist, you can only stay in the U.S. the time period your tourist visa allows, since your main purpose in the U.S. should be tourism.

Please check the website of the U.S. embassy of your country to see the steps you need to apply for a visa.

Generally, for a F-1 student visa, students must do the following:

  • Complete the DS-160 form
  • Schedule an appointment at the U.S. embassy
  • Pay for the F-1 student visa (approx. US$160)
  • Pay for the I-901 SEVIS Fee (approx. US$350): https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html
  • Go to the embassy on the scheduled day

You must confirm these steps on the website of the U.S. embassy in your country. You can look for your nearest U.S. embassy here: https://www.usembassy.gov/

4. Payment

Next, you need to make full payment of all remaining fees, which is due one week before classes start and can be done only by credit card. You will receive more information regarding dates once you begin the application process.

5. Arrival at School

You should arrive a week before the program start date to attend the orientation and take the placement test. On your admission letter you can find more information about the orientation and the initial placement test. On the first day at school you should bring your passport, F-1 student visa, I-20, I-901 SEVIS and a bank statement.

A laptop is required for your classes. Please be sure that you will have a laptop by the start of classes

Important: We suggest that you apply at least 2 months in advance.

ACTIVITIES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

You will be able to participate in several activities during the program

SOCIAL, CULTURAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN CHICAGO AND ACTIVITIES AT UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CHICAGO

Most of the activities are free!

ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO KEEP IMPROVING YOUR ENGLISH OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM IS BY PARTICIPATING IN SOCIAL, CULTURAL, SPORT AND OTHER ACTIVITIES OFFERED BY UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CHICAGO.

International students can participate in activities such as:

  • Regular field trips to local tourist spots
  • Volunteering activities
  • On-campus activities
  • Using sports facilities

While studying English at the English School of the University of Illinois at Chicago, you'll be part of a fantastic community of students. You'll be able to participate in different on-campus activities and use UIC's sport facilities. Moreover, the institute organize regular field trips to different tourist attractions around the Chicago, which is an awesome opportunity to connect with American culture and put your skills into practice. Finally, as if that wasn't enough, you can also be part of volunteering activities, to help others, meet new people and continue practicing your English.

Information about the city of Chicago, Illinois

Chicago, located next to Lake Michigan in Illinois, is one of the largest cities in the United States, with a population of over 2.8 million people. The city of Chicago is well known for its bold architecture, it has a skyline punctuated by skyscrapers such as the iconic John Hancock Center, and the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower. The city is also renowned for its museums, including the Art Institute of Chicago, particularly for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works.

With attraction around every corner, from high-flying observation decks to Millennium Park, where art and music blend together in a place with lots of room to play, you'll have lots of fun every day of the year. Moreover, since there are always an special event going on, you'll never get tired of all the new things you can experience.

Another aspect of Chicago is its wonderful cuisine, including Chicago-style hot dogs, sushi burritos, tacos in a bag and its world-famous deep pizza. On top of this, evidence of its people's love for food are the different food challenges around the city, which offer incredible prizes for the winners. However, you have to put your heart into it, because if you lose, you'll have to pay the whole order.

Some tourist attractions you must visit in Chicago are:

  • Willis Tower
  • Millennium Park
  • The Art Institute of Chicago
  • John Hancock Center
  • Navy Pier
  • Buckingham Fountain
  • The Field Museum of Natural History
  • Lincoln Park
The City of Chicago is one of the favourite destinations to study English as a second language

Information about University of Illinois Chicago

Born in 1982 from the union of the University of Illinois at the Medical Center and the University of Illinois at Chicago Circle, the University of Illinois at Chicago is the city's biggest institution, with over 33,000 students enrolled on 16 different colleges. However, its roots trace back to the 19th century, to different private health colleges, so in total it has more than 160 years of experience in medical science teaching.

On the other hand, the Tutorium in Intensive English of UIC was founded in 1978, and has since offered English language courses for international students, with a comprehensive curriculum, an excelling faculty and great staff of people ready to help you achieve all your goals.

Some facts about UIC are:

  • It has more than 33,000 students enrolled on 16 colleges
  • Fantastic campuses that have been featured in different TV shows
  • Students receive a personalized education, with 18 students every 1 faculty member.
  • 88% of full-time faculty hold a PhD or equivalent degree
The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) offers English as a second language programs for international students

Photos of the English Programs at University of Illinois Chicago

UIC English a second language class
International student of Tutorium Intensive English activities
UIC ELS students visiting Chicago

Videos of the English Programs at University of Illinois Chicago

HOUSING IN CHICAGO

Most common housing options for international students in Chicago

STUDENTS FROM THE INTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAM AT UIC HAVE 3 MAIN HOUSING OPTIONS IN CHICAGO:

Check housing options for international students at UIC in Chicago
  • Dormitories on Campus
  • Apartments
  • Homestay

Dormitories On Campus

International students can live on campus in one of the University of Illinois at Chicago Residence Halls. Applications are processed in the order in which they are received, and rooms are assigned based on availability. Please contact us for more information about prices. We can provide you with the application form.

Read more about on-campus housing on UIC's website:

Apartments

International students from the English institute can live off campus in apartments or lofts. You are responsible for arranging your own accommodations directly with the housing provider of your choice.

Some of the options are:

Homestay (Living with a family)

The Language School of the University of Illinois at Chicago offers a Homestay program through the American Homestay Network. Homestay is an opportunity to live in Chicago, in a home with an American family located near the campus. Host families provide a private bedroom and a private or shared bath, plus different meal options. Please contact us for more information about prices. We can provide you with the application form.

Some of the options are:

Tips for looking for housing in Chicago
  • UIC is located southwest of “the Loop.” The Loop is the name for the downtown area of Chicago. UIC is between Halsted Street, Harrison Street, Roosevelt Road and Racine Street. The classes of the language school Tutorium are on the west campus of UIC.
  • Nearby neighborhoods include University Village (UIC), Little Italy, Tri-Taylor, Greektown, Chinatown, and the Medical district. Since many university and medical students are in these areas, it's a good place to look for a roommate
  • On UIC campus, you can take advantage of free transportation, a shuttle bus to move around campus (Intercampus Bus Service)
  • If you must use public transportation, make sure that the apartment is near a stop or station.
  • Make sure you understand the cost and terms of the lease before you sign anything
  • If you look at several different apartments, you have a better idea of what type of apartments are available and if you are getting your money’s worth.

FINDING A PLACE TO LIVE, DEPENDS EXCLUSIVELY ON THE STUDENT.

There are many options available near the campus of the University. If the housing option is off campus, students must contact directly the housing provider.

FAQS

Do you have any question about studying English at UIC?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT STUDYING ENGLISH IN UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CHICAGO

If you do not find the answer, please contact a representative filling the form below

What is the Tutorium in Intensive English of the University of Illinois at Chicago?

The Tutorium in Intensive English of UIC was founded in 1978, and has since offered English language programs for foreign students, with a great curriculum, an experienced faculty and a staff of people ready to help you fulfill all of your goals.

Why should I choose to study in Chicago and enroll on the Intensive English Program at UIC?

Chicago is one of the main metropolises in the USA, and its thus a great destination for international students who wish to improve their English interacting with native speakers. You can also find lots of tourist attractions, awesome fun activities, and a great cuisine, in a city known for its many skyscrapers. Moreover, while you learn English at UIC, not only you'll work on your English skills, but you'll have opportunities to make new friends and network with fellow professionals from different areas, which is extremely useful for your career.

I am not currently a student in my country. Can I still study English with an F-1 student visa at UIC?

Yes, you can. You'll only to apply for a student visa, which doesn't require for you to be a student before.

Does the English Institute of the University of Illinois Chicago offer scholarships?

No, no scholarships or financial aid are offered.

Which are the different steps of the application process for the F-1 student visa to study English at UIC?

Please check with us what type of visa you need to take the program you are interested in.

  • All full-time programs in the U.S. require a F-1 student Visa. With an F-1 visa you can extend your stay in the United States as long as you continue studying.
  • Part-time programs (less than 18 hours a week) can be taken with a tourist visa or visa waiver ESTA. With a tourist visa, you can only stay in the U.S. the duration your tourist visa allows, since your main purpose in the U.S. should be tourism.

If you need an F-1 student visa, please apply as soon as you receive your acceptance documents (I-20 form) from the Tutorium in Intensive English at University of Illinois Chicago. In some countries it can take several weeks to obtain a visa interview at the U.S. embassy.

You must confirm these steps on the website of the U.S. embassy in your country. You can look for your nearest U.S. embassy here: https://www.usembassy.gov/

Do the English language courses at the University of Illinois at Chicago have any comments or reviews?

The language school of the University of Illinois at Chicago, "Tutorium in Intensive English" offers one of the best English programs in Chicago. The goal of the language institute is to advance UIC’s reputation for excellence and its image as an international, multi-ethnic, multicultural, and multiracial learning community. The English courses are accredited by CEA (Commission on English Language Program Accreditation). Therefore, students from this program have good reviews and comments about this language school.

These English courses are taught in the campus of the University of Illinois at Chicago?

Yes, all classes are on campus.

Are students given a certificate after completing these English programs at UIC?

Yes, students are given a certificate after successfully finishing each level.

How is my English language proficiency assessed?

You take an on-site placement test during your first days at the TIE.

How many levels does the Intensive English Program at UIC have?

It has 5 different levels, from High Beginning to Advanced. During the summer term only levels 2 to 5 are available.

What's the average amount of students per class in the Intensive English Program?

12 students per class.

Can I access on-campus facilities and services at the University of Illinois at Chicago?

Yes, you can access the different on campus facilities and services. You can also pay an additional fee to use the on-campus sports facilities at UIC.

What's the minimum age for the English courses at UIC?

Students must be 17 years old by the program start date. They also must have graduated from high school.

Do I need to submit English proficiency test scores or transcripts to enroll on the English courses at UIC?

No, but you must be a high school graduate to apply for these programs.

Can I use a tourist visa to enroll on the Intensive English Program at UIC?

No, it's not possible to do so. Since it's a full-time intensive program, you'll need an F-1 Student Visa.

Is health insurance mandatory to learn English at the University of Illinois Chicago?

Yes, all international students must meet the health insurance requirements set by the state of Illinois. This insurance is not offered directly by UIC, but they can recommend different providers.

Are books included within the tuition fee?

No, you must buy them separately. You should consider around US$175 for this purpose.

Do I have to pay an application fee to enroll on the English courses?

Yes, there is a nonrefundable application fee of $175. It must be paid to the University during the application process. You can also pay an optional US$45 express mail fee, for your admission documents to be sent via express mail.

When is the program paid? Which payment methods can I use?

The program fee is due one week before the start date, which is paid by credit card.

Can I work and study at the same time while I'm enrolled on the Intensive English Program at UIC's English school?

Yes, you can work up to 20 hours per week on campus. However, these jobs are also offered to undergraduate and graduate UIC students, so openings are usually very limited.

Do I need immunizations to apply for the Intensive English Program at UIC?

You'll only need immunizations if you'll be living on campus.

The answers provided in the frequent asked questions may change from time to time. In order to confirm any of these answers, we suggest to contact a representative filling the form below.

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