グローバルコミュニケーション学科コラム

During the past month, the 1st and 2nd year students of the Department of English Communication took the Listening and Reading version of the TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication). English Communication students take the TOEIC L&R at least twice a year to benchmark their English ability. Their scores also help match them to their study-abroad destination that they will travel to during their 2nd or 3rd year. The TOEIC tests are offered to KUISs students free of charge.

Of course, TOEIC test scores are not the only, or even the most important goal of English language learning. The department believes English ability is just one skill, along with critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, problem solving, and intercultural and interpersonal competency that is needed to thrive in the 21st century world. Nonetheless, the TOEIC is a useful first step to help students measure their ongoing mastery of English. Through its listening prompts, grammar problems and reading comprehension questions, TOEIC can help beginner students identify the areas they can improve upon. TOEIC is also the most widely used English proficiency exam used by Japanese companies in their job recruitment. Companies whose employees regularly interact with international clients and stakeholders, regularly require TOEIC L&R scores of at least 600-800 points. The Educational Testing Service, the company that operates the TOEIC, itself estimates that a minimum score of 550 could correspond to intermediate fluency as estimated by the B-1 band of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)

The English Communications Department has developed an English Language program meant to support students with minimal English ability reach both a 600 TOEIC L&R and general Academic English ability. Many of our students did not have much experience with English in High School, but many of our students dramatically improve their scores during their freshman year. The department emphasizes small classes and active learning. 1st and 2nd year students engage in immersive, English-language environments that encourage them to use English throughout their school-day and solidify these gains through online homework assignments. Eventually, students take subject-courses taught in English, where they prepare for the kind of Academic English they will encounter when they study abroad. Finally, students also improve TOEIC scores because of KUISs extensive learning support. Students are able to have one-on-one tutorials free of charge through the "English Lounge" program. Students can also take specialized preparation courses, including those with one of the nation's leading TOEIC test-prep teacher (TOEIC®対策プログラム)

No matter the level of initial English-language proficiency, we welcome students who are eager to learn and pursue their dream!

English Communication Students Taking the Listening and Reading version of the TOEIC