English Language Scholars
If your plan is to attend Biola University as an undergraduate student, you can take academic English courses while earning your degree to strengthen your proficiency and become a confident, professional English speaker in the English Language Scholars program.
Become an English Scholar
The English Language Scholars (ELS) at Biola University are a group of students who aim for native-like, academic proficiency in English. Within this learning community, you will receive personal mentorship in English while you take classes for your degree, giving you the English language skills you need to become an accomplished scholar. Caring community, opportunities for personal and spiritual development and unparalleled professional preparation make Biola University’s English Language Scholars truly unique within higher education.
"A top university for international students" – U.S. News & World Report
Benefits of English Language Scholars
Unmatched Mentorship
A highly accomplished professor of English, Bonnie Vidrine-Isbell has taught English as a second and foreign language in Washington, Louisiana, Thailand, Spain, Belize, and now California. At Biola, Dr. Vidrine-Isbell mentors English Language Scholars through their transition to university and, along with a team of trained language professors, coaches students to become proficient English speakers and confident academics. Combining years of experience with a compassionate heart for helping students thrive, Dr. Vidrine-Isbell has created a vibrant learning community through English Language Scholars.
Career Preparation
As an English Language Scholar, you will start earning credits toward your degree from day one, preparing you to graduate and begin your career without taking extra time. You will gain confidence in your written and oral communication and receive training in professional skills to equip you to thrive in your occupation.
A Scholarly Community
Biola’s English Language Scholars will surround you with a community of students like you — students from all over the world who are committed to academic excellence and mastery of the English language. Together, you will take classes, attend events and adjust to your studies at Biola University, all while growing in friendship.
Christ-Centered Education
Christian faith is central to a Biola University education. All of your classes will include biblical integration, encouraging you to grow in faith and relationship with Jesus as you sharpen your English skills and advance your degree.
Cultural Immersion
Experience life in Southern California and build relationships with native English speakers in a diverse university community of over 5,000 students.
The Senior Scholars
English Language Scholars who wish to maximize their professional preparation and academic prestige can choose to become a Senior Scholar by taking advantage of additional opportunities for language mastery. To become Senior Scholars, students must:
- Complete all English language coursework by the end of their third semester at Biola
- Complete necessary mentorship in office hours for one-on-one training
- Submit a piece of writing for publication or give a professional conference presentation
- Be recommended to Biola University president Dr. Barry Corey by the program director.
Undergraduate Students
The English Language Scholars is for undergraduate international or U.S. applicants — whose first language is not English — admitted to Biola University. The aim is to advance English language skills while earning a bachelor’s degree. Language practice is incorporated in their undergraduate courses, and Biola’s foreign language requirement will be met. Students will complete two semesters of general education and major or minor courses with all credits counting toward their graduation requirement.
Admissions Process
Those who qualify (as indicated on the proficiency requirement below) must meet the undergraduate admission requirements for all international students and complete the application process, as outlined on the International Student Services website. We strongly encourage students to apply early. Transfer students are welcome as well.
All undergraduate students who would like to improve their English proficiency but are above the indicated scores below, are still able to join by emailing english.language@biola.edu to inquire about reserved seats.
English Proficiency Requirement
- Program Level: Undergraduate
- TOEFL iBT: 70–79
- IELTS: 6.0
- Duolingo: 110-124
Courses
All courses will count as credit towards the student’s graduation requirement.
Fall Semester
- ENGL 104*
- COMM 235*
- Freshman Seminar
- General Education or major/minor course (x2)
Spring Semester
- ENGL 102*
- BBST 103*
- General Education or major/minor course (x2)
Note: These are the courses offered during the 2023–2024 academic year. The courses may change the following academic year.
Cost and Scholarship
Note: If you are a U.S. permanent resident or U.S. citizen, you can also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for federal aid.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I join the English Language Scholars if I’m a current Biola student?
Current Biola students can join ELS courses by emailing academic.advising@biola.edu for registration and advising.
Can international students work on an F-1 visa?
Yes, an international student on an F-1 visa may only work at Biola for up to 20 hours a week during the school semester and up to 40 hours a week during the summer break. Enrolled students can look at Biola’s on-campus job openings through Handshake.
What if I’m an international student currently studying in the United States?
If you are currently studying at a U.S. school on an F-1 student visa and you would like to transfer to Biola University, please follow the Application Steps. If accepted, you’ll need to complete the SEVIS Transfer Authorization Form. For more information, visit Visa Information or contact our international admissions team. In addition, our team will help you determine how your coursework transfers.
What should my TOEFL/IELTS score be to qualify for the English Language Scholars program?
To become an English Language Scholar, you will need an intermediate to advanced level of English. Please refer to the catalog for more details.
Will there be tutoring service available for ELS students?
Yes, Biola’s Office of Student Accessibility offers one-on-one and group tutoring, and the Rhetoric & Writing Center provides help with any writing assignments, research reports, graduate theses, conference presentations and conversational English for three free 50-minute appointments each week.
Are there scholarships available for ELS students?
For international students, explore Biola's International Student Scholarships. Additionally, U.S. permanent residents and U.S. citizens students can apply for FAFSA.
Will there be someone to help international students transition to the United States?
Biola has more than 500 global students from 70 home countries, so there is a well-developed community through the Global Student Engagement (GSE).
Contact Us
Undergraduate Students
Yes! Tell Me More!
Meet the Faculty and Staff
Bonnie Vidrine-Isbell
Director, English Language Scholars
Associate Professor
Alice Song
Adjunct Professor
Carla Smithson
Adjunct Professor
Aarika Leigh Alura
Instructor
Dong Chen
Director of International Admissions
Megan Mitts
Assistant Director of International Admissions
Ty Mussack
International Admissions Counselor for Undergraduate Students
Grace Shaw
International Admissions Specialist
Alison Choi
Student Immigration Services Specialist
Admitted to Biola?
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