English for International Students

International students are vital to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). You bring diverse experiences and perspectives that encourage us all to question our assumptions, imagine new possibilities, and embrace a global outlook. Some undergraduate international students take English for International Students (EIS) classes before starting their Liberal Arts and Art History classes. EIS classes focus on developing academic English proficiency and fluency as it relates to the arts.

International graduate students in the Master of Arts or Master of Fine Arts programs may take advantage of free, individual English tutoring offered through the EIS program as well.

Some international students who speak English as a second language will need to take EIS classes before they start Art History and Liberal Arts classes.

To be accepted into the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), see admissions requirements for international students.

Your application materials will be evaluated to determine placement into EIS classes. This may include your school transcripts, test scores, essays, letters of recommendation etc.

You may not need to take EIS if:

You have a TOEFL score of 96 (iBT) or above

You have an IELTS score of 7.0 or above

You have a PTE score of 65 or above

You have an AP English test score of 3 or above

You have an International Baccalaureate (IB) English test score of 5 or above on the higher-level examinations

You have an SAT (after March 2016): Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Component score of 580 or above

You have an ACT: Reading score of 22 or above

You have a Duolingo score of 120 or above

You have a BA or BS degree from another 4-year college or university

If you are a resident alien, permanent resident, or naturalized citizen of the United States whose native language is not English, you may be placed into Academic Access Program (AAP) courses instead of EIS ones. If you are an international student who has lived and studied in an English speaking country or school for 5 years or more, you may find AAP a better fit for you.

All official test scores must be received by the Admissions Office by the day of International Orientation.

At SAIC, the EIS curriculum focuses on developing fluency as it relates to the arts. Classes include:

English Language Fluency class improves your reading comprehension and academic writing skills. You will read and respond to art appreciation and art history texts, analyze formal and contextual information, and build competence and confidence in college-level writing and self-editing.

Critique class builds your competence in giving critiques, participating in class discussions, and giving presentations. You and your peers will make and present artwork to the class for discussion.

Tutorials offer ongoing support in language skills and fluency while you are enrolled in Art History and Liberal Arts classes. These small-group tutoring sessions provide additional assistance with language as you begin to take your other academic classes.

If you wish to appeal an EIS policy decision, contact the following people in this order:

• EIS Director
• Chair of the Liberal Arts Department
• Undergraduate Chair
• Academic Review Board

For more information about the program, contact the EIS office at 312.499.4136.

SAIC offers free, individual English tutoring for international grad students. Tutors will help you:

• Edit papers
• Prepare for critiques
• Practice presentations
• Talk over class assignments
• Discuss ideas
• Go over grammar
• Engage in conversation
• Rehearse for an interview
• Improve pronunciation

To schedule your tutoring appointment, please contact the director of EIS at 312.499.4136 or English for International Students saic-eis@saic.edu.