Major Changes to English Proficiency Test Impact Foreign Students

NEW YORK, Sept. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- A new Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the common English proficiency admissions requirement for international students applying to U.S. universities has just debuted across the U.S. The two major changes to the test include the shift to internet- based delivery -- resulting in the new test's new moniker of TOEFL iBT -- and, more significantly, an added speaking component.

The changes, which will be gradually phased into effect worldwide over the next several months, hold major implications for the tens of thousands of international students hoping to study in the U.S. Last year alone, nearly 750,000 students took the TOEFL.

Following the first administration of the new TOEFL iBT, Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions, one of the largest providers of English language programs worldwide, has heard early concerns from its students on the new exam.

Anthony Bailey, General Manager of Kaplan's English language programs, can address several topics including:

* The impetus for the changes and what they mean for students * Preliminary feedback from students who have taken the revised exam * Why the new section poses distinct challenges for Asian students * Factors that will affect performance on the TOEFL iBT * How to interpret the old scores compared to the new * Schools' admissions policies with regard to the TOEFL iBT * Strategies for preparing for the new exam

Bailey oversees Kaplan's English language programs, which includes general English language courses, test preparation for American entrance and licensing exams, university placement services and industry-specific English for adult professionals. He has spearheaded Kaplan's recent expansion overseas as well as the development of a new course preparing students for the TOEFL iBT.

If you would like to arrange an interview with Anthony Bailey and/or a Kaplan student who has taken or is preparing for the TOEFL iBT, please contact Victoria Grantham at 212-453-7538 (o), 917-328-3287 (c) or victoria_grantham@kaplan.com

Kaplan English Programs provides educational services to international students and professionals in the U.S. and abroad. In addition to its North American centers located on college campuses and in major metropolitan areas, Kaplan has more than 30 centers in 16 foreign countries, which provide a range of graduate and professional licensing preparation courses. Kaplan English Programs is part of Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions (kaptest.com), a division of Kaplan, Inc. (kaplan.com), a premier provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Kaplan, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Washington Post Company .