GSU’s Summer Young Adult Program

The Intensive ESL Program at GSU is designed to serve the needs of international and domestic students that want to improve their English language skills in order to further their academic success.  Taught by an experienced faculty, this exceptional program prepares students academically, socially, and culturally at the university level.  Students have the opportunity to become immersed in the English language and the program is available for beginner to advanced learners.  Courses start in the Fall, Spring or Summer semesters. 

In addition to our excellent Intensive ESL Program, we also offer our Summer Young Adult Program that is intended for international young adults between the ages of 15-25.  Through this comprehensive program, students will receive English language instruction, participate in workshops on American culture as well as take part in a number of cultural excursions.   Our proximity to Chicago offers students the opportunity to explore some of the area’s best music, sports, theatre, art, nature and shopping as well as the culture and community of the region.

As an all-inclusive program, we provide students with housing, most meals, ESL classes; cultural excursions, insurance, and airport pick up and drop off services.  If addition for those students who are interested, we offer on site TOEFL® testing.

We encourage you to learn more about the American Language and Culture Institute (ALCI) at GSU and the extensive services we provide to both international and U.S. students.  The Institute’s primary focus is to ensure the academic success of students whose first language is other than English.  Our services include tutoring, workshops and courses aimed at improving a student’s speaking, listening, reading, writing and grammar skills as well as test-taking skills and TOEFL test preparation. 

At GSU you will discover a highly diverse student body made up of individuals of all ages and backgrounds and courses that are taught by gifted professors.  At the School of Extended Learning we are dedicated to providing support and resources to all students, faculty, and the community to enhance individual growth and global understanding.

Exceptional Opportunities for Adult Learners

One of the big ideas that GSU has been pursuing since it was founded more than 40 years ago is to make education accessible, and one of the ways we do that is through our School of Extended Learning.  Recognizing that daytime classes do not work for everyone’s schedules due to work, family or active military service, we offer courses and workshops that meet the needs of those individuals.   

Our offerings cover a wide range of interests such as the American Home Inspectors Training course that provides comprehensive home inspection training.  It is a partnership between GSU and the American Home Inspectors Training Institute.   Another example is Do You Have an IRS Issue?  This three-hour discussion allows time for a Q & A period.  Participants may bring their issues and IRS notices to discuss or to meet one-on-one afterwards.   Information covered includes earned income credits, mistakes on tax returns, cancellation of debts, foreclosures or short sales and more.

Furthermore, we offer Graduate Record Exam Test Preparation.  Here, students acquire strategies in math, reading comprehension, writing, and verbal and quantitative skills to improve GRE scores using acclaimed Cambridge test preparation materials.   In addition we offer a LSAT Prep course designed to give students strategies in verbal skills, logic, critical reasoning and analytical writing to improve test scores.  The LSAT course also uses Cambridge test preparation materials.  The Miller Analogies Test Prep course familiarizes students with the knowledge they need to improve MAT test scores.

This is just a sampling of the courses and workshops we offer.  Other examples include: Database Applications using Microsoft Access 2013; Growing Profits: Levers and Techniques; Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certificate Course, Online Professional Non-Credit Courses and much more.   Please visit our website to view the full selection of exceptional courses and to find out dates and schedules. 

In every college we have outstanding programs and world-class professors; all focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting.  Academic excellence and innovation are natural partners. At Governors State University you’ll find an abundance of both.  We look forward to helping you achieve your educational and career goals.

One of the Chicago Area’s Top Six Sigma Certification

GSU’s School of Extended Learning is for anyone who desires to continue learning throughout their lifetime.  Here you will find quality courses and workshops that will allow you to acquire new skills and knowledge for personal and professional advancement as well as to obtain CEUs and Certifications.

One such offering is the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification course that is designed to provide a thorough understanding of Six Sigma Methodology.  The course focuses on both Advanced Lean Techniques and Six Sigma "Green Belt" practices.  To enhance the learning process, lean thinking skills are presented with detailed and realistic hands-on examples.  Students will acquire the necessary expertise to be Green Belt certified and to be a practitioner of Lean Six Sigma at their organization.  Moreover students will develop the framework for becoming a Black Belt. 

The hybrid instruction consists of four in-class and four online classes where you will be given the tools to become a process change agent for your organization.  The course is designed to sharpen the direction of your efforts as well as teaching you how to drive profitability throughout your organization and improve the financial bottom line.  Once you integrate the Six Sigma methodology into your organization, you will be able to solve complex problems with greater efficiency.  

This internationally-recognized training and certification program is perfect for executives who wish to utilize an “advance” team in your group’s process.  Furthermore, it offers college or graduate level students the opportunity to get a competitive edge in the hiring process.  The program can also be useful for displaced workers who are seeking to enhance their background for future employment.   Please see our website for the complete course details and schedule. 

We encourage you to explore our many degree, certificate and individual course offerings listed on our website.  Each college has stellar programs and world-class professors; all of which are focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting.  Learn more about the rich history, cultural amenities and beautiful campus that contributes to making us one of the top colleges in Illinois.