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 & Speaking, Writing, and Reading.

Students are tested and can be recommended for two levels of courses, either Intermediate or Academic English. 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 upon 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 testing for placement in EIL and WILL NOT register themselves for classes. Your letter of acceptance should indicate whether or not you will be testing for EIL placement.

If you are testing for EIL placement, your registration will be handled by an Academic Advisor. It will be available in your Student Center after test results are released and prior to the beginning of classes.

What if I don't need to test for placement in EIL? Please follow the directions for New Freshmen or Transfer Students.

Test results are scored, rated, and students are given EIL “placements.” Placements are recommended courses for which students should enroll. Students who are placed into Intermediate and Academic English levels of EIL are required to register and complete these EIL recommended 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 continue in their General Education(GE) or major classes.

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.