EIU Foreign Language Graduation Requirement

Please read the Q & A carefully. Then submit the form.

Q: What is the EIU Foreign Language graduation requirement?
A: It requires two (2) years of a single foreign language in high school (grades 9-12), with average grade of C.
or:
Two (2 semesters) of a single foreign language in college with at least a D. If you had one year in high school, you may be able to take the second-semester course in college right away.

Q: I am an international student who speaks another language. Do I need to study a foreign language?
A: If your high school transcript is on file with International Office at EIU, the Chair of the Dept of World Languages & Cultures will check if the language is listed as subject on your transcript, for at least two years and average grade of C. If it is not, you can make an appointment for a language exam.

Q: I am a domestic student and a heritage speaker of another language. I have acquired language skills through home background learning and/or other experiences. Do I need to study a foreign language?
A: You will need to prove the equivalent of second-semester proficiency in that language. You will make an appointment for an exam that will test if your speaking, reading and writing skills are at the level that students would have after two semesters of studying the language in college.

Q: What do I need to do during the language exam?
A: You will meet with faculty in our Department. A typical exam lasts about 30-45 minutes and involves speaking, reading, and writing.

Q: What if I need an exam in a language that is currently not taught in the Department of World Languages & Cultures at EIU?
A: We will be glad to assist you in locating a tester on campus. Most often, another faculty member on campus will be able to serve as a tester on a courtesy basis.

Important: If we cannot locate a tester who is proficient in your language, you will need to take a language exam through a language testing organization. Some languages are available as OPIc (oral proficiency exam on computer); others are only available as live speaking tests (phone). Please contact the Department Chair for further information.
Your Name: *
E Number *
E-Mail Address *
Advisor Name *
Please check the appropriate box and fill in the requested information.

Please check the appropriate box and fill in the requested information. I am an international student and speak another language. The language is listed as a subject on my high school transcript.
The Language is:
I am an international student and speak another language. The language is not listed as a subject on my high school transcript.
The Language is:
I am an international student from an English-speaking country and have studied a foreign language in high school for two years. The language is listed as a subject on my high school transcript.
The Language is:
I am a domestic student and have acquired proficiency through home background learning and/or other experiences.
The Language is:
Comments/Other: