English Language Concerns for International Students

English Language Program

The English Language Program (ELP) provides intensive study for undergraduate students whose native language is not English. Its purpose is to bring non-English-speaking students to college-level proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing English.
The English Language Program curriculum is designed to improve students’ oral and written use of the English language. Students are taught how to follow lectures, take notes in English, write clearly and effectively, and participate in guided discussions. Emphasis is placed upon the specialized vocabulary needed in fields such as mathematics, science, engineering, and business/economics.
Students enrolled in ELP 25 and certain advanced-level courses in the English Language Program may earn up to 12 credits toward a Hofstra undergraduate degree.

English Language Placement

The Admission Committee requires that all applicants whose native language is not English submit scores of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), Princeton, New Jersey, 08540, U.S.A. Please visit the TOEFL Web site at www.toefl.org or the ETS Web site at www.ets.org for information and test locations.

The TOEFL is used to establish English language placement and not as an admission criterion. Undergraduate applicants who meet Hofstra’s required academic criteria are considered for admission.

While Hofstra seeks applicants with scores of 550 or better on the TOEFL, 213 or better on the computerized TOEFL, and 80 or better on the Internet-based TOEFL, others with appropriate academic credentials are encouraged to apply.
Once enrolled, international undergraduate students are required to take a written examination administered by Hofstra’s English Language Program and have an interview with an ELP staff member prior to course registration. Students are then advised to take appropriate courses.

Note: An I-20 (certificate of eligibility) is issued to a student who has been accepted to an undergraduate degree program. An I-20 cannot be issued for the English Language Program Alone.