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International Schools with EAL Support in Malaysia

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EAL (English as an Additional Language) is structured in-school support for students whose first language is not English. Schools deliver it as pull-out classes (small-group English that replaces part of the regular timetable), in-class support, or intensive English programmes — placement is set by an entry assessment against the CEFR. In Malaysia, IGB, Mont Kiara, Alice Smith, and Nexus run dedicated EAL departments; Garden, Tenby, and other mid-sized schools also maintain active EAL programmes. Families arriving from non-English-speaking countries should confirm EAL availability, duration, and any additional fee before enrolling.

FAQ

Q. What's the difference between EAL and ESL?
A. They are essentially the same. EAL (English as an Additional Language) is more common at British and IB schools; ESL (English as a Second Language) is more common at American schools. Both describe language support for students whose first language isn't English.
Q. Does EAL support cost extra?
A. It depends. Some schools (e.g., Alice Smith) include EAL in tuition; others (e.g., IGB, Mont Kiara) charge an additional 5,000–20,000 MYR per year. Always confirm fee and content together before enrollment.
Q. How long does EAL support last?
A. Typically 1–3 years. Most schools graduate students out of EAL once they reach CEFR B1–B2 and merge them into mainstream classes; duration depends on the student's level at entry.
Q. Can a student attend a school without EAL?
A. Yes if the student passes the school's entry English assessment. Some schools (e.g., ELC) explicitly state English proficiency is a prerequisite and offer no EAL, so weaker-English applicants may be deferred or rejected.