Study Overseas

If English is not your native language, or you have not had three years of your secondary education taught in English, you will need to provide proof of your English proficiency if you want to study in America. Since most classes are taught in English, you must demonstrate your ability to read, write, and speak the language.

Most American universities will use the TOEFL to measure your English proficiency. TOEFL stands for the Test of English as a Foreign Language, and is developed and administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS). The test is offered in different formats depending on a test taker's location. There are three versions of the test ” the Internet-based test (iBT), the paper-based test (PBT) and a computer-based test (CBT). All the tests measure the skills needed for a candidate to communicate in an academic, higher education environment. However, only the Internet-based test assesses the candidate's ability to speak English. The tests last approximately four hours altogether.

The TOEFL test is given year-round at permanent testing centres around the world. The test fees vary by country, but the average price is $155 and includes four copies of test results. The qualification remains valid for 2 years.

Since its introduction in late 2005, the Internet-based test has progressively replaced both the computer-based and paper-based tests. Here are some guidelines as to what you can expect from an Internet-based test:

1. Reading

After each academic reading passage, questions are posed about content, intent of the author, and ideas inferred from the passage. New types of questions in the iBT require paraphrasing, filling out tables or completing summaries. Generally prior knowledge of the subject under discussion is not necessary to come to the correct answer, though some prior knowledge may help.

2. Listening

Questions refer to the content and intent of the phrases, as well as to the speakers' attitude and meaning, either in conversations or in lectures.

3. Speaking

New to the iBT, this section contains questions relating to personal experiences or preferences, as well as tasks that also involve reading passages and listening to short conversations and lectures. Test takers are expected to convey information, explain ideas and defend opinions clearly, coherently and accurately.

4. Writing

One task requires test takers to defend a position relative to a specified general topic. In the other task, a reading passage and a lecture are presented, and test takers must answer a question relating the main points of both the passage and the lecture.

If you need to take the TOEFL, Study in America recommends that you take the examination as soon as possible. There are registration deadlines for the TOEFL, and it does take approximately fifteen working days for your results. You should have Educational Testing Service (ETS) send your official scores directly to each campus where you are applying for admission.

There are other tests available such as IELTS which is also accepted very widely in the US to demonstrate language proficiency. IELTS is a test that profiles English language proficiency in all four skills: reading, listening, writing, speaking. IELTS is administered up to four times per month in 16 centres and is available in 300 test centres worldwide in 120 countries. IELTS has score results available 13 calendar days following the test.

IELTS requires test takers to respond through multiple item or task types for listening and reading (e.g., writing out summaries, short answers, completing a table/graph/chart). IELTS has two required academic writing tasks (1 hour) and a mandatory live, face-to-face interview (15 min) performed by a trained, certified examiner who must be a seasoned ESL professional. In the US, the IELTS costs $140; outside the US, cost is set locally to reflect the local economy and is payable in local currency.

Some American universities may use the English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) instead of the TOEFL for undergraduate admission. The ELPT measures students' understanding of spoken and written standard American English and their ability to use English in the classroom and in daily life. Hundreds of colleges throughout the United States use ELPT scores for international students. The ELPT is one of the SAT II examinations developed by the Educational Testing Service for the College Board.

American universities tend to set their own requirements for how well you do on the tests. Some universities offer English lessons as part of the whole study package and then set their own tests. It is also possible to come to the US to take language courses, do tests and then apply for admissions to proper university places. If you have been admitted before you arrive in the US, you can also study in these language courses if you still need to improve you language skills. Be sure to find out exactly what is needed before you apply to your chosen university in America.

For more information about TOEFL, go to www.toefl.org

For information about ELPT, go to www.collegeboard.org and search for ELPT.

For more information on the IELTS, go to www.ielts.org