ELS wants to help you learn English quickly and enjoy your learning experience. We are committed to helping you understand our academic program, explain our policies, and answer any questions that you may have about our academic program and services.
All new ELS students will take an online level placement test prior to arrival at the center. The placement test will determine what level each new student will begin studies at. The placement test consists of four parts:
Students will receive an email with a link to the online test 6 weeks prior to their start date. To take the online placement test, students will need a computer with a camera and microphone. The test must be taken using Firefox or Chrome as the browser. New students may be placed in any one of our levels 101 through 109. True beginners may be placed in our level 100 class.
Each student’s starting level at ELS can only be determined after they have taken the online placement test*.
*ELS will also accept an official TOEFL iBT, IELTS or GTEC test score to guarantee placement into levels 104, 106 or 108, depending on the score. Official test scores must be submitted before the student begins classes at the center. Students will still need to take the online placement test prior to arrival, and final placement will be determined by the placement test. However, students who submit an official TOEFL, IELTS or GTEC score will be placed no lower than the guaranteed placement level. The chart below shows the scores needed to guarantee level placement:
ELS Minimum Placement Level | IELTS | TOEFL iBT |
---|---|---|
104 | 4.0 | 45 - 54 |
106 | 4.5 - 5.0 | 55 - 64 |
108 | 5.5 or higher | 65+ |
ELS Language Centers has 12 levels, 101 - 112. The ELS curriculum groups these twelve levels into four proficiency bands:
Proficiency Band | ELS Levels |
---|---|
Beginner | 101-103 |
Intermediate | 104-106 |
Advanced | 107-109 |
Masters | 110-112 |
You need to show that you can use the language learned in all three levels of a proficiency band before you can move on to the next band.
ELS Language Centers believes in the importance of academic honesty. This means that we expect that each student will produce his or her own work on all assignments and will not cheat on any exam.
This ELS policy protects you: Accurate assessment of your English skills will ensure that you are in the appropriate level. Being promoted to a level that is too high for your proficiency will delay your ability to learn and succeed.
This policy is similar to policies set by many universities in North America. If you are going to a university in the US or Canada, understanding and respecting these policies will help you succeed.
ELS’s housing rules and policies are in place to ensure that you have a positive stay and that you and your chosen housing provider or host family know what to expect. Should you have any questions regarding these policies, please see your Center Staff.
Complaints against ELS may also or alternatively be registered with the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE)
Student complaints must be submitted in writing to the Board (Section 85(i)(1) of the Act). Information about the complaint may be submitted online through the IBHE website (www.ibhe.org). Additional information regarding the complaint process can be obtained by contacting the Board at:Illinois Board of Higher Education
Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools
1 N. Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 333
Springfield, IL 62701
Phone: (217) 782-2551
Fax Number: (217) 782-8548
*Prices displayed in a local currency are approximate and based on daily exchange rates, which fluctuate. Invoices and payments for programs will be in the destination currency.
*ELS students must meet minimum age requirements: