International Student Program in Language, Learning, and Community

Roosevelt University welcomes international students through a program that supports your success in English, academics, and community life. This program reflects the university’s values of mutual understanding and social justice.

ELP 199: English Language and Academic Skills (ELAS)

This course is for international students who did not meet the English proficiency requirement for direct admission.

Course details

  • Required for students with intermediate English (CEFR B1–B2)
  • Zero-credit, pass/fail course (appears on your transcript)
  • No placement test needed; the Office of International Programs will enroll you
  • No exit exam, but you must:
    • Complete at least 60% of coursework
    • Attend at least 60% of class sessions

What You’ll Do

  • Weekly 1-hour on-campus workshop during Common Hour
  • ~3 hours/week of online learning (vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing, listening)
  • Write a short paper and give an individual presentation
  • Work on a group project about your home country or culture
  • Join conversation sessions and cultural events

If You Don’t Pass:

You’ll need to take the course again the next semester.

Program Highlights

Coffee Talk: Weekly Conversation Sessions

Practice speaking English in a relaxed group setting.

  • Open to all Roosevelt students
  • Led by the Program Coordinator or a graduate assistant
  • Held in person at the Chicago Campus and online
  • Topics change weekly

One-on-One Language Support

Book a 15-minute meeting with the English Language Support Coordinator for help with:

  • Coursework
  • English skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking)

Pre-Orientation Workshops

Get a head start before arriving on campus!

  • Weekly workshops in July
  • Meet other students, faculty, and staff
  • Learn about Roosevelt resources and life in Chicago
  • Build community before classes begin
Meet the Coordinator

Elizabeth Cobacho (she/her) is the English Language Support Coordinator in the Office of International Programs at Roosevelt University and coordinates the International Student Program in Language, Learning, and Community. She holds an MA in TESOL and an MEd in Technology, Innovation, and Education. She communicates in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French, and has over 15 years of experience teaching English to university students and professionals in the U.S., Brazil, Tunisia, Turkey, the UAE, and virtually in Russia. Liz joined the Roosevelt community in the fall of 2024 and is excited to continue supporting international students’ academic, linguistic, and social-emotional development. She looks forward to working with you! 

Questions about this page?

Questions about this page?

English Language Support Coordinator