Learning a foreign language is a very advantageous asset for a student’s future.
The best way to validate proficiency in a foreign language is to have official certifications awarded by foreign language official bodies affiliated with their respective governments. Spanish and French are no exception.
These exams help boost a student’s language proficiency and confidence as students are competitive and are highly motivated to achieve these certifications.
The DELE (Diploma in Spanish as a Foreign Language) is an official qualification accrediting the degree of competence and mastery of Spanish language, granted by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training of Spain
The DELF Junior is an internationally recognized diploma in French as a Foreign Language awarded by the French Ministry of Education.
After completing all the terms of our comprehensive language program, if students wish to take the DELE Escolar or DELF Junior Exam, we offer a preparatory course comprising 5 hours. It consists of practice of past exam papers and a mock test so that students are acquainted with the exam format and are well-prepared for the exam.
The number of students taking the DELE Escolar (Spanish) and DELF Junior (French) every year is multiplying exponentially. By obtaining these certifications, students can certify their knowledge of the language at a globally recognized scale. The DELE and DELF, like certifications such as Cambridge First Certificate, are valid among European education bodies and institutions. These certifications are valid for life and never expire. Beyond academic purposes, these certifications are also beneficial when applying for jobs in private or public institutions in Europe, Latin America and North America.
The key is not how much Spanish or French the students know but the quality of their knowledge. An 11-year-old student learning Spanish or French doesn’t have to prove a high mastery of the language in the A1 level. The examiner expects students to be at ease with the language and show no fear of comprehending and speaking even with limited knowledge and precision. The exams aim to check that young learners have the right approach and can express themselves or understand essential information. To reiterate, these exams are not about learning grammar theoretically but using it in a natural context. Students must accustom themselves to listening and speaking the language. Fluidity and pronunciation are essential criteria to raise the final score.
The DELF Junior (French) and DELE Escolar (Spanish) have different levels. Students should start with the A1 level. The exam comprises four parts: Writing / Reading/ Listening/Speaking. The exam is not particularly difficult, students need to demonstrate basic knowledge of the language in daily and basic situations. For example, they must know how to order a simple meal out of the menu or write a short letter of about 100 words to their siblings about their vacation. In addition, the examiners will check the basic grammar of students (verb tense and forms, basic vocabulary, etc.) and give equal weightage to the practical aspect of the language. These exams focus on non-theoretical and conversational aspects. European Union bodies have commonly agreed that applied language knowledge is important and prioritized over purely theoretical knowledge.
These exams are based on practice and not only on theoretical knowledge. This is why some young learners fail despite a good mastery of grammar. Students must be exposed to the language with a certain consistency to master comprehension and oral expression. Students who join a structured language program always have more chances to succeed because they are holistically acquainted with the language.