Language Courses

Students follow a compulsory language course throughout the academic year (55 h) as part of their regular studies. This allows them to add another language to their portfolio. See language requirements. 

Students who have at least a B1 level of French are able to choose between either Arabic, Chinese, German, Russian or Spanish or opt for an advanced French course. Arabic, Chinese, German and Russian are taught at beginner’s level only and students with any prior knowledge of one of these languages will have to follow another language class. Spanish is offered at a beginner’s level (A1) and a more advanced level (A2).

Since language classes will be kept small, the College cannot guarantee that students will always be offered their first choice of foreign language.

The programme thus offers courses in the six official UN languages as well as the working languages of the European Commission. There are individual entry and graduation requirements for each language:

 

Language course

Entry level (September)

Graduation level (June)

Language courses for students with a level below B1 in French:

French I *

A1+

B1

French II *

A2+

B1+

Language courses for students with a level of B1 or higher in French:

French III *

B1

B2
French IV* B2 C1

Spanish I

0

A2

Spanish II

A2

B1+

Arabic

0

A1

Chinese

0

A1

German

0

A1+

Russian

0

A1

* If necessary, the graduation levels for the French language courses may be adapted each year after the entry tests in September in function of students’ ability. This only applies to the French courses.

More information on these levels can be obtained from the Council of Europe website.

In addition, the Language Service organises voluntary courses on various languages as well as workshops open to all College of Europe students.

For further information, please contact Ms Angela O'NEILL, Director of Communications and Languages, angela.oneill [at] coleurope.eu.