Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions related to...
If you have further questions not listed below, please feel free to contact i-house-programs@uchicago.edu.
Questions about Courses/Classes
- Do you offer classes in Winter, Spring, Summer, and/or Fall?
- How does your program work?
- How much does a class cost?
- Do I need to enroll in both sessions now?
- May I attend Session 2 if I did not attend Session 1?
- Do I need to pay the materials' fee?
- If I previously attended a class, do I need to pay the materials fee?
- Do I need to be enrolled at the University of Chicago to attend?
- Do I need a visa to attend?
- Does your program qualify me for a visa?
Do you offer classes in Winter, Spring, Summer, and/or Fall?
Yes. We offer classes all year round, which generally coincide with the University of Chicago's quarter system. We do, however, have to adjust the schedule each quarter slightly to accommodate instructors' availability as well as to provide special programs in conjunction with the University of Chicago. If your stay in Chicago does not match our program's schedule, you should consider one-on-one or small group tutoring. Tutoring is offered throughout the year, and not restricted to the quarter system of classes.
How does your program work?
The English Language Institute [ELI] is offered by the International House at The University of Chicago. For that reason, admission is offered to everyone interested - no visa required. There is no application to attend, but you should register early in order to ensure your spot before classes reach a maximum of 15 students. Also, given that International House is an extension of the university and English classes are not available for credit, the program is unable to provide you with a visa or any other residency status.
How much does a class cost?
ELI primarily offers 8 week classes during the regular school year. Some classes are divided into 2 sessions so that people whose travel plans do not coincide with the quarter system have the option of attending the former or latter session. As of June 1, 2011, classes begin at $300 per session plus a materials fee of $50 per class. If you were to attend the entire course, you would pay a total of $650, which includes $300 times 2 sessions plus $50 for materials. Classes not separated into 2 sessions begin at $300 in addition to the materials fee of $50.
Do I need to enroll in both sessions now?
An entire course is 8 to 10 weeks long. It is recommended that you enroll in both sessions at the beginning in order to reserve your spot in the second session as classes have a maximum enrollment. The reason for dividing the course into 2 sessions is to accommodate students arriving later than the start of the first session or leaving before the start of the second session. You may attend Session 2 without having attended Session 1.
May I attend Session 2 if I did not attend Session 1?
You may attend Session 2 if you did not attend Session 1. Our instructors are very effective in making new students feel welcome.
Do I need to pay the materials' fee?
Yes. The materials fee covers the cost of the any materials that are made by the teacher. Everyone must pay this fee once per quarter for each class attended.
If I previously attended a class, do I need to pay the materials fee?
Yes. Even though you have attended the class previously, you must pay the materials fee. The materials fee covers all of the materials a teacher makes during the class. Everyone must pay this fee once per quarter for each class attended.
Do I need to be enrolled at the University of Chicago to attend?
No. Everyone is invited to attend classes at ELI.
Do I need a visa to attend?
No. You do not need a visa to attend. It is okay to attend no matter what your visa, citizenship, or residency status is. Unfortunately, our program does not sponsor students for any type of status.
Does your program qualify me for a visa?
No. Unfortunately our classes are not for credit through the university; therefore, our program does not qualify you for any kind of visa.
Questions about Tutoring
- How does the tutoring program work?
- How much does the tutoring program cost?
- When does tutoring occur?
- Where does tutoring occur?
- Who are the tutors?
- How often does tutoring occur?
- What materials are used?
- What is editing?
- How does editing work?
- How much does editing cost?
How does the tutoring program work?
The English Language Institute offers 1-on-1 or small group tutoring year round. To request tutoring services, please fill out a Tutoring Request Form and submit it to the English Language Institute. Once an inquiry is made, a staff member will contact you to gather more information and to schedule an appointment. Payment should be submitted to the Front Desk of International House prior to the first scheduled meeting. You will be asked to provide a receipt as proof of payment. Instructors do not handle any transactions related to payment for services rendered.
How much does the tutoring program cost?
An individual session is defined as approximately 1 hour long. As of June 1, 2011, one session costs $50 for individuals and $90 for small groups (2-3 people). Students who purchase 5 or 10 sessions receive a reduced rate per session. For 1-on-1 tutoring, 5 sessions cost $240, and 10 sessions equal $450. For small group tutoring, 5 sessions equals $375, and 10 sessions cost $660. For small group tutoring, students are responsible for assembling their group. For longer term or more intensive tutoring, a book may be required, which can be purchased for an additional $50 per student.
When does tutoring occur?
The purpose of the tutoring program is to accommodate those with busy schedules. Tutoring generally occurs during the week; however, ELI will make every attempt to schedule 1-on-1 and small group tutoring around the students' schedules. Contact our department if you have any doubts about scheduling. To ensure your request is met, inquiries should be made one week prior. Sessions must be rescheduled 24 hours prior to the tutoring session as no refunds will be given.
Where does tutoring occur?
Tutoring takes place in International House located at 1414 East 59th Street - Chicago, Illinois 60637. Tutoring at other locations is possible and will be decided on as a case-by-case basis. Contact our department to propose a different meeting location.
Who are the tutors?
All tutoring sessions are staffed with current English Language Institute Instructors. Our instructors are highly qualified and experienced individuals in the field of English language instruction.
How often does tutoring occur?
Tutoring can occur as frequent as requested, but is contingent upon the availability of the instructor(s). Tutoring must be scheduled in advance as our tutors are not on-call. Sessions must be rescheduled 24 hours prior to the tutoring session as no refunds will be given.
What materials are used?
The tutoring program was created for students who wish further clarification on a particular skill area. Most students come with materials they wish to study; however, tutors may suggest other materials to improve their abilities. For those students who request long term or intensive tutoring, an English language learning book may be required and can be purchased for a one-time fee of $50.
What is editing?
People who wish to receive feedback on any type of writing can contact ELI to have an instructor proofread their work. Students may choose to work in person with the tutor, via email, or a combination of the two. Tutors will work with students to provide feedback according to the student's focus and preference.
How does editing work?
In order to request that your work be edited, please fill out a Tutoring Request Form and submit it to ELI. A member of our staff will contact you to gather more details such as focus, purpose, deadline, and other preferences you may have. Based on that information, ELI will discuss how to continue. For larger papers, we ask that you provide at least a week turn around so there is ample time for effective editing. Payment should be submitted to the Front Desk of International House prior to any editing unless otherwise agreed upon. You may be asked to provide a receipt as proof of payment. Instructors do not handle any transactions related to payment for services rendered.
How much does editing cost?
An editing session is defined as approximately 1 hour long. As of June 1, 2011, one session costs $50. When you are contacted, ELI will discuss with you how many sessions it will take to edit your body of writing. In general, it takes 1 session to proofread and edit 6 pages. ELI recommends purchasing 5 sessions ($240) if your work consists of 15 - 30 pages.