Students whose first language is not English are required to pass a qualifying English exam to be employed as a teaching assistant.  In preparation of this exam, students are required to enroll in ESL courses that are offered at UCI.  Students who have not passed the English exam must take English classes and at least one exam every quarter to remain in good academic standing.  The department will cover the cost of the first exam.  Details regarding English exams can be found at: http://www.humanities.uci.edu/hirc/speak/.