A Leading Research University
How one international office replaced inconsistent departmental interviews — and helped shape the English3 Interview.
Methods of verifying English proficiency
- The English3 J-1 Interview
- Internationally recognized tests: TOEFL, IELTS
- Official certification
Background — the need for change
In January 2015, the Department of State updated the English proficiency requirements for J-1 program administration:
“The exchange visitor possesses sufficient proficiency in the English language, as determined by an objective measurement of English language proficiency, successfully to participate in his or her program and to function on a day-to-day basis.”
Like most universities, this institution’s international office initially had the sponsoring department or PI conduct the English interview. The results were inconsistent, and the office needed a new policy to ensure an objective measurement of English.
To fully comply with the new regulations, the office took the initiative to conduct the English proficiency interviews themselves — seeing firsthand whether each applicant could communicate effectively in English. But the time it took was overwhelming. Staff often completed interviews early in the morning or late at night to accommodate time-zone differences for exchange visitors.
An innovative solution
After a year and a half and hundreds of Skype interviews, it became clear the office needed a more efficient way to conduct and administer interviews. They reached out to English3 to see whether its automated online interview technology could be adapted for J-1 English proficiency interviews.
Together, English3, this university’s international office, and a partner medical center developed the English3 Interview. The Interview would not exist without the innovative perspective of Virginie Blum and her team.
Implementing this new approach was surprisingly easy. Staff and exchange visitors alike were thrilled with the ease and convenience of the interview.
In Virginie Blum’s words
“The English3 interview has helped us tremendously. It is so much easier now. When a potential J-1 scholar needs an English proficiency interview, they are able to complete it at their convenience. After the potential scholar completes the interview, I receive an email from English3 with the interview score report. I love that I can review the interview video; I am able to learn about the scholar before they arrive.”
“English3 has saved me a ton of time. The implementation of the online interview process was very smooth. Their tech support is very quick to respond when we or the applicant have issues. Great customer service!”
“I don’t have to worry about scheduling, time zones, or any of that. The scholar does the interview when and where it is convenient for them, and I review it when it is convenient for me.”
What exchange visitors say
“It is the most convenient way to verify my English proficiency. Good technical support :)”
“Fewer technical problems than Skype, cheaper than TOEFL, I can do it at any time I choose.”
“I am much less nervous with this interview, so my English is better.”
More customer stories
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