Learning of Foreign Languages
Language Proficiency Tests1)

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
The TOEFL is a test that measures non-native English speakers’ ability to communicate in English.
Most educational institutions, including universities, in English-speaking countries use the TOEFL
test score as a standard measure for English language proficiency and is also one of the language
test requirements for the application process to the Keio University Student Exchange Programs(Outbound). The TOEFL’s iBT (Internet-Based Test) is the test administered in Japan, and it
consists of four components: listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. Results for eachcomponent and the total score (0-120 points) is given. TOEFL test scores are valid for two years
from the day of the examination. Make sure that your TOEFL test score is still valid when you arepreparing your application for study abroad. Please note that only the Test Date Score is valid for
TOEFL iBT. My Best Score is NOT evaluated. Also, the TOEFL iBT score cannot be used tosupport a Tier 4 (General) student visa application for the UK as the English language requirement
in most casesOfficial information on TOEFLETS (Educational Testing Service): http://www.ets.org/toefl
CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange): http://www.cieej.or.jp/toefl/12)

IELTS（International English Language Testing System）
Most higher educational institutions in the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand accept IELTS
as evidence of English language proficiency for students looking to study abroad, and there is anincreasing number of educational institutions in the US that use IELTS to help them makeadmissions decisions. It is also one of the language test requirements for the application process tothe Keio University Student Exchange Programs (Outbound). The test consists of four components:
reading, listening, speaking, and writing, and examinees are graded on their performance usingscores from 1 (Non User) to 9 (Expert User) for each part of the test. The results from the four parts
are then averaged to produce an Overall Band Score. IELTS test scores are valid for two years fromthe day of the examination. Make sure that your IELTS test score is still valid when you arepreparing your application for study abroad.
Official information on IELTS・IELTS official website: http://www.ielts.org/
・Eiken Foundation of Japan: http://www.eiken.or.jp/ielts/en/
・Japan Study Abroad Foundation: http://www.jsaf-ieltsjapan.com/
・BRITISH COUNCIL: https://www.britishcouncil.jp/en/exam/ielts-uk-visa-immigration*Language proficiency tests for studying in the UK
Please note that the TOEFL iBT score cannot be used to support a Tier 4 (General) student visa
application for the UK as the English language requirement in most cases. If you are thinking about
studying abroad in the UK, make sure to take the prescribed test and meet the score requirement.
https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa/knowledge-of-english
You must check for yourself whether you need to obtain a student visa in order to participate in the
study abroad program, and if you do need a visa, what kind of documents are required for theapplication process. Visa requirements may change without notice, so make sure to regularly checkthe UK Home Office website or via other means for the latest information.
・UK Home Oﬃce “Tier4 (General) student visa”:

https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa

23)

Other Tests for Language Proficiency

Indonesian

Himpunan Penyelenggara Ujian Bahasa Indonesia
Tel. 03-3438-4790 http://www.i-kentei.com/

Ujian Kemampuan Berbahasa
Indonesia

The Korea Educational Foundation
Tel. 03-5419-9171 http://www.kref.or.jp

Test of Proficiency in Korean(TOPIK)
KoreanHanguru Nōryokukentei Kyōkai
Tel. 03-5858-9101 http://www.hangul.or.jp

Hanguru Nōryokukentei Shiken

http://www.kets.or.kr/

Korean Language Ability Test(KLAT)

Japan committee for HSK
Tel. 03-3268-6601 http://www.hskj.jp/
The Society for Testing Chinese Proficiency Japan
Tel. 03-5846-9751 http://www.chuken.gr.jp/
TOCFL Japan Officehttps://tocfl.jp/index.html
https://www.sc-top.org.tw/chinese/oversea.php
Center national DELF/DALF Japon Institut français duJapon – Kansai / Osaka
Tel. 06-6358-7391
http://www.delfdalf.jp
Association pour la Promotion de l'Enseignement duFrançais au Japon Futsuken OfficeTel. 03-3230-1603
http://apefdapf.org/Institut français du Japon-Tokyo Tel. 03-5206-2500
http://www.institutfrancais.jp/tokyo/
TCF can also be taken at the SFC campus (for all Keiostudents). https://french.sfc.keio.ac.jp/home/HSKChineseChūgoku Kentei Shiken
Test of Chinese as a ForeignLanguage (TOCFL)

DELF/DALF
French

Diplome d’Aptitude Pratique auFrançais
Test de Connaissance du Francais(TCF)
Goethe-Zertifikat

Goethe Institut Tokyo
Tel. 03-3584-3201
https://www.goethe.de/ins/jp/ja/sta/tok/prf.html

TestDaf
GermanGesellschaft Zur Förderung Der Germanistik in Japan
Tel. 03-3813-0596
http://www.dokken.or.jp

Diplom Deutsch in Japanösd Kanto Office Tel. 03-3717-2544
http://www.flc.kyushu-u.ac.jp/~de/oesd/

Oesterreichisches
Sprachdiplom
Deutsch (OeSD)
GreekJapan examination center
Tel. 03-6459-2220

Certificate of Attainment in Greek
CILS

Istituto Italiano di Cultura
Tel. 03-3264-6011
http://www.iictokyo.esteri.it/iic_tokyo

Italiano: Prova di Abilità Linguistica

Associazione Linguistica Italiana
Tel. 03-5428-5630 http://www.iken.gr.jp

Test of Russian as a Foreign
Language
Roshiago Nōryokukentei Shiken

Japan Cultural Association Tel. 03-3353-6980
http://taibunkyo.jp/
Roshiago Nōryokukentei Shiken Jikkō Iinkai
Tel. 03-3425-4011
http://www.tokyorus.ac.jp/kentei/index.html

DELE

Instituto Cervantes en Tokio Tel. 03-5210-1800
http://tokio.cervantes.es/es/diplomas_espanol/informacion_diplomas.htm

ItalianRussian

SpanishCasa de Espana Seiken OfficeTel. 03-3353-0428
http://www.casa-esp.com/

Evaluación Oficial del Conocimientode la Lengua Española

34)

Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
The CEFR, which is used widely in Europe, is a framework that describes the language ability oflearners of a foreign language and is also a reference for what learners need to achieve at different
levels. The chart below is a useful reference if the overseas institution does not specify the TOEFL
or IELTS test scores, but instead specifies that students need a language proficiency of “B2” etc.
UNDERSTANDING
Listening

A1

A2

B1

B2

C1

C2

I can understand familiar
words and very basic phrases
concerning myself, myfamily and immediate
concrete surroundings whenpeople speak slowly andclearly.

I can understand phrases
and the highest frequency
vocabulary related to areasof most immediate
personal relevance(e.g. very
basic personal and family
information, shopping, local
area, employment). I cancatch the main point in short,
clear, simple messages andannouncements.

SPEAKING
Reading

Spoken Interaction

Spoken Production

Writing

I can understand familiarnames, words and very
simple sentences, forexample on notices andposters or in catalogues.

I can interact in a simple way
provided the other person
is prepared to repeat orrephrase things at a slower
rate of speech and help me
formulate what I'm trying
to say. I can ask and answer
simple questions in areas of
immediate need or on very
familiar topics.

I can use simple phrases andsentences to describe where I
live and people I know.

I can write a short, simple
postcard, for example sending
holiday greetings. I can fill informs with personal details,
for example entering myname, nationality
and address on a hotel
registration form.

I can read very short, simple
texts. I can find specific,
predictable information in
simple everyday material
such as advertisements,
prospectuses, menus
and timetables and I canunderstand short simple
personal letters.

I can communicate in simple
and routine tasks requiring asimple and direct exchange of
information on familiar
topics and activities. I canhandle very short socialexchanges, even though I
can't usually understandenough to keep theconversation going myself.

I can use a series of phrases
and sentences to describe insimple terms my family andother people, living
conditions, my educational
background and my present
or most recent job.

I can write short, simple
notes and messages. I canwrite a very simple
personal letter, for example
thanking someone forsomething.

I can connect phrases in a
simple way in order todescribe experiences andevents, my dreams, hopes andambitions. I can briefly givereasons and explanations foropinions and plans. I cannarrate a story or relate theplot of a book or film anddescribe my reactions.

I can write simple connected
text on topics which arefamiliar or of personal
interest. I can write personal
letters describing experiences
and impressions.

I can understand the main
points of clear standard
speech on familiar mattersregularly encountered in work,school, leisure, etc. I canunderstand the main
point of many radio or TV
programs on current affairs
or topics of personal or
professional interest when
the delivery is relatively slow
and clear.

I can understand texts thatconsist mainly of highfrequency everyday or jobrelated language. I canunderstand the description ofevents, feelings and wishes inpersonal letters.

I can understand extended
speech and lectures andfollow even complex linesof argument provided
the topic is reasonablyfamiliar. I can understandmost TV news and current
affairs programs. I canunderstand the majority offilms in standard dialect.

I can read articles andreports concerned withcontemporary problems
in which the writers
adopt particular attitudes
or viewpoints. I canunderstand contemporary
literary prose.

I can interact with a degree offluency and spontaneity thatmakes regular interaction
with native speakers quitepossible. I can take an active
part in discussion in familiar
contexts, accounting for andsustaining my views.

I can present clear, detailed
descriptions on a wide rangeof subjects related to my fieldof interest. I can explain aviewpoint on a topical issue
giving the advantages anddisadvantages of various
options.

I can understand extended
speech even when it is notclearly structured and whenrelationships are only impliedand not signaled explicitly.
I can understand television
programs and films
without too much effort.

I can understand long andcomplex factual andliterary texts, appreciating
distinctions of style. I canunderstand specialized
articles and longer technicalinstructions, even when they
do not relate to my field.

I can express myself fluently
and spontaneously without
much obvious searchingfor expressions. I can use
language flexibly andeffectively for social andprofessional purposes. I canformulate ideas and opinionswith precision and relate mycontribution skillfully tothose of other speakers.

I can present clear, detailed
descriptions of complex
subjects integrating subthemes, developing particularpoints and rounding off with
an appropriate conclusion.

I can read with ease virtually
all forms of the written
language, including abstract,
structurally or linguisticallycomplex texts such asmanuals, specialized articles
and literary works.

I can take part effortlessly in
any conversation or discussion
and have a good familiarity
with idiomatic expressionsand colloquialisms. I can
express myself fluently andconvey finer shades ofmeaning precisely. If I do havea problem I can backtrack andrestructure around the
difficulty so smoothly that
other people are hardly awareof it.

I can present a clear,smoothly-flowing
description or argument in astyle appropriate to thecontext and with an effective
logical structure which helps
the recipient to notice andremember significant points.

I have no difficulty inunderstanding any kind of
spoken language, whether
live or broadcast, even when
delivered at fast native speed,provided. I have some time toget familiar with the accent.

WRITING

I can deal with mostsituations likely to arise
whilst travelling in an area
where the language is spoken.
Ican enter unprepared into
conversation on topics thatare familiar, of personal
interest or pertinent toeveryday life (e.g. family,hobbies, work, travel andcurrent events).

4

I can write clear, detailed text
on a wide range of subjects
related to my interests. I canwrite an essay or report,
passing on information or
giving reasons in support ofor against a particular pointof view. I can write lettershighlighting the personal
significance of events andexperiences.
I can express myself inclear, well-structured text,expressing points of viewat some length. I can write
about complex subjects in aletter, an essay or a report,
underlining what I consider
to be the salient issues. I canselect a style appropriate tothe reader in mind.

I can write clear, smoothlyflowing text in an appropriate
style. I can write complex
letters, reports or articles
which present a case with
an effective logical structure
which helps the recipient
to notice and remember
significant points. I can write
summaries and reviews ofprofessional or literary works.

Achievement Tests
If you are planning to earn a degree from a university or institution in the US or Canada, you may be
asked to submit test scores for the following achievement tests.
1)

SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test): for those who wish to enter a US university at theundergraduate level
There are two types of tests: Reasoning Test and Subject Tests. The English level required for theReasoning Test is significantly higher than that for the TOEFL test.

2)

GRE (General Record Examination): for those who wish to enter a US or Canadian university at thegraduate level
The GRE is a set of General and Subject Tests. The General Test is compulsory and is divided into
three sections: Verbal, Quantitative (Math), and Analytical Writing. The university will specify
which subjects to take for the Subject Tests.

3)

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test): for those who wish to enter a business school inthe US or Canada
The GMAT measures whether the student, after entering the business school, will be able to keep
up with the coursework. This computer-adaptive test is comprised of four sections: Verbal(English), Quantitative (mathematics), AWA (writing), and Integrated Reasoning. The test isdesigned to assess logical reasoning ability, and getting a high score for the Verbal section isparticularly challenging.

4)

LSAT (Law School Admission Test): for those who wish to enter a Law School (J.D. Program) in
the US or CanadaThis standardized test is administered to people who wish to enter a law school (graduate program
specializing in law) but their undergraduate major was in a subject other than law.

5