Counseling

International Educational Center provides counseling that is dedicated to reducing the effect of social and institutional barriers that impede students' academic success. We believe this to be an important service, as many of our students come to us to study abroad. We understand that it can be a daunting task to acclimate to foreign surroundings while staying focused on learning.

For persons whose native language is not English, International Educational Center offers classes in ESL. Students with a background in a language other than English may obtain assistance by contacting the International Student Advisor. The International Student Advisor can assist students with information regarding ESL assessment, academic and career planning, and program services. Moreover, the International Student Advisor helps students evaluate their abilities, interests and personality traits in order to achieve academic success and develop realistic career goals. Also, they help students deal with social, behavioral and personal problems, and collaborate with teachers to devise and implement strategies so that students can succeed in learning English, and get into college and begin fulfilling careers of their own. International Student Advisors must be able to inspire trust and confidence, and need a strong desire to help others succeed.

Advising

International Educational Center's staff assists students in defining and reaching their academic and career goals. All the students are encouraged to take advantage of our advising services.

Academic Advisors (Director of Education and Head Teacher) in the IEC Office provide a range of advising and support resources for our students. These academic resources are designed to enrich each student's educational experience as they transition to and continue into advanced courses. Academic Advisors work closely with students, faculty and the teachers to provide individual academic advising and explain and interpret school policy.

Housing

ESL Instruction does not provide dormitories for students, but, as we are in the middle of a large and vibrant city, students have a wide range of housing options. On request, we are happy to assist with housing arrangements. There are a number of hotels and motels near the school where students may find convenient housing that is suitable to their needs and preferences. For some of the students staying a minimum of 6 months, leasing an apartment can be a good option. Many students would like to find their own apartments. Apartments in our school area can come in many price ranges, but, whatever a student chooses, at the very least, will get substantially more freedom and privacy. In some cases when a student is new to the area or hasn't arrived yet, there are a few websites where a student can get an idea of the apartment before arriving to our city. For instance: a student can check out Rent.com to find discounted apartments in the school's area. There is an abundance of inexpensive rental units available in our areas that are modern, clean, and well-maintained. How much a student will spend on an apartment really depends on how far the student is willing to live from our school area and how much living space a student will need.

Health Insurance

Our students are recommended to purchase a comprehensive international student health insurance policy. Our staff assists students in navigating the intricacies of obtaining and understanding health coverage in the United States. Obtaining good health insurance while a student is studying overseas is a real necessity to protect a student from minor and catastrophic medical expenses that can wipe out not only student's savings, but a student's dreams of an education abroad.

There are often two different types of health insurance a student is informed about by our office staff. A student can consider buying: international travel insurance and student insurance in the country where a student will be going. An international travel insurance policy is usually purchased in a student's home country before going abroad. It generally covers a wide variety of medical services, and a student is often given a list of doctors in the area who may even speak a student's native language.

On the other hand, getting student health insurance in the country where a student will study might allow a student to only pay a certain percentage of the medical cost at the time of service (commonly called a co-pay), and thus, a student doesn't have to have sufficient cash to pay the entire bill at once.

In our school international students are recommended to purchase ISO health insurance. ISO – International Student Organization - is a pioneer health insurance administrator, always at the service of international students who are currently studying in the USA.

Social and Recreational Activities

ESL students retain more information when engaged with meaningful social activities. They need focused yet enjoyable classroom activities to help them become more confident in their English abilities. Here are some social activities which take place every year in our school: Halloween, Thanksgiving potluck dinner, Christmas and Valentine's Day.
Besides, we plan from time to time recreational activities. We understand that getting together with friends on a field trip can be a fun activity, especially when students like hanging out with their peers and new American friends. Therefore, during the summer we have the field trips to the Botanic Gardens and Ravinia as well as numerous Chicago Museums.
Finally, our school's summer picnic is also a great opportunity to socialize and spend a wonderful day outside of the school's building with friends, family and the teachers , and participate in many interesting outdoor activities.