ISEP member institutions in the US require proof of English language proficiency from international students who are not native English speakers. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is the most commonly accepted test, but more than half of the ISEP member institutions in the USA also accept alternate test scores.

Non-native English speakers applying for programs taught in English in countries outside the USA may also have to submit TOEFL or other test scores.

The minimum requirement for all accepted tests and details about language requirements is listed in the ISEP Membership Directory for each institution or the following spreadsheet:

Link to a table of English language requirements for US institutions >>

IELTS
The IELTS is accepted by an increasing number of ISEP member institutions.  For information about the IELTS, see www.ielts.org

Language Proficiency Report
The ISEP Language Proficiency Report form (LPR) is part of the application materials that can be downloaded from the ISEP website.  It includes a rating of your English skills by a language professor at your institution.  Some U.S. institutions will accept a strong Language Proficiency Report as sufficient proof.  If you submit an LPR, be sure to include information about the number of years and level of English you took in secondary school, and submit a report of the grade you earned on your secondary school certificate or diploma.

Many US institutions prefer the TOEFL; international applicants that do not submit an official TOEFL score cannot be considered for these sites.  
If TOEFL is required by your applications sites, ISEP must receive the official copy of your TOEFL before placement can be finalized. You are advised to make arrangements for taking the TOEFL as soon as possible. It takes six weeks from the time you take the exam until ISEP receives your score report, without which your application is incomplete.

• For test scores to be considered in the placement round starting February 15th, you should take the TOEFL test by January 1.
• For September 1 consideration, you should take the test by July 15. Late submission of the TOEFL score limits your chances of placement.
• An official copy of your test results should be sent directly to the ISEP office in Washington, DC from ETS (Educational Testing Service). If you are taking the computer-based test, choose District of Columbia and ISEP on your computer screen. If you are taking the paper-based test, list the ISEP TOEFL number, 9250, on the TOEFL answer sheet when you take the test.
• For information about the TOEFL consult your institution’s international office or see www.ets.org.

Institutional TOEFL score
Some international institutions administer the Institutional TOEFL—a paper and pencil version of the TOEFL. This test does not produce an official TOEFL score, but the score is accepted as proof of language proficiency by some U.S. institutions. Including an institutional TOEFL score with your application may also make it easier for an institution that requires the TOEFL to consider your application although you may still be required to submit an official score for final confirmation.

ISEP-Exchanges are not designed for students who wish to take full-time English as a Second Language (ESL) courses at a US institution. Some institutions may offer ESL in addition to regular academic coursework, but such study cannot be the primary focus of your exchange.

USA ISEP-Direct (fee-paid; non-exchange) are programs with English Language support; for more information see USA ISEP-Direct. Chances of placement on USA ISEP-Direct for qualified students are excellent.