ELS at NIU

International Pathways at Northern Illinois University

Over the past 50 years, ELS has helped more than 1,000,000 students from over 140 nations learn English at ELS Language Centers on University campuses and exciting cities in 11 countries and 87 different locations.   ELS Language Centers provide students with a wide variety of options ranging from intensive English programs and university placement assistance to executive business programs and vacation learning options using an exclusive curriculum developed by ELS including 12 levels of intensive English.  ELS educators are recognized throughout the world for their active participation in the global learning community.  ELS ensures student success through a personalized approach and commitment to student achievement.  ELS is also the leading provider worldwide of English programs offered on University campuses—including Northern Illinois University! 

The ELS Language Center at NIU opened in September of 2010 with a small first enrollment of about 12 eager international students.  Since the opening of the ELS Language Center at NIU, enrollment has increased to 90 international students studying English with top instructors 5 days per week on campus.   

The ELS certificate is respected by more than 650 colleges and universities around the world as fulfilling their English proficiency requirement for admission.  Since the Fall of 2011, almost 20 ELS students have begun their studies at Northern Illinois University in both undergraduate and graduate programs.  

Since the ELS Language Center in DeKalb opened, ELS students have participated in a number of exciting events including the 2010 and 2011 Parade of Flags, International Education Week 2011, and the 2011 Annual Christmas Party at Altgeld Hall bringing cultures from Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Chile, France, Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, China, Turkey, Korea, and Gabon to the campus. 

Are you interested in getting involved?  Our ELS Center in DeKalb is always seeking both graduate and undergraduate students interested in becoming conversation partners for our international students, helping them to get involved in university life and practice their English skills.  We are open to collaboration on activities, events, and tutoring sessions. 

For more information about ELS/DeKalb, visit our website: www.els.edu/dekalb or stop by the ELS Language Center on campus. 

ELS Language Center DeKalb

NIU Health Services Building, 3^rd Floor

(815) 753-4600

ewright@els.edu

Dr. Pierce honored with NIU Presidential SPS Award

Congratulations, Dr. Deb Pierce! 

Dr. Deborah Pierce was honored with one of four 2012 Presidential Awards for Excellence given to Supportive Professional Staff at NIU. 

Dr. Pierce is the associate provost for International Programs (in case you didn’t already know!).

Dr. Pierce was honored with this award for her outstanding effort to engage NIU internationally. Her global perspective has been incredibly valuable to the faculty and staff of NIU, and her hard work is not without its rewards. NIU’s international students contributed more than 16 million dollars to the Illinois economy during the last recorded period (2009-10).  

International engagement at NIU gives local and international students the unique opportunity to collaborate and cooperate with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, enriching their learning experiences with a global perspective.

The other recipients of the award were Todd Latham, assistant to the chair in the Department of Leadership, Educational Psychology and Foundations; Michelle Pickett, director of the Academic Advising Center; and Jason F. Rhode, assistant director of the Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center.

We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Pierce for her tireless dedication to advancing the goals of GlobalNIU and pleased to see her receive recognition from NIU President John Peters.  

 Keep up the amazing work!