International Student Education
I nternational S tudent E ducation A division of the Cook School of Intercultural Studies Faculty Director Sung W. Lee, Ph.D. Associate Professor Burke Assistant Professor Grove, Schwenke The Department of International Student Education provides multiple programs for international students. There are three primary programs. English Language Studies Program (ELSP) ELSP helps international students to transition smoothly into undergraduate and graduate degree programs at Biola University. 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. International Student Exchange Program Biola University values experiential and cross-cultural learning. We are committed to providing opportunities for out students to participate in study abroad programs. These programs are vital to fulfilling our mission to educate students in mind and character to impact the world for Christ. The International Student Exchange Program offers unique opportunities for students to study abroad in Asia at Christian universities. Biola students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher may apply for up to two semesters of exchange study and earn 12-15 credits each semester while studying abroad. Biola English Study Tour (BEST) A summer program in which international students, teachers and other groups 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. English Language Studies Program 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 EILI 121-124, 126, 131-134,136, and ENGL 141-
146. Students must take a minimum of 14 credits 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 IBT / 600 paper / 250 computer are not required to participate in ELSP. ELSP students who pass English 151 and 171 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 IBT / 575 paper / 231 computer prior to admission to the Th.M. program. Other advanced degree programs may also require minimumTOEFL 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 EILI 121-124, 126, 131-134,136, and ENGL 141-146, are full-time ELSP students, taking courses 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 151 / 152 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. Curriculum ELSP is organized at six achievement levels, each of which requires a full semester of study. Achievement Level 1 - 121-124, 126 (14 Credits) EILI 121 Listening / Pronunciation Credit(s): 3. EILI 122 Reading Credit(s): 3. EILI 123 Grammar/Oral Credit(s): 3. EILI 124 Speaking I Credit(s): 2. EILI 126 Writing Credit(s): 3.
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