Founded in 1891, Drexel University is the second largest private institution of higher education in Philadelphia. It is comprised of three campuses including a medical school and a college of nursing and allied health. The Drexel University City campus is home to seven colleges including arts and sciences, information science and technology, media arts and design, engineering, business, and law. Drexel has a reputation for quality and is recognized particularly for its excellence in cooperative education (co-op), in which students alternate periods of full-time employment with their studies.

Founded in 1989, the mission of Drexel ELC is to provide the highest quality English language instruction and support services to ESL learners in order to prepare them for academic success at Drexel and other universities and to help them develop professional skills for the 21st century. Drexel ELC also helps students build cultural expertise and enables lifelong friendships with people from around the world.

In addition to our membership in UCIEP, Drexel ELC is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) and hosts the headquarters of the American Association of Intensive English Programs (AAIEP). focus on the family movie review current movie review

Drexel ELC is located on the campus of Drexel University, in a residential area near the center of beautiful, historic Philadelphia. The city is situated on the East Coast of the U.S., about two hours by car from mountains, seashore, New York City and Washington, D.C. The first capital of the U.S. and now the country's fifth-largest city, "Philly" is a well-known center for the arts, music, sports, restaurants and shopping.

Drexel ELC offers four 11-week terms of Intensive English per year. Half-term (6 week) sessions are also available; students may begin during the first or second half term. Full-time study requires 18 hours per week: 15 hours of Speaking/Listening and Reading/Writing, plus a 3-hour Special Topic class chosen from a menu of academic, business, language skills, cultural or test preparation topics. Optional free grammar, pronunciation, and conversation classes are also available. Certificates are awarded for successful completion of each full or half term.

There are six levels of Intensive English, from beginning to advanced. Placement testing is done at the start of each term.

Small classes are emphasized. The average class size is 10-12.

The ELC Director holds a doctoral degree and all regular teachers in the program have master's or doctoral degrees in ESL, linguistics, or related fields. Staff members are actively engaged in professional activities and present papers at scholarly conferences. Several are authors of published ESL materials.

Drexel ELC serves students from more than 40 countries around the world. The largest populations come from Asia, followed by the Middle East, Europe, Latin America, and Africa.

After one term of English language study at level 4 or higher, students may request permission to enroll in a Drexel University course for credit.

Three housing choices are available to ELC students. World House, the ELC's on-campus dormitory, features shared rooms, a kitchen, lounge, and laundry facilities. International House, a large dormitory-style residence 15 minutes from the ELC, offers single rooms with shared baths and kitchens. Homestays provide single rooms in American homes plus breakfast and three dinners per week.

Two or three scholarships, called Allison Rose Fellowships, of $1,000 each are offered each term to continuing students.

The Global Business English/Pre-MBA Program(GLOBE)is designed to meet the needs of both prospective and pre-MBA students as well as business professionals. It is available to students with a university degree who place into level 4 or higher at the ELC. Program content includes an integrated skills course involving concepts and key vocabulary related to specific business topics. Special features include networking opportunities, lectures at the College of Business, MBA application workshops, and an MBA class observation.

Application fee: $75

2009 Intensive and GLOBE program tuition:
11 weeks (Full term): $3,250
6 weeks (Half term): $1,950

Estimated living expenses (housing, meals, books, personal expenses):
Full term: $3,600
Half term: $1,800
Health Insurance (average cost for 3 month term): $300

Drexel ELC currently has conditional admission agreements with 3 other institutions in the Philadelphia area: Chestnut Hill College, offering undergraduate degrees in many liberal arts majors; the Art Institute of Philadelphia, offering Associate and Bachelor's degrees in design, media and culinary arts; and Goldey-Beacom College, offering graduate (MBA) and undergraduate degrees in business.

The International Student Advisor counsels students on visa issues, including transfers. ELC Assistant Directors provide advice on applying for admission and to Drexel and other U.S. universities, and run workshops on college preparation and cultural adjustment.

Contact Drexel ELC for an application or print out the form from our website. Send the completed application, the financial guarantee document (bank letter) and $175 (application fee and tuition deposit). A completed housing application plus the required deposit or placement fee are needed to reserve accommodations through the ELC.