Center For English As A Second Language

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Last Updated: Oct 24, 2024, 08:36 AM

Are you interested in learning English as a second language?

We’ve been helping people do that for over 50 years!

The Center for English Language (CESL) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is the third oldest certified intensive English program in the United States, supporting generations of students in their multilingual pursuits.

What is CESL?

What Makes CESL Special?

  • CESL 2024-2025 Tuition Discounts

    SIU student with English textbooks
    • Term 245 (August 19–October 11, 2024):
      • Continuing tuition discount: $2300 → $1900
    • Term 246 (October 21–December 13, 2024):
      • Continuing tuition discount: $2300 → $1900
    • Term 251 (January 13–March 7, 2025):
      • Continuing tuition discount: $2300 → $1900
    • Term 252 (March 17–May 9, 2025):
      • Continuing tuition discount: $2300 → $1900

  • Our Success Stories

    CESL students reading

    “I went from not being able to say a word in English to entertaining conversation in just one semester at CESL."

    —Habiboulahi Keita

    “I attended a course that lasted almost two months at CESL and it helped me a lot because I could improve the language and learn much more about the American culture.”

    —Menucci Tatiana

  • It's Happening Here

    CESL students studying outside

    There’s always something fun to do at SIU Carbondale, and in the surrounding region. Enjoy great extra-curricular activities such as:

    • Maple Syrup Festival
    • Board game nights
    • Snow tubing
    • Holiday celebrations
    • Saluki athletics
    • Numerous other fun events

About Us

SIU - Your Home Away From Home

We’re among the top 300 national universities in the U.S. and have many unique, nationally recognized programs, including aviation and automotive technology. CESL designs English language training programs for specific fields.

Set in America’s heartland, SIU offers:

  • All of the amenities of home in a beautiful place with lakes, forests and all four seasons.
  • Friendly, helpful people on campus and in the region.
  • Reasonably priced tuition in an area where the cost of living is low.
  • Easy travel around the Carbondale area.
    (Students with a Saluki Express pass can also ride the bus free to St. Louis and many other places.)

SIU offers conditional admission to applicants that meet all academic requirements but need to improve their English proficiency.


Take a Virtual TourView 3-D TourWatch CESL Tour