International Students & EIL

The English as an International Language program, commonly known as “EIL,” is provided for non-native speakers of English to improve their English skills. The program consists of courses in the areas of listening and speaking, writing, and reading.

Students are tested and may be recommended for academic English placement in the EIL program. Students who test and demonstrate higher English skills may move directly into GE and major courses.

Upon completion of the EIL program, students are better prepared to be successful in their university studies as a result of improved English skills.

BYUH requires most international students to be tested in English prior to their arrival at the university. The test consists of three parts, including timed writing, reading, and listening portions. Students will also have a short interview with an EIL instructor. Testing is typically completed in less than three hours.

BYUH students who have already completed university-level courses prior to coming to BYUH, or who have high SAT, ACT, or TOEFL scores are not required to take the placement test. Specific questions about exemption criteria should be directed to an academic advisor.

Most international students will be auto-registered for classes based on your ELAT or EIL placement scores and your declared major/minors. You will receive an email about this registration. If you have a medical vaccination hold, you might temporarily be registered into a placeholder class (EIL 75) for 12 credits to hold your spot until you are able to clear your holds.

What if I don't need to test for placement in EIL? Please follow the directions for new freshmen or transfer students.

The EIL Department evaluates the ELAT test results which are then scored, rated, and students are given EIL "placements." Students who are placed into Intermediate and Academic English levels of EIL are required to register and complete these EIL required courses. Because English proficiency is one of the desired outcomes of education at BYUH, the EIL placements are required to be completed before a student can take ENGL 101, a required GE course for all students.

Students who are placed into academic English level courses may choose from a selection of GE or major courses to take with their EIL courses. An academic advisor can help to determine which GE or major courses will work best with the student’s schedule and EIL courses.

Typically, students will complete one level of EIL courses each term or semester. The final exams in these courses will determine if the student is ready to move to the next level, or if additional time is needed to improve. Once students have progressed through the intermediate and academic English levels of EIL courses, they are ready to register for GE and major classes. Depending on a student’s initial placement, the time spent in the EIL program varies.