ELS/Chicago Student Progresses from English Level 100 to PHD Acceptance in Less than a Year

November 19, 2015

Alla Mahlhl had formerly lived in the US with her husband while he was a student in San Francisco; however, she spoke little English. She started her master’s degree in Libya, spending four years on her undergraduate dissertation while working in an economic library and serving on the faculty at the university in Tripoli. While conducting research in Libya, she became frustrated by the limitations of research in her native language, which inspired her dream to complete a Ph.D. in the United States.

Alla began studying at ELS/Chicago in October of 2014 at Level 100.

“When I placed into Level 100 I was so disappointed in myself. I knew some words, but I could not make sentences,” Alla said.

Less than a year later, she graduated ELS 112 with an acceptance to the Ph.D. program in Library and Information Science at the ELS/Chicago host institution Dominican University. She very much appreciates the work of her teachers.

“My teachers did so much to inspire and encourage me. They helped me believe in myself.”

Alla chose Dominican University for the quality of its nationally-recognized Library and Information Science graduate programs.

While studying at ELS/Chicago for the last year, Alla exceeded expectations at every turn. She skipped a level, qualified for the honor roll ten times, and had a perfect attendance record. Her great efforts and achievement received a standing ovation from her fellow students, instructors, and staff at the ELS graduation ceremony.

“ELS is my family and will be in my heart forever. I consider myself the daughter of ELS.”