Grayslake Campus Road Closure: Due to construction, the Washington Street entrance will be closed to most traffic April 1 to June 30. View alternate routes to CLC, Tech Campus and University Center.

English Language Instruction (ELI)

Learn English fast for academic and professional success

ELI is a nationally accredited, award-winning English language program at the College of Lake County. It is designed for any English as a Second Language (ESL) student who wants to learn English as quickly as possible. This program offers the accelerated English fluency you need to:

satisfy your CLC College Reading and Writing Readiness requirements
enroll in a CLC certificate or degree program
achieve the score you need to enroll in an English-speaking university
work and communicate effectively in a job in the United States (U.S.)

This program serves:

international students
au pairs
U.S. high school graduates
English language learners who have immediate academic or professional goals

In small classes, you receive personalized attention from experienced faculty dedicated to helping you achieve success.

Support for English learners

Receive support as you practice your skills individually or in a group. Take any ELI course and you automatically gain access to an ELI tutor and a state-of-the-art language lab. The lab is open 35+ hours a week and includes:

34 learning stations
full-time lab assistant
language software for practice with all language skills

Questions?

About the program:
Christina O'Connell
(847) 543-2845
coconnell1@clcillinois.edu

Jill Bruellman
(847) 543-2546
jbruellman@clcillinois.edu

International students, please contact:
Department of Global Engagement
Grayslake Campus, Room B172
international@clcillinois.edu
(847) 543-2069

Explore available ELI classes

When you arrive on campus, you will take the ELI ACCUPLACER test to get placed in one of these classes. Contact your College and Career Navigator to take this placement exam.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. You receive college credit for these courses. The credits for ELI 100-ELI 110 do not count toward a certificate or degree and cannot be transferred. ELI 125 is college-level credit and may be transferred to another school and counted toward graduation
Yes. If you are a permanent resident living or working full-time in Lake County, you will 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. Most ELI classes are between 3-12 credit hours.
For questions about your resident or visa status, go to the Welcome and One Stop Center in Room B114 at the Grayslake Campus or at 34-118 North Sheridan Road, Lakeshore Campus.
Au pairs must complete a business form or provide a letter from their host family to get lower in-district tuition rates.
Note: Tuition payment deadlines will be enforced.
Yes. Federal financial aid is available to you for ELI 101-110 classes if you qualify. CLC Foundation scholarships are also available to you for ELI classes if you qualify.
You can get an application form in the Financial Aid Office at Grayslake or at 34 N. Sheridan Road, first floor at the Student Center at the Lakeshore campus. Learn more about financial aid.

Meet our instructors

Experience the benefit of small class sizes and personalized instruction from your CLC instructors.

Jill Bruellman
Instructor, ELI & TESOL & TESL 847-543-2546 jbruellman@clcillinois.edu
Christina O'Connell
Instructor, ELI & English 847-543-2845 coconnell1@clcillinois.edu

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Purpose	ELI Accuplacer Test Score Requirement	Course and Credits	Description
Improve in one skill only: grammar, pronunciation or vocabulary	199+	ELI 100 Topics in Academic Enrichment (1-4 credits)	Topics: Grammar Review, Pronunciation, Speaking & Listening, Grammar & Writing, Spelling
Improve all English skills as quickly as possible to get language proficiency to take college courses or practice a profession	120-270	ELI 101-110 Four levels of Intensive English (12 credits)	Levels: Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced, Transitional ELI 110 (Transitional) includes a college course. All language skills taught.
Improve reading & writing skills to take college classes (already have strong oral skills from attending school in the U.S.)	235+ APT 80+	ELI 108 Academic Reading & Writing I (6 credits)	For students who already have strong oral skills from living in the U.S. for an extended period
Improve reading & writing skills to take college classes (already have strong oral skills from earlier ELI courses)	285+ APT 122+	ELI 109 Academic Reading & Writing II (3 credits)	Reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary
Orientation to the U.S. educational system for those new to the U.S.	221+ Taking ELI 103 or higher	ELI 125 Introduction to American College Culture (1 credit)	For students who have not attended K-12 in the U.S.: Understanding grading and expectations, Study skills, Test-taking skills, Academic language and strategies

English Language Instruction (ELI)

Questions?

Explore available ELI classes

List of Available ELI Classes

Will I receive college credit for ELI classes?

Do I pay tuition for ELI classes?

Is financial aid available for ELI classes?

Jill Bruellman

Christina O'Connell