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ELS
Philadelphia, USA

Saint Joseph's University, 600 S. 43rd St, Whitecar Hall - PA 19104 Philadelphia - see on map
Pay less than booking at the school
What we like about the school
  • Top rated school facilities
    4.5
  • Indoor swimming pool
  • E-learning platform.
  • Tennis courts.
What we dislike about the school
  • Do not offer favorable cancellation terms in the case of a student getting a visa rejected.

Location: ELS in Philadelphia is located on the campus of Saint Joseph’s University, in University City Philadelphia, the neighbourhood of the city with the largest concentration of universities and colleges. The streets surrounding the universities are lined with trees and many beautiful old homes. Philadelphia offers students a great opportunity to blend English immersion in a vibrant city environment with university campus experience. Other HEIs in the area include the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, Lincoln University, and several colleges and other schools.

Programmes: ELS Philadelphia offer General English training courses at different intensities throughout the year, as well as a less intensive programme for students whose main goal is to discover the city from the point of view of a university student. Students considering further education in the U.S. should register for the Intensive English programme.

Post Secondary Advantage: ELS places a lot of emphasis on preparing students to attend a post secondary institution in the United States. They have agreements with Saint Joseph’s University as well as other nearby colleges and universities which grant their students conditional admission upon successful completion of their English language programme.

Perks: Students with ELS Philadelphia have full access to all campus facilities including sports centres, indoor swimming pool, etc, in addition to the academic facilities.

Getting around: ELS Philadelphia is very well connected to the rest of the city by public transportation, with several light rail stops nearby as well as commuter and regional train stations within easy distance. University City is only across the river from most of Philadelphia’s fabulous museums.

Airport Arrivals: The Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is within easy distance from the school, just twenty minutes away by car, or about 40-50 minutes by public transportation.

English Courses

Show details of all courses
Typical content of a language course
General Language
Semi-Intensive CoursePopular English course
20 lessons per week | 18 students (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
Offer!from
$510$485 / week
More
FREE changes
Weeks 1 2 3 4 6 8 10 16 20 24 36
Price at school ($) Our price ($) 510 485 1,020 969 1,530 1,454 2,040 1,938 3,060 2,907 4,080 3,876 5,100 4,845 7,520 7,144 9,400 8,930 10,560 10,032 15,840 15,048
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See Availability
Starting dates
For all levels except of absolute beginners:
Every Monday
Course specific data
General course schedule
4 daily lessons of 50 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:30 - 12:20
Possible course durations
1-99 weeks
Language levels of course
Suitable for all levels: Beginner (A1) - Proficiency (C2)
Minimum required student age
16 years
Students per class
Maximum: 18 / Average: 14
Lesson duration
50 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
Intensive CourseRecommended English course
30 lessons per week | 18 students (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
Offer!from
$570$542 / week
More
FREE changes
Weeks 1 2 3 4 6 8 10 16 20 24 36
Price at school ($) Our price ($) 570 542 1,140 1,083 1,710 1,625 2,280 2,166 3,420 3,249 4,560 4,332 5,700 5,415 8,480 8,056 10,600 10,070 12,000 11,400 18,000 17,100
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Starting dates
For all levels except of absolute beginners:
Every Monday

Class times are as follows;
Monday to Friday: 08:30 to 12:20.
Monday to Thursday: 13:30 to 14:35 and 14:45 to 15:45.

Course specific data
General course schedule
6 daily lessons of 50 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:30 - 12:20
Afternoon: 13:30 - 15:45
Possible course durations
1-99 weeks
Language levels of course
Suitable for all levels: Beginner (A1) - Proficiency (C2)
Minimum required student age
14 years
Students per class
Maximum: 18 / Average: 14
Lesson duration
50 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
American Explorer
15 lessons per week | 18 students (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
Offer!from
$450$428 / week
More
FREE changes
Weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12
Price at school ($) Our price ($) 450 428 900 855 1,350 1,283 1,800 1,710 2,250 2,138 2,700 2,565 3,150 2,993 3,600 3,420 4,050 3,848 4,500 4,275 5,040 4,788
Here you ALWAYS pay less. Guaranteed
See Availability
Starting dates
For all levels except of absolute beginners:
Every Monday
Course specific data
General course schedule
3 daily lessons of 50 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:30 - 11:20
Possible course durations
1-99 weeks
Language levels of course
Suitable for all levels: Beginner (A1) - Proficiency (C2)
Minimum required student age
14 years
Students per class
Maximum: 18 / Average: 14
Lesson duration
50 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
Private
Super Intensive One-to-One 15
15 lessons per week | 1 student (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
Offer!from
$1,500$1,425 / week
More
FREE changes
Weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Price at school ($) Our price ($) 1,500 1,425 3,000 2,850 4,500 4,275 6,000 5,700 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
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Starting dates
Every Monday

This course includes round-trip airport transfers, medical insurance, private tuition and materials.

Course specific data
General course schedule
3 daily lessons of 50 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:30 - 11:20
Possible course durations
1, 2, 3, 4 weeks
Required minimum language level
Absolute Beginner (A0)
Minimum required student age
18 years
Students per class
Maximum: 1 / Average: 1
Lesson duration
50 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
Super Intensive One-to-One 20
20 lessons per week | 1 student (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
Offer!from
$2,000$1,900 / week
More
FREE changes
Weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Price at school ($) Our price ($) 2,000 1,900 4,000 3,800 6,000 5,700 8,000 7,600 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Here you ALWAYS pay less. Guaranteed
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Starting dates
Every Monday

This course includes round-trip airport transfers, medical insurance, private tuition and materials.

Course specific data
General course schedule
4 daily lessons of 50 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:30 - 12:20
Possible course durations
1, 2, 3, 4 weeks
Required minimum language level
Absolute Beginner (A0)
Minimum required student age
18 years
Students per class
Maximum: 1 / Average: 1
Lesson duration
50 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
Super Intensive One-to-One 30
30 lessons per week | 1 student (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
Offer!from
$3,000$2,850 / week
More
FREE changes
Weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Price at school ($) Our price ($) 3,000 2,850 6,000 5,700 9,000 8,550 12,000 11,400 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Here you ALWAYS pay less. Guaranteed
See Availability
Starting dates
Every Monday

This course includes round-trip airport transfers, medical insurance, private tuition and materials.

Course specific data
General course schedule
6 daily lessons of 50 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:20 - 12:20
Afternoon: 13:30 - 16:20
Possible course durations
1, 2, 3, 4 weeks
Required minimum language level
Absolute Beginner (A0)
Minimum required student age
18 years
Students per class
Maximum: 1 / Average: 1
Lesson duration
50 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
Business
English for Executives Course
35 lessons per week | 18 students (max)
Offer!from
$1,710$1,625 / week
More
FREE changes
Weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Price at school ($) Our price ($) 0 3,420 3,249 0 6,840 6,498 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
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Starting dates
2026: 26 Jan 2026, 23 Feb 2026, 23 Mar 2026, 20 Apr 2026, 18 May 2026, 15 Jun 2026, 13 Jul 2026, 10 Aug 2026, 07 Sep 2026, 05 Oct 2026, 02 Nov 2026, 30 Nov 2026, 28 Dec 2026

This course is 20 group lessons with other students from the school in the morning and 15 private lessons.

Course specific data
General course schedule
7 daily lessons of 50 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:30 - 12:20
Afternoon: 13:30 - 16:20
Possible course durations
2, 4 weeks
Required minimum language level
Absolute Beginner (A0)
Minimum required student age
14 years
Students per class
Maximum: 18 / Average: 14
Lesson duration
50 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability

Our prices for ELS include

  • INCLUDED Internet access and use of school computers
  • INCLUDED Wireless LAN zone at school
  • INCLUDED Free certificate of course attendance
  • INCLUDED Language level placement test before arrival
  • INCLUDED Free consultation about suitable college/university programs by a qualified consultant
  • INCLUDED Elearning platform

Videos & Photos

  • Campus students
    Campus students1/14
  • Campus students
    Campus students2/14
  • Games room
    Games room3/14
  • Games room
    Games room4/14
  • Whiteacre Hall
    Whiteacre Hall5/14
  • Computer room
    Computer room6/14
  • lounge
    lounge7/14
  • Campus students
    Campus students8/14
  • Campus students
    Campus students9/14
  • Cafeteria
    Cafeteria10/14
  • Campus students
    Campus students11/14
  • Philadelphia river view
    Philadelphia river view12/14
  • Philly fountain
    Philly fountain13/14
  • 14/14

Student opinions about ELS, Philadelphia

4.0
Overall school rating of
ELS, Philadelphia
2 authentic ratings from students who booked with us
School
Location of the school
4.5 
Facilities
4.5 
Social activities
4.0 
Organisation
4.5 
Course
Quality of teaching
3.5 
Value for money
4.0 
Verified reviews only, uncensored. All student opinions from students who booked a course at the school with LanguageCourse.net.
61 years
Overall rating
4.0
Details of the review
Course: Semi-Intensive Course - 2 weeks
Review date: 19. Jan. 2026 by Alessandra Veronese
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
62 years
Overall rating
4.0
Details of the review
Course: Semi-Intensive Course - 2 weeks
Review date: 19. Jan. 2026 by Stefano Roverso
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.

Ratings of ELS compared to ratings of all schools in the USA

 ELS PhiladelphiaAverage of all other schools in the USA
Overall school rating4.04.1
Location of the school4.54.7
Facilities4.53.9
Social activities4.03.8
Organisation4.54.1
Quality of teaching3.54.1
Value for money4.03.8
Homestay0.04.0
Shared flat0.03.9

ELS

Accreditations and Quality seals
AAIEPACCETALTONAFSA
English teacher qualifications
100% hold a university degree
100% hold a recognised language teaching qualification
Languages spoken by school staff (cannot be guaranteed by school)
Student gender mix
54% male / 46% female
Offer for returning students
You will be refunded/waived the school's administration fee if you already attended previously a course at ELS and you book here.
Year of school foundation
1984

General school facilities

  • Kitchen for student use

  • Microwave for student use

  • Fridge for student use

  • Cafeteria

  • Drink vending machine

  • Snack vending machine

  • Computer lab

  • Library

  • Games room

  • Lounge

  • Self-study areas

  • Indoor swimming pool

  • Table tennis

  • Soccer field / football pitch

  • Copy machine

  • Printer for student use

  • Gym

  • Basketball court

  • Tennis courts

  • Free WIFI

  • Free parking

  • Free water dispenser

  • Non-smoking (all indoor and all outdoor areas of school)

  • Facilities for islamic students

    • Available area to pray at the school

    • Halal food offered at the school

  • Classroom equipment

    • TV in all classrooms

    • Electronic whiteboard in some classrooms

    • Air conditioning in all classrooms

    • Heating in all classrooms

    • Ample natural light in all classrooms

    • Number of classrooms: 8
    • Number of public PC workstations: 40

    Facilities for disabled students

    • Disabled car park

    • Wheelchair access to classroom

    • Accessible Toilet

    • Wheelchair access to reception

    • Wheelchair access to cafeteria

    • The centre and classrooms are handicapped accessible

Student Age / Nationality

Top student nationalities
Student Nationality Percentage of students
Japan 33%
Brazil 25%
Saudi Arabia 17%
China 4%
Turkey 3%
USA 3%
Switzerland 3%
Korea 3%
Italy 3%
France 3%
Spain 2%
Vietnam 2%
Venezuela 2%
Chile 2%
Israel 1%
Age of students
  Percentage of students
1-18 years 3%
18-24 years 49%
25-34 years 23%
35-50 years 19%
>50 years 6%
The average age outside summer is 2 years higher than in summer.
Average number of students
In summer: 40
Throughout the year: 75
Minimum age of students
16 years
Average number of levels
Adult courses In summer: 12
Adult courses Throughout the year: 12
Average age of students
In summer: 20 years
Throughout the year: 22 years
Read our recommendations for students in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s.

Information for all courses offered by ELS

Lesson duration
50 minutes
School's administrative fee
$200
Course material
Generally course material is distributed free to students but has to be returned to the school at end of course.
Comments about courses

Extra fees:
Student Health Insurance: USD 50 per week.

Facility Fee: USD 20 per week.

Recommended Start Dates:
26 Jan, 23 Feb, 23 Mar, 20 Apr, 18 May, 15 Jun, 13 Jul, 10 Aug, 08 Sep, 05 Oct, 02 Nov, 02 Nov and 28 Dec.

Each ELS level takes 4-weeks to complete so, where possible the school recommends coming for 4, 8, 12, etc. weeks starting on a main start date (every 4-weeks). The school strongly advise against starting in the fourth week of a 4-week session.

Days without class
In 2026 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2026, 19 Jan 2026, 16 Feb 2026, 03 Apr 2026, 25 May 2026, 19 Jun 2026, 06 Jul 2026, 07 Sep 2026, 26 Nov 2026, 27 Nov 2026, 24 Dec 2026, 25 Dec 2026.
If a bank holiday falls on a weekday there is no refund nor are missed lessons recuperated. This is the case for the majority of language schools.
Level test
A test to assess your exact language level takes place before the start of the course via email.
Lessons needed per English language level
Level (CEFR) LESSONS needed per level WEEKS needed
(20 lessons per week)
A1 Beginner A1 to A2 80 4
A2 Elementary A2 to B1 160 8
B1 Intermediate B1 to B2 180 9
B2 Higher Intermediate B2 to C1 200 10
C1 Advanced C1 to C2 220 11
C2 Proficiency
Data above gives some guidance. For more details consult our page How long does it take to learn a language or reach a specific level.

Airport transfer

Philadelphia International Airport:
$200 one way
$400 return (both ways)

Leisure activities

Examples of leisure activities organized by the school

Adults - Free activities

- Baseball,
- Basketball,
- Fitness Centre,
- Gymnasium,
- Racquetball,
- Squash,
- Football,
- Swimming Pool,
- Tennis Court,
- Bocce,
- Farmer's Market,
- Academic Workshops,
- Lifeskills Workshops,
- Health Workshops.

Adults - Paid activities

- Art Museum (USD 10).
- Six Flags (USD 60).
- Longwood Gardens (USD 20).
- Professional Sport Game (USD 10- USD 40).
activity possible
Baseball
Basketball
Cooking
Football (soccer)
Squash
Swimming
Table Tennis
Volleyball

Accommodation

Show details of all accommodations
Living and Learning Commons
Double room (only for 2 people travelling together), No meals
Shared bathroom
from
$420/ week
Show more
Weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 12 Additional
Week		 One-time fee
(charged by school)
Price in $ 420 840 1260 1680 2100 2520 2940 3360 4200 5040 420 200
Minimum stay: 1 week
Prices based on accommodation from Monday to Sunday
Price per person
Check-in
Monday 8:00-22:00
Check-out
Sunday 0:00-23:55
Note: It is important to inform the school if you plan to arrive or leave outside the standard check in/check out times.
One-time fee
The school/accommodation provider will charge a non-refundable one-time fee of 200US$.
No extra nights bookable
Room Occupancy
Double room (only for 2 people travelling together)
Includes
Towels, Bedding/linen, Access to laundry service, Access to Wifi in building (Free WIFI), Heating, Air conditioning, Shared bathroom.
Meals
No meals.
Minimum age of students
17

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Other language schools in Philadelphia offering English courses: 

FAQ about ELS, Philadelphia

What is the best price for a course at ELS, Philadelphia?
“English courses at ELS start at 428 US$ for American Explorer course with 15 lessons per week. When booking here you benefit from an exclusive discount.”
Is it possible to take a course at ELS as an absolute beginner?
“Yes. The following courses can be attended as an absolute beginner: Semi-Intensive Course, Intensive Course, American Explorer”
Is airport pickup offered by ELS?
“Yes. The school offers pickup from Philadelphia International Airport (200 US$)”
What is the number of students per class at ELS?
“Depending on the chosen course, the maximum number of students at ELS varies from 1 (Super Intensive One-to-One 15) to 18 students (Semi-Intensive Course)”
Which countries are students of ELS from?
“The highest Nationality percentage at ELS comes from Japan with a 33% representation, followed by students from Brazil (25%) and Saudi Arabia (17%).”
ELS offers courses for which ages?
“ELS offers courses from 14 years to 99. Average age is 20 during the summer and 22 for the rest of the year.”

PDF brochure / price list of ELSView or Send them to your email

ELS Brochure (PDF)
ELS Brochure (PDF)
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Prices (PDF)
Prices (PDF)
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Terms of ELS

First day of course
Students should arrive at 8:15
Payment methods accepted for payments made directly to the school
Visa - logoMastercard - logoAmerican Express - logoDiners Club - logoBank Transfer - logo
Legal name/parent company
Tax registration ID: 52-

Visa Documents

Nationals from USA do not require a visa for travelling to USA and attending a language course.
Check visa requirements for nationals from other countries.
Nationals from countries that require a visa will receive documents from the school, related to booking confirmation, which is required for the visa application.
Full payment of all fees required before school dispatches documents required for visa application
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