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ELS Philadelphia

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Welcome to the ELS Philadelphia Campus!

Here you’ll find all of the resources you may need to enjoy an amazing English learning experience at ELS Philadelphia!

Bookmark this page so that you can easily find it any time.

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ELS Philadelphia Campus Tour

Before you arrive

Student Digital Setup Guide

Set up your digital account and your personal ILSC Education email account. This will give you access to Microsoft 365 and your myELS application.

Visit the Digital Setup Guide for step-by-step instructions.

Online English Assessment

Six weeks before your Start Date, you will receive an invitation to complete the ELS Academic English Placement Test. This online test will assess your English reading, writing, vocabulary, listening, grammar and speaking skills and will take about 60-75 minutes to complete. We use these test results so we can make sure to place you in a class that is appropriate for your level. 

Arriving at the Airport

If you are coming from an international or a domestic flight, you will be arriving at the Philadelphia Airport.

Here are some transport options from the airport. 

Airport Pickup – by request

If you have requested Airport Pickup (APU), a private transport company staff member will meet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation. For international flights, your driver will be in the International Lobby. For domestic flights, the driver will be in the Baggage Claim area. Look for the ELS logo and your name. Remember to provide your flight details in advance. Call Trophy Limousine on 1-888-361-7632 if your flight or arrival time changes.

Center Registration and Orientation

On your Start Date (usually a Monday), you are required to attend your school for registration and an Orientation Session. You will be able to meet other new students, the academic team and the campus support. You can ask questions and get all the information you need for a successful study experience. If you have not completed a placement test, you will take it then.

What to Bring on your first day:

  • Your Passport.
  • A copy of your Form I-20 (if applicable).
  • Funds to pay all remaining fees at ELS if they have not already been paid.
  • Your completed Important Forms, which will be needed on your first day of class.
  • Proof of medical insurance (if not purchased through ELS).

See the Arrival Information Page to download your Important Forms

Have you completed all your pre-arrival tasks? Do you have all your required documents? Are you ready to start studying? Check the list for your campus so that you can start as soon as you arrive.

Studying Now

Reception and Facilities

ELS Philadelphia is found at Saint Joseph’s University, at 600 S. 43rd St, Whitecar Hall Philadelphia.

All ELS students can use all on-campus libraries and sports facilities as well as the student union and dining facilities. Parking is located right out front of the Center for added convenience. Students can also use the health center if they are in need of medical attention or routine medical assistance.

First Day of Class

On the Tuesday morning of your first week, find your classroom and teacher’s name in your timetable in the myELS app. Join your class on campus and meet your new classmates. Remember to bring your school supplies and your lunch. 

Check out the Activities Calendar to join in, have fun and meet new people, all while practising your English.

What to Bring

Bring any school supplies you need, such as pens, notebook, phone/tablet/laptop. Bring your lunch or dinner, snacks, and water bottle, especially in summer. There are restaurants and convenience stores very close to the campus too.

Student Services

Access your ELS Student Email Inbox

Access your @ilsceducation.com inbox

You can also find the link in your myELS app.

Visit a Student Advisor

For help with:

    • Cultural support
    • Changing programs
    • Extensions
    • Withdrawal / Cancellation
    • University pathways

Academic Pathways

Are you a Pathways Student? Are you interested in Pathways?

Check out the Pathways page for more information

Accommodations

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.

Contact The School

Remember the Emergency Number in the United States for Police, Ambulance or Fire is 911.

Useful resources

Health and Support

Resources for:

  • Stay Healthy at School (SHAS)
  • Mental Health phone lines and websites

Surveys:

  • Which surveys you will receive
  • When you will get them

Safety and Security

For information on:

  • Emergency numbers
  • Harassment
  • Consent

Explore Philadelphia

Information on:

  • Living in Philadelphia
  • Local resources for banking, shopping and entertainment
  • Public transport and walking around

Technology

Resources for:

FAQ

Find answers to the most common questions about ELS. Contact your agency or the school directly if you still need assistance.

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