Adult language programs are part of lifelong learning and are also known as "adult education". This type of education is characterized by the resumption of courses or training to acquire skills/qualifications that go beyond the initial school or academic education.
There are many reasons to improve your language skills:
- Improvements as part of professional activities;
- Integration into Luxembourg society;
- Cultural needs;
- Leisure activities, etc.
For adults wishing to study language courses in Luxembourg, there are two options: courses offered by the National Language Institute, and language courses organized by universities, communities or associations.
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Applicable groups
All adults, regardless of age, education or nationality, may take a language course of their choice commensurate with their level of ability.
condition
Anyone who no longer receives compulsory education (unless there is a ministerial decree) can enter these classes.
How to proceed
Language courses at the National Language Institute
Introduction and methodology
The National Language Institute, located in Luxembourg City and Mersch, is responsible for providing 8 languages to an adult audience who wishes to improve their oral or written communication skills: French, German, Luxembourgish, English, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish and Chinese.
Like many language schools in Europe, the teaching, learning and evaluation of international language institutes is based on the Common Framework of Reference for European Languages (CEFR) published by the Council of Europe. Charles: What is the Common Framework of Reference for European Languages (CEFR) and what is the concept of the so-called B1, B2 language level?
Language courses at the International Language Institute run from Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 21:00 and take place during the spring and fall semesters. The fall semester starts in June and the spring semester in January.
The training provided by the International Language Institute includes:
- According to the CEFR's 6 skill levels, from A1 of the beginner user to C2 of the fluent user; (B2 can be used as an application for eu permanent residence qualification)
- Use the target language from level A1;
- Interactive: Learners participate in the course with various skills (comprehension, speaking, interacting, reading, writing) using various language tools such as grammar, spelling, vocabulary, pronunciation, etc., through language activities;
- Promote autonomy and encourage reflection on learning methods and regular self-assessments;
- At the end of the course, standardized assessments and skills assessments expressed at a European level are also published.
Currently, the language courses offered by the International Language Institute are as follows:
- General language courses for beginners and non-beginners;
- Objective-specific courses;
- Training courses in Luxembourgish (Zertifikat Lëtzebuerger Sprooch a Kultur).
- The integration course (20 hours per week) allows adult immigrants to quickly obtain basic training in French and Luxembourgish.
Registering for an international language course does not allow you to obtain a residence permit.
Course Registration
Any new student registration for an international English program is divided into three steps:
1. Apply online for admission
Candidates fill in an application for admission in the language of their choice. The application fee is €10 per academic year, per language, is non-refundable and must be paid at the time of submission (or within 3 working days).
The payment date of the application fee determines the priority of the reservation.
Students who have already taken a course at the International Language Institute sign up to their teachers for the next phase of the course at the last few lessons of the semester.
2. Make a personal appointment online
Applicants will receive a text message or email informing them when they can start scheduling a meeting. They can make an appointment through their personal account on the website, but they need to confirm that they have paid the application fee.
On upcoming training and registration days, candidates can review the schedule and choose when to interview with their teachers.
3. Interview and registration date
During the approximately 15-minute interview, the teacher and the applicant work together to determine the training that best suits the applicant's needs and abilities.
Non-beginner applicants use the CEFR-based introductory exam to check their level.
After selecting a course, the applicant pays the registration fee within 3 days.
Applicants must provide the following documents:
- Confirmation of appointment, which can be printed at home through their account;
- Photocopy of identification document;
- Any document that allows them to enjoy the offer.
payment
Final registration is determined by the International Language Institute based on the learner's language skills and charges a registration fee for each course.
Applicants can pay the registration fee in the following ways:
Use a secure credit card online (MasterCard, Visa): Applicants log in to their account to register a credit card and print the registration confirmation, which is presented on the first day of the course;
By wire transfer or direct deposit: Applicants log in to their account, print out the payment advice, give it to the front desk or mail it to the International Business School, and attach proof of payment. They print their registration confirmation on the first day of the course.
Fee reductions
The preferential fee policy applies to the following persons:
- job seekers (jobseeker);
- Beneficiaries of Social Inclusion Income (REVIS) from the National Office for Social Inclusion (ONIS);
- Persons deemed in need by the Luxembourg Reception and Integration Office or the Office of Community Social Welfare;
- Civil servants, State employees and similar persons, as long as the course is organized exclusively for them;
- Students who graduate from elementary school, based on a reasonable letter of recommendation from the principal of their school.
Beneficiaries must comply with the following conditions:
- At the beginning of each semester, the applicant must present the certificate issued by the corresponding management department in his or her own name;
- This offer is only applicable to those who have attended at least 80% of the courses per month. Students who are absent from school must present an official certificate. Monthly attendance below 80% will be charged the full registration fee. Refusal to pay results in immediate delisting;
- The fee reduction is only applicable to general language courses. For courses with specific objectives, a written application must be submitted to the International College management. In this case, the International College reserves the right to limit the number of courses allocated to those benefiting from the tuition fee reduction.
Language courses organized by universities, communities or associations
Many language courses (French, German, English, Luxembourgish, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Czech, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Swedish, Polish, Albanian, Bosnian-Croatian-Serbian, Greek, Dutch and Latin) are available throughout the country. For language learners at all levels (beginners, advanced learners, etc.), language courses are run by universities, communities or some non-profit organization and are chaired by the Department of Adult Education of the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth. They are usually held in the evening, twice a week.
At the end of the course, participants who attend at least 75% of the course will receive a certificate of attendance.
Language test registration
The National Language Institute is the National Accreditation Centre and administers diplomas and certificates in the Luxembourgish language. This means that the International Confederation of Labour is responsible for preparing, organizing and carrying out the Luxembourgish tests required to acquire Luxembourgese citizenship, namely "Sproochentest Lëtzebuergesch'".
Similarly, the International Language Institute oversees the teaching and administration of degree certificates for foreigners who do not speak Luxembourgish, the "Lëtzebuergesch als Friemsprooch" (LaF) examination and its variants for the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth, according to the level of THE CEFR.
As a result of the agreement with foreign institutes, the International Language Institute offers all interested persons the possibility to take international examinations and examinations for all languages of instruction (except Chinese) in order to obtain official recognition of their language skills. Language skills diagnostic tests are also available in German, English and French.
There is a registration fee for taking the language test or taking the test. Proof of payment must be provided at the time of registration.
If a candidate postpones or takes the exam, the registration fee will increase. The increased registration fee is 50% of the registration fee.
Candidates who withdraw from the exam will be reimbursed 70% of the registration fee. Candidates must submit a written application to the management of the International College by the registration deadline, with all supporting documents attached.
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