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ELS Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at Saint Joseph’s University

Learn English in Philadelphia on a university campus with ELS Language Centers.

st-josephs-university-logo
EXPLORE

Discover ELS Philadelphia

Learn English in the buzzing heart of University City in Philadelphia, where college town feel meets metropolitan energy, all infused with vibrant arts, culture, and community.

Centrally located, next to downtown Philadelphia on the stunning, University City campus of Saint Joseph’s University, our English school in Philadelphia makes its home in the fifth-largest city in the country. Popular for its historical sites, the city attracts nearly 40 million visitors per year.

Using the city’s extensive public transportation system, students can enjoy Philadelphia’s culture, iconic sights, professional sports, dining, shopping, and entertainment. When students are not participating in English courses in Philadelphia, they can visit tourist attractions, historical sights, food markets, bars, and artistic and cultural attractions.

 

Learn English in Philadelphia at ELS
on the campus of Saint Joseph's University

The nationally recognized private Saint Joseph’s University offers over 40 academic majors, including some top-ranked programs like Marketing. ELS students have complete access to the campus facilities, which include both academic and non-academic offerings. Whether it’s using the modern computer labs for extra studying or going for a swim in the indoor pool, this institution offers it all.

Planning to transfer to an American college or university after your studies? Upon successful completion of ELS Intensive English level 112, you will fulfill the English language entry requirement for conditional admission to Saint Joseph’s University, as well as additional nearby partner colleges and universities.

Explore Saint Joseph's University
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Why you should Choose
ELS Philadelphia for Your English
Learning Experience

  • Learn English surrounded by the youthful innovative energy of the safe University City neighborhood, in the diverse and dynamic metropolis of Philadelphia, the birthplace of America.
  • Get an American student experience as you learn English while connecting with Saint Joseph University students around campus and while you use SJU facilities.
  • Enjoy easy access to the buzz of downtown Philly, and to the city’s many iconic landmarks, museums, zoos, sporting events, and cultural institutions.
  • Choose from our range of English classes and programs tailored to match your learning goals, whether you’re aiming for intensive Academic English or more flexible study options.
  • Learn with our renowned, high-quality curriculum and supportive teachers. ELS Intensive English levels 109 and 112 meet the English language entry requirement for over 600 colleges and universities across the USA, including Saint Joseph’s University.

Unique opportunities at
Saint Joseph’s University

school-awards

American Conversation Partnerships

ELS students can connect with current SJU students to practice their English conversation.

Class Visitation

FREE SJU Class Visits

Once you’ve reached ELS level 109, we can arrange class visits for you at no cost so you can see what it’s like to learn at Saint Joseph’s University.

university-scholarships

University Scholarships for ELS Students

Planning to study at SJU after you complete your ELS studies? Take advantage of scholarships to help with your tuition fees and other costs.

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IELTS Testing Center

Planning to take the IELTS test? ELS Philadelphia is an official IELTS Test center.

Learn More

Explore the ELS Philadelphia Campus

 

John Catlett
ELS Philadelphia Center Director

John Catlett started with ELS in 2018 as a teacher, then Academic Director, and now Center Director. A lover of languages and veteran Spanish and ESL teacher since 2005, John has always worked to center our success on the student experience. If his door is open, he welcomes you to come in.

 

Important Campus Info

 

  • 17
    Years Old
    MINIMUM AGE
  • 12-15
    Students
    AVERAGE
    PER CLASS
  • 18
    Students
    MAXIMUM
    PER CLASS

ELS Philadelphia | Saint Joseph’s University Campus Facilities

 

The ELS Philadelphia Center is located on SJU's University City Campus. Facilities may be located on this campus or on the Hawk Hill campus, easily accessible by shuttle bus.

  • basketball-court
    BASKETBALL COURT
  • Running track
    INDOOR TRACK
  • cafeteria
    CAFETERIA
  • barrier-free-center
    UNIVERSALLY ACCESSIBLE CENTER
  • barrier-free-classrooms
    UNIVERSALLY ACCESSIBLE CLASSROOMS
  • computer-lab
    COMPUTER LAB
  • paid-parking-nearby
    PAID PARKING AT UNIVERSITY
  • fitness-center
    FITNESS CENTER
  • gymnasium
    GYMNASIUM
  • library
    J.W. ENGLAND LIBRARY
  • health-safety
    STUDENT HEALTH CENTER
  • Counseling & Psychology Services
    COUNSELING &
    PSYCHOLOGY SERVICES
  • wi-fi
    WI-FI
  • Arboretum
    ARBORETUM
  • Shuttle
    SHUTTLES
An aerial view of the courtyard at Saint Joseph's University, the host institution for ELS Language Centers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Campus
An exterior view of Whitecar Hall at Saint Joseph's University, the host institution for ELS Language Centers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Whitecar Hall
An exterior view of McNeil Science and Technology Center at Saint Joseph's University, the host institution for ELS Language Centers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
McNeil Science and Technology Center
An exterior view of J.W. England Library at Saint Joseph's University, the host institution for ELS Language Centers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
J.W. England Library
A row of treadmills inside the fitness center at Saint Joseph's University, the host institution for ELS Language Centers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Fitness Center
An aerial view of weight training equipment inside the gymnasium at Saint Joseph's University, the host institution for ELS Language Centers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Gymnasium
An interior view of Wilson Cafeteria at Saint Joseph's University, the host institution for ELS Language Centers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Wilson Cafeteria
A table inside a lounge room students to play table tennis at Saint Joseph's University, the host institution for ELS Language Centers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Table Tennis
A foosball table inside a lounge room at Saint Joseph's University, the host institution for ELS Language Centers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Foosball
An interior view of a classroom at Saint Joseph's University, the host institution for ELS Language Centers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Classroom
An interior view of a computer lab at at Saint Joseph's University, the host institution for ELS Language Centers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Computer Lab
An interior view of an alumni classroom at Saint Joseph's University, the host institution for ELS Language Centers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Alumni Classroom

Things to do in Philadelphia

Explore Philadelphia's top attractions to make your English study experience unforgettable. 
Cherry blossom trees at Fairmount Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA near ELS Language Centers.

Fairmount Park

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Fairmount Park, a 2,000-acre green oasis featuring beautiful rolling hills, woodlands, and tranquil waterfronts. Enjoy the park’s amazing scenic walks, recreational activities, and cultural events.

An exterior view of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA near ELS Language Centers.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Explore an extensive collection of art spanning various periods and cultures at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Outside the museum, make sure to take a run up the “Rocky” steps made famous in the classic movie starring Sylvester Stallone.

An exterior view of Independence Hall at the Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA near ELS Language Centers.

Independence National Historical Park

Dive into American history by visiting Independence National Historical Park. Explore iconic landmarks such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, gaining insights into the nation's foundation.

A large sign at Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA near ELS Language Centers.

Reading Terminal Market

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Reading Terminal Market, a bustling hub for food enthusiasts. Indulge in diverse culinary delights, from local specialties to international flavors.

An aerial view of Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA near ELS Language Centers.

Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Stroll down the Ben Franklin Parkway, a picturesque boulevard lined with cultural institutions, museums, and beautiful fountains and a sculpture garden. Enjoy the architectural splendor and artistic richness of this renowned avenue.

An outdoor art display at Philadelphia Magic Gardens in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA near ELS Language Centers.

Philadelphia Magic Gardens

Explore a whimsical wonderland at Philadelphia Magic Gardens. This mosaic art environment provides a unique and visually stunning experience created by artist Isaiah Zagar along a half city block.

A riverside city view from the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA near ELS Language Centers.

Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk

Go for a run or walk along the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk, a scenic riverside route with skyline views. Enjoy green spaces, public art installations, museums, shops and craft breweries along this stunning suburban trail.

Visitors can see flamingos at the Philadelphia Zoo in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA near ELS Language Centers.

Philadelphia Zoo

Check out America’s first zoo, home to almost 1300 animals, and stretching over 42-acres. The Philadelphia Zoo features a unique “Zoo360” experience where zoo animals like big cats and monkeys roam freely around overhead trails that can be seen from below.

ELS Philadelphia
Student Residence Accommodation

The Living & Learning Commons, or LLC, is a 426-bed, mixed-use residence hall located on SJU’s University City location. It features double-occupancy rooms with private bathrooms; laundry, lounge and study spaces on each floor; Residence Life staff apartments and offices; state-of-the-art classrooms; retail spaces; TV and game rooms; and an open-air plaza. The LLC also incorporates numerous sustainable design features which earned a Green Globe rating. American students live in the same building.

Housing availability and confirmations are contingent on university and/or provider approval and are subject to change.

living-and-learning-commons-philadelphia
  • price
    $400
    Cost per week
  • double
    Double
    Occupancy
  • shared-kitchen
    Meals not included
    A full kitchen with a stove is available
  • age
    17+
    Minimum Age
  • off-campus
    Off Campus
    Get to the ELS campus in just five minutes by walking.

Discover ELS English Programs in Philadelphia

Intensive English

Our most complete English learning experience, designed to develop your language proficiency to support success in English-speaking higher education, business, or in any activity where you need to speak English well. Choose this program if you plan to attend one of the 600+ colleges that recognize ELS level 109 or 112 for language entry. 

Discover our Intensive English program

Semi-Intensive English

Make English language development a priority while still leaving plenty of time to discover local culture and activities. Enjoy four daily English lessons designed to quickly improve your English communication skills. Outside the classroom, connect with locals and discover the attractions in your USA study city. 

Discover our Semi-Intensive English program

American Explorer

The American Explorer Program offers a casual English learning experience while providing plenty of free time for local discovery and American cultural immersion. Designed for the curious explorer, this relaxed study program will help you improve your English to enrich a short-term study adventure. 

Discover our American Explorer program

English for Executives

English for Executives is built to cater to the unique needs of business executives and professionals. Combine group classes designed to build comprehensive English skills with private lessons tailored to your specific learning needs and business communication goals.  Available for individuals or for teams. 
Discover our English for Executives program

Super Intensive English

A fully customizable, one-on-one course designed for executives and professionals to quickly gain proficiency in business English. Choose 15, 20 or 30 lessons per week, and schedule this flexible program at a time that fits around your professional and personal commitments. 
Discover our Super Intensive English program

Where to Find ELS Philadelphia

ELS Philadelphia is located on the Campus of Saint Joseph’s University:

  • 600 S. 43rd St,
    Whitecar Hall Philadelphia,
    Pennsylvania, United States
    19104
  • (215) 596-8811

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