International Student Education
English Language Studies
Program Description The English Language Studies Program (ELSP) is designed to increase English language proficiency and to prepare undergraduate and graduate students for degree programs at Biola University. Students admitted to ELSP levels 100- 102 must take a minimum of 14 units each semester. All Biola degree students for whom English is not the primary language must take the Biola English Placement Examination (BEPE) for appropriate program placement. ELSP participation is required for all students whose examination scores indicate a need for skill development. International students who have previously achieved a TOEFL score of 100 Internet / 600 paper / 250 computer are not required to participate in ELSP. ELSP students who pass English 105 and 109 with a “B” grade can continue to pursue Biola University degrees without taking the TOEFL exam. Exception: students applying for the Master of Theology degree through ELSP must achieve a TOEFL score of 88 Internet / 575 paper / 231 computer prior to admission to the Th.M. program. Other advanced degree programs may also require minimum TOEFL scores (see admission requirements for individual degree programs). The ELSP application deadline for fall semester admission is June 1. Spring semester applications should be filed by November 1. Students whose placement scores indicate the need for levels 100-102 are full-time ELSP students, taking courses A–F concurrently. Students are expected to complete this basic language training at a rate of one level per semester. Since college-level English proficiency is achieved at different rates, completion of the training at this rate is not guaranteed. Criteria for advancement from one level to another include achievement of learning objectives and final examinations. Any course with a grade lower than “B” must be repeated. Continuing students may challenge to skip a level by taking the BEPE. Students who do not maintain continuous enrollment in the program must be retested and placed accordingly. Students at level 103/105 and above may enroll in academic degree courses as they receive advanced language and academic support. ELSP students taking degree coursework are subject to normal Biola University academic requirements and standards. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in their ELSP courses. Students who submit a 100 internet-based TOEFL score may exit the program upon successful completion of the current semester’s classes.
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Faculty
Sung W. Lee, Ph.D.
Director
Burke, Grove
Department Faculty
The Department of English Language Studies Program provides programs for international students. These educational services enhance multi-cultural understanding, cross-cultural communication, and academic competence. ELSP helps international students to transition smoothly into undergraduate and graduate degree programs at Biola University. ELSP also enables Biola students to participate in exciting academic programs abroad.
There are three primary English Language Studies programs.
English Language Studies Program (ELSP) Christian students from many countries experience intensive English instruction. They develop proficiency in the English language and receive assistance as they pursue academic degrees at Biola. Biola English Study Tour (BEST ) A summer program in which international college students study English language skills at Biola and encounter American culture. Biola University offers a four-week non- credit summer English Study Tour on its La Mirada campus for international college students. The experience includes intensive study of the English language and daily activities that increase understanding of American culture. The program concludes with a tour of San Francisco and other popular locations in California. For information concerning this program and similar opportunities at Biola, please contact the Department of International Student Education. International Pastors Program (IPP) International pastors receive continuing education in Christian thought, practical theology and effective local church ministry. Biola professors, international scholars, ministry experts, and respected preachers provide interpreted instruction.
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