Language for Higher education students
Languages – Your passport to the world
Learning a foreign language is essential for success in today’s increasingly interconnected world.
Already if you are choosing an international oriented programme in your home country, but at latest when you are applying for a study programme abroad you will most likely need a language certificate, proving that you have sufficient knowledge of the language you need for your studies.
Because a certificate does not only cost money but also time to prepare, it is wise to choose a certificate which is widely accepted and fits your needs! Make also sure, that you start preparing and taking your language test early enough in order to meet your deadlines. Preparation, taking the test and receiving the results usually takes several weeks! We can help you achieve your target language preferred exam with best results.
Language Levels
The Common European Framework (CEFR), divides learners into six different levels:
A Basic Speaker
- A1 Breakthrough or beginner
- A2 Waystage or elementary
B Independent Speaker
- B1 Threshold or intermediate
- B2 Vantage or upper intermediate
C Proficient Speaker
- C1 Effective Operational Proficiency or advanced
- C2 Mastery or proficiency
For each level, there is a description of what the learner has to be able to do in reading, listening, speaking and writing. Those descriptions apply to any language. Usually, the expected level for study programmes in most world countries is around B. However, certain universities or programmes (e.g. English literature) might require a higher level than that. That can be helpful if the university you are applying to does not have specific guidelines for your certificate. For more information continue reading.
English certificates
English is obviously the most popular language of instruction. Even in international oriented national programmes, a certificate might be needed to proof sufficient English skills for English-taught courses. The below-mentioned certificates are the most popular ones used in the academic field.
1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
2. International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
3. Cambridge English Examinations (CAE)
4. Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC)
5. Business English Certificate (BEC)
Spanish certificates
1. Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera (DELE)
2. Certificado de Español: Lengua y Uso (CELU)
Erasmus
Erasmus+ is the new EU programme for education, training, youth and sport for the period 2014-2020. It offers opportunities to study, train, gain work experience or volunteer abroad and one of its strategic objectives is to strengthen linguistic skills and support language learning.
The OLS language assessment is mandatory for all participants to Erasmus+ mobility activities of at least two months (studies/traineeships/EVS volunteering) with one of the following languages as the main language of instruction, work or volunteering (with the exception of native speakers).
If you wish to prepare for this exam and train your language skills before your Erasmus experience LCT can provide you with assistance. You can choose between online coaching or face-to-face training.
contact us to talk about your needs and we will be happy to tailor make your ideal course. Check our courses or book a trial session now.