DeKalb, in Illinois, is a college town and home to Northern Illinois University. About 1-1.5 hours from Chicago, it offers quiet, affordable campus life within reach of the big city.
Ask NGGlobal's advisers about the current language school options in DeKalb. Northern Illinois University's English programs for international students are the most common option.
How long you study depends on your goal: 2-4 weeks for a short summer course, 3-6 months for fluent communication and usually 6-12 months for a university pathway. Programs that require an F-1 visa are planned in sessions.
Fees vary from school to school, and university-based language programs and private language schools can sit in different price ranges. Planning your course, accommodation and airport transfer together lowers the total cost. Ask NGGlobal for a quote with current prices and discounts.
Language schools accept students all year round. For programs requiring an F-1 visa, preparing the I-20, paying the SEVIS fee and getting a visa appointment take time, so plan several months ahead. Summer is the busiest period.
Your visa type depends on how intensive your course is: an F-1 student visa for programs of more than 18 hours a week, and a tourist visa for shorter, lighter programs. Appointment waiting times can grow at certain times of year, so NGGlobal helps you prepare your documents early.
Students on an F-1 visa at a language school are not allowed to work off campus, and working on a tourist visa is prohibited. You should therefore plan your budget for language study in America without relying on income from work.
Shared flats and student houses are easier to find in DeKalb than in the big coastal cities.
Living costs in DeKalb are below the US average, with rent noticeably lower than in the coastal cities.
The bus network in DeKalb links downtown and the campuses, and ride-sharing apps are used for longer trips.
DeKalb has very cold, snowy winters and warm, sunny summers.
You can fly direct from Istanbul to Chicago O'Hare (ORD) and reach DeKalb by road in about 1-1.5 hours.
When it is 20:00 in Turkey, it is 11:00 in DeKalb in winter and 12:00 in summer.
NGGlobal offers free guidance for DeKalb at every step, from choosing a school to enrolment, accommodation and your F-1 visa. Contact us to find the right program for you together.
Chicago is about 1-1.5 hours away by road or shuttle.
No. As a small college town, living costs are low.
No. F-1 students at language schools cannot work off campus, and working on a tourist visa is prohibited.
Because of visa appointment times, we recommend applying at least 4-6 months ahead for long programs, and 1-2 months ahead for short courses on a tourist visa, depending on your visa status.
Courses of more than 18 hours a week need an F-1 student visa; shorter, lighter courses can be taken on a tourist (B-2) visa.
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