Frequently Asked Questions

There are many reasons why studying at the English Language Institute at Pace University is a good decision.

1. Pace is ranked #1 the best private university in the United States of America for upward economic mobility of students! Students at Pace are able to attain their language, academic or professional goals.
   
   If you are planning to study at Pace, there is an English Language Exam (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo) waiver entry into Pace when you complete our highest level, so it is easier to gain access to this high-quality education.
2. Quality. Our instructors all have Master’s degrees in teaching and specific experience for our specialized course. Quality teachers, and small class sizes that allow for more individualized feedback and personal attention, help you to learn more quickly in the areas that you need help in the most.
3. Learn transferable skills. In addition to language skills, you will gain useful academic and professional skills such as academic research and writing; public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork. No matter what your goals, be it interviewing for an internship, applying for a job or degree program, studying at university, getting a promotion or better job, or traveling around the United States, you will have the skills and confidence needed to be successful.

4. Choices. With a variety of programs; numerous electives options; flexibility to study at different levels; and frequent enrollment times, you can study what you want, when you want.

   • Love film? We have a class.
   • Want to learn more idioms? Take the Idioms class.
   • Need TOEFL preparation? We have a course for you.
   • Want to improve your pronunciation? We can help.

   With different thematic elective options and a variety of specialty programs, your classes will be focused on the things you like or need. When you are engaged and satisfied, you are more likely to improve more quickly.
   
   With 6-levels of English in NYC and courses that are designed around skills, you have the flexibility to study at different levels based on your proficiency. This is a unique benefit for our students who are intermediate writers and advanced speakers, for example. The instruction you get is tailored exactly to your personal language levels and is at exactly the right level for you. This gives you the chance to improve more quickly in the areas you need without wasting time on classes that are too easy in other areas.
   
   2-, 6-, or 7-week sessions mean frequent start times throughout the year. With more enrollment times than many other universities, you will waste less time waiting for a start time and can come to New York and start living your dream as soon as you are ready!

5. Support. You are welcome here! The English Language Institute provides admissions, immigration and academic support throughout each student’s stay. We help you during the admissions process to give you all the information and support you need, through emails, WhatsApp communication, Zoom meetings, virtual information sessions, and counseling sessions; provide you with a detailed pre- and post-Arrival orientation, and our academic advisors and instructors closely monitor your progress when you are here and provide additional support as needed. At the ELI, you will have all the support and help you need to adapt to life in the US and to achieve academic success.
6. Two great locations. Have the full New York City experience at Pace's downtown/ midtown Manhattan campus or a traditional university experience at our Westchester campus.
7. Student Activities & English Practice. Pace University offers student activities designed to help you improve your English Language skills and interact with your fellow students. Join a Conversation Group to use and improve your English. Sign up to take free Tutorials for personalized help with your English.
8. Diversity of students. With students from over 40 countries, you will discover new cultures, hear new accents and speak English all the time.
9. Experience university life. Experience a city campus or a traditional campus. Enjoy the full range of university facilities and services including access to the library and computer centers, gym, pool, cafeteria, activities and much more.

The English Language Institute at Pace is arguably one of the best English language schools in New York for you to choose because there are so many programs to choose from, and you will get the support you need from the moment you first contact us. We provide admissions, immigration, and academic support all throughout your stay and to help you choose the best program for you, so you are given the support and help they need to adapt to life in the US and to achieve academic success. Whether you are coming to New York to live your dream and improve your English, planning to study at a U.S. university, or improve your career prospects, we have a course for you.

Studying English at a U.S. university is a great way to get high-quality English lessons combined with a unique college campus experience. The English Language Institute has two different types of campuses to choose from. Choosing the right campus for you is important.

• A city campus. Located in downtown Manhattan, you will have immediate access to all that New York City has to offer. Experience the university life at one of the world’s best city college campus locations. Ideal for those who want to experience NYC to the fullest.
• A traditional American university campus. Located in Pleasantville, 45 minutes north of NYC’s Grand Central Terminal, this quiet campus gives you easy access to New York City and all of the university environment and facilities that you need. Ideal for those who want a quieter, more intimate college experience.

Students come from all over the world to study American English in New York at the English Language Institute. With students from more than 40 countries and small class sizes, you will meet and make friends with classmates from all around the world. This exposure to people from so many cultures and geographical locations provides a unique learning environment. Not only does this help shape a unique worldview during your academic study, it helps improve your listening skills by hearing different accents and improve your speaking skills because you’ll have to use English to communicate daily. Feel part of the diverse, multicultural community here at Pace while learning English in the United States.

The English Language Institute has more enrollment times than many other university-based English language schools in New York. Frequent start dates throughout the year mean that you can come to New York and feel the excitement of living your dream as soon as you are ready!

Choosing the right visa is important, and there are several options available depending on your intention to come to the United States. We provide you with detailed information on your options and give you advice on how to pass your visa interview. For individual advice, please schedule a Student Visa Interview Coaching Session.

Applying to study at the English Language Institute is easy. Find out how to apply. We have programs in Intensive English, Academic English, Test preparation courses, and special programs for Au Pairs and business professionals, and 2-week Summer School courses.

There are many opportunities to meet other students and make friends while studying English in New York. In both our New York City campus and our Westchester campus, there are weekly Conversation Groups that will help you meet other students and practice your English. You will also have full access to all campus facilities!

Yes. If you complete the highest level of the English Language Institute’s Academic English Program, you can gain entry to Pace University without needing to submit a TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score. All other entrance requirements still need to be met. Not only does this take away the stress of taking a standardized English test, but it also means that you can focus on developing the real academic skills needed for success at university rather than focusing on test-taking skills.

The subway is an easy and cheap way to get around New York City, and the ELI is near all major subway lines and many bus routes. Here you can find instructions on how to get to our campuses using the subway, bus lines, or the train systems in New York.

There are many ways to get the education credits you need for your J1 visa! We have courses especially for au pairs in New York City and Pleasantville, as well as special au pair pricing for our regular English courses. With a variety of schedules, interesting topics, and affordable pricing, getting your credits is easy. Check out our programs for au pairs to find the best ones for you!

There are a variety of housing options for you. In New York City, you can live like a New Yorker in an apartment of your own, with a New York family in a homestay, in a nearby hotel, or in one of our on-campus residence halls. In the Westchester campus in Pleasantville, living on campus is a popular option.

Yes, U.S. citizens or permanent residents living in New York City or Westchester County, all Au Pairs, and all asylum seekers, refugees, and individuals who have received humanitarian parole from the U.S. government may be eligible to study in the Academic and Intensive English Programs at a special rate.

Check out Community Rate prices on the Dates and Prices page of the ELI website.