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Language requirements
At most of our Erasmus partner universities, teaching is in the native language. However, there are also some exchanges where classes are offered in English.
Do I need to be fluent in another language?
At most of our partner universities, courses are taught in the native language. You will usually be expected to follow lectures, write essays, and take exams in the language of instruction.
There are some exceptions. For English Literature exchanges, teaching is always in English. Courses in some subjects may also be available in English at some partner universities in Scandinavia, Belgium, Netherlands, Czech Republic (and Ireland, of course).
If you are thinking about going on an Erasmus exchange where your subject is not taught in English, you should have at least one of the following:
- a Higher or 'AS' certificate in that language
- other qualification demonstrating a minimum of level B1 according to the Common European Framework
- experience of formal study in that language
- a minimum of one year’s university level study (as a non-beginner)
In the absence of at least one of the above requirements, participants will normally be required to take a language test at IALS and to achieve at least Level B1 (on the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework) before taking up their exchange place.
Students who do not achieve this level will be recommended against taking up their place.
Taking a language as an outside subject in your first and/or second years at Edinburgh is recommended as a means of ensuring that you are equipped, linguistically, for a year abroad.
If your host university has a language course, definitely, definitely go on it!
Vicky
Modern Languages student
How can I improve my language skills?
It's always a good idea to get in as much language practice as possible before going on exchange. Your host university may offer subsidised or even free language courses, which are also a good way to meet people and settle in before the start of your exchange.
The following links also offer other ways of improving your language skills.
- DELC introductory language courses
- Languages For All
- TANDEM language cafe
- Yakety yak language cafe
- Edinburgh Spanish Circle
- Erasmus Intensive Language Courses
Funding available for language tuition
Erasmus students who do not study their host language as part of their Edinburgh degree may claim reimbursement of up to €500 (or equivalent) language tuition fees.
To claim reimbursement, please return all original receipts plus proof of attendance to the International Office.
This article was published on Apr 2, 2013