Why learn English in Chicago?
A language stay in Chicago puts you in the city widely seen as the birthplace of the skyscraper. Take a boat tour past its towers on the Chicago River, walk beneath the elevated 'L' trains in the Loop and catch your reflection in Cloud Gate at Millennium Park. A few blocks away, Lake Michigan stretches so far that it looks like a sea, with sandy beaches right in town.
Chicago suits students who want a real big-city experience in the American Midwest, culture lovers drawn to jazz, blues and world-class museums, and professionals building their English in a major business hub. You take a placement test on your first day, so you start in a class that matches your level, from beginner to advanced.
- Accredited partner schools in downtown Chicago
- Host family or student residence - vetted and within easy reach of your school by 'L' train or bus
- Placement test on day one so you join the right class
- Insurance and transfer from O'Hare airport handled for you
Your stay at a glance
Chicago highlights
Make the most of your time beyond the classroom: the places worth seeing, and the city at its best.
The events that bring Chicago to life
From major festivals to once-a-year traditions, these are the moments that give the city its own rhythm.
Lollapalooza
August
Four days of major music acts in Grant Park, right by the lake.
Chicago Air and Water Show
August
A free show of jets and aerobatics over the lakefront at North Avenue Beach.
Taste of Chicago
July
A free food festival in Grant Park with local restaurants and live music.
Frequently asked questions
Chicago gives you authentic American English in a city that is big but easy to navigate, thanks to its grid layout and the 'L' train network. A language stay in Chicago combines classes with world-class museums, famous architecture and a long lakefront, so everyday life becomes constant speaking practice.
No minimum level is needed for most courses. Our partner schools welcome everyone from complete beginners to advanced speakers. You sit a short placement test when you arrive in Chicago, and you're placed in a group that matches your written and spoken English, so you progress from the very first lesson.
Yes. Many of our partner schools in Chicago offer preparation courses for Cambridge B2 First and C1 Advanced, IELTS and TOEFL. These courses focus on exam technique and timed practice. Tell us which certificate you need, for university or for work, and we'll suggest the right course length and start date.
We arrange accommodation for you and include it in your quote. Choose a vetted host family, often in a residential neighbourhood, to speak English at breakfast and dinner, or a student residence closer to downtown for more independence. We check the travel time to school before confirming anything.
Late spring to early autumn is the most popular period. From June to August, days are warm and the lakefront fills with festivals and outdoor concerts. September is often mild and pleasant. Winters are cold and snowy, with icy winds off the lake, but courses run year-round and the city stays lively indoors.
Yes, provided the programme is well structured. For teenagers we recommend a host family or a supervised residence and a school with an activity programme. Minimum ages vary by school, so we'll advise you on the best option for your child's age and independence, and we stay reachable throughout the stay.