English as a Second Language (ESL)

Small Group Conversation Classes

Private Lessons

UPCOMING CLASSES

Summer 2026 (6 weekly classes; 10:00 – 11:40 am)
Summer 1: June 2 – July 7 (Tuesdays)

Summer 2: August 6 – September 10 (Thursdays)
Palatine near Harper College

Small class size – 6 students max; $180 per session
Contact julia@eslimprov.com for registration or further information.

Everyday English

Small talk, conversations practice, idioms, catch phrases.

Business English

Business terminology, interview preperation, resume building, workforce lingo.

Pronunciation Training

How to sound natural, accent training, intonation.

Adapting to U.S

Consultation, mentoring, personal advice.

Local to Chicago

Chicago and Northwest Suburbs, local knowledge, advice, how to acclimate.

Virtual Classes

Classes can be taught online so that you don’t have to worry about driving. Open your computer and learn!

Julia Blain

About Me

I am Julia, I teach fun small group ESL Conversation classes and 1:1 private students in person and online. I also tutor ESL at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, teaching Culture and Conversation classes. I have been teaching ESL since 2020. I am a native American English speaker, and I have an MBA from the University of Chicago and 10+ years of American corporate work experience. Before teaching ESL, I worked as an engineer, project manager, and strategy analyst in mobile, technology, and relocation sectors in multinational companies.
I am experienced in working with Japanese English learners, and I have several written recommendations from my Japanese students. My students all say they have become more confident in English after taking my classes. My students also appreciate my love and knowledge of Japanese culture and people, as well as my international background and experience of moving to the US from Russia as a child.
My lessons and classes are tailored to each student and taught in a safe, comfortable atmosphere. For all my students, I learn what interests them. My goal in teaching is to create an environment for my students for joyful learning so that they are free to express themselves in English confidently.

“It was a lot of fun, and I had been anxious to talk in front of people, always afraid that I would make mistakes, and I could not say anything interesting. However, after I had your class, I gradually started getting fun to talk, not afraid to talk in front of people.”

Akiko

Former Student

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