The Academic ESL program at the College of Lake County is also known as the English Language Instruction (ELI) program.
About ELI Classes
What are ELI classes?
ELI (English Language Instruction) courses are ESL classes for students who would like to continue studying in American colleges or universities or who would like to practice their career in the US. You will learn necessary academic language and study skills that increase your chances of succeeding in future college classes. Class size is small, homework is assigned and every attempt is made to help students reach language proficiency as quickly as possible.
Which ELI class should I take?
This will depend on your score on the CELSA test and your academic goals. The CELSA test is a special test for ESL students to help place them in classes that are best for them. If you have a CELSA score of 42 or higher and you just want to improve your language in one skill only, such as grammar or pronunciation, take ELI 100 classes. If you need to improve all English skills as quickly as possible to get language proficiency to take college courses or practice a profession, you should take ELI 101-107, depending on your CELSA score (see below). If you have attended high school in the US and you only need to improve your reading and writing skills to take college classes, you should register for ELI108.
| ELI Course | CELSA Score |
|---|---|
| ELI 101 (6-6 cr.) | CELSA score 27+ (beginning) |
| ELI 102 (6- 6 cr.) | CELSA score 38+ (intermediate) |
| ELI 103-104 (6-6 cr.) | CELSA score 50+ (advanced) |
| ELI 105-107 and Eng 128 (12 cr.) | CELSA score 60+ (transitional) |
Do I receive college credit for these ELI classes?
Yes, you do receive college credits for these courses. However, these credits do not count towards a certificate or degree and cannot be transferred.
Do I pay tuition for ELI classes?
Yes. If you are a permanent resident living or working fulltime in Lake County, you will need to pay in-district tuition rates. If you are an international student with an F-1 visa, you will be required to pay out-of-state tuition rates. The rates listed are per credit hour. Our classes are between 3-12 credit hours. The cost for each credit hour is listed in the class schedule for the semester.
For questions about your resident or visa status, go to Admissions and Records office at Grayslake or at the Student Activities Office at Lakeshore. Important: Tuition payment deadlines will be enforced!
Is financial aid or scholarships available for ELI classes?
Yes. Federal financial aid is available for ELI103-108 classes if you qualify. CLC foundation scholarships are also available for ELI classes if you qualify. You can get an application form in Financial Aid Office at Grayslake or at the Student Activities Office at Lakeshore or online.
Contact
For information on acquiring an I-20 to study at the College of Lake County, please contact the International Admissions representative.
For more information on ELI classes, contact:
Joyce Gatto at (847) 543-2304 or jgatto@clcillinois.edu in Room A236 or
Jacinta Thomas at (847) 543-2565 or jacath@clcillinois.edu.