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In This Section
Integrated Language Studies Pathway: Your Bridge to Academic Success
Launch your academic journey at Saint Vincent College and Seminary through our Integrated Language Studies (ILS) Pathway program! This program is designed specifically for international students with strong academic backgrounds who want to more fully develop their English language skills while beginning their degree studies in our welcoming Catholic, Benedictine environment. Your ILS pathway is tailored to your English proficiency level, allowing you to transition seamlessly into your chosen degree program with credits already earned toward your degree.
As an ILS student, you will:- Join a welcoming campus community rooted in Benedictine principles of hospitality and academic excellence
- Take a combination of intensive English instruction and academic classes relevant to your degree from outstanding and dedicated faculty
- Build essential skills including study strategies and academic writing
- Earn credits toward your bachelor's, master's, or Seminary degree while improving your English proficiency
- Experience a holistic education in a Catholic, Benedictine community that supports your personal and academic growth.
Each 15-week semester includes 19-21 hours of instruction per week, balancing English language development with academic coursework. With dedicated support and a clear pathway to success, the ILS program provides the perfect foundation for your studies at Saint Vincent College or Seminary, where Benedictine hospitality welcomes students of all backgrounds and faiths.
International Students
Becoming a Saint Vincent International Student
International Students
We invite you to explore what it means to be an international student at Saint Vincent, including application requirements and key information to help you transition smoothly into our community. The Office of Global and Community Engagement is here to support you every step of the way—offering guidance on travel, immigration, legal matters, cultural adjustment, employment, and more.
Application Process for Saint Vincent College
To be considered for the Integrated Language Studies Pathway, you must first submit your undergraduate application or graduate application to Saint Vincent College and be accepted. An admissions counselor will contact you if your TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo scores make you eligible for this program. Your test scores will help us distinguish which level of ILS is appropriate for you. The test score levels required either for direct admission into a degree program or for a level of the ILS program are provided in the table below.
Application Process for Saint Vincent Seminary
Applicants for all Seminary degree programs must first apply for the desired program at https://saintvincentseminary.edu/apply/ and submit their respective TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo scores with their application as indicated in the appropriate admission checklist (i.e., either the Ordination Admission or Non-Ordination Programs checklists) posted on the website. The test score levels required either for direct admission into a degree program or for a level of the ILS program are provided in the table below.
English Proficiency Requirements
English Proficiency Requirements and ILS Placement for International Students
International students applying to Saint Vincent College or Seminary will be placed into the appropriate level of the ILS Program based on their English proficiency test scores.
|
Saint Vincent ILS Program |
Accepted Tests Scores |
ILS Pathway |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Level |
TOEFL |
IELTS* |
Duolingo |
PTE |
|
|
Intermediate |
50-59 |
5.5* |
85-90 |
40-42 |
3-semester |
|
Intermediate Upper |
60-69 |
5.5* |
95-105 |
43-47 |
2-semester |
|
Advanced |
70-79 |
6.0-* |
110-115 |
48-51 |
1-semester |
|
Direct Admission for Degree Program |
80+ |
6.0+ |
120+ |
52+ |
Support available |
|
Students whose test scores exceed these levels may seek support through ILS on top of their studies for an additional per semester fee basis. |
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Full Course of Study Requirements:
|
Integrated Language Studies Hour/Credit* Requirements |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Level |
Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
Semester 3 |
Semester 4 |
|
Intermediate |
20 hrs ESL |
16 hrs ESL |
12 hrs ESL |
Full-time Degree Courses |
|
Intermediate Upper |
16 hrs ESL |
12 hrs ESL |
Full-time Degree Courses |
|
|
Advanced |
12 hrs ESL |
Full-time Degree Courses |
|
|
|
*Credits refer to credit bearing courses that contribute to degree requirements. |
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|
Level |
Code |
Core Teaching Content Areas |
|---|---|---|
|
Intermediate |
ESL100 |
Reading I |
|
Intermediate Upper |
ESL200 |
Reading II |
|
Advanced |
ESL300 |
Advanced Grammar & Composition |