For any feedbacks or comments, please use our contact form

The Zug Post in the news, watch the video here

Migration Advisory Centre to offer Goethe Institute language tests

The Migration Advisory Centre (FMS) is to act as a test centre for German-language proficiency certificates issued by the Goethe Institute, an organisation similar to the British Council which promotes the study of German language and culture around the world.
 
Until so far, the FMS has been mainly active in just coordinating the various German-language courses in the various municipalities, but, according to Judith Steinhübl of the advisory centre (second photograph), there has been an increasing number of requests for people to be able to take an internationally recognised language qualification. "This is the first time that it has been able to offer such a centre in the canton or, indeed, in the whole of central Switzerland," said Steinhübl.
 
Initially the FSM will only be able to test pupils entering for the basic qualification, with candidates examined in listening comprehension, reading comprehension and writing, as well as holding a short conversation in a group. "I know lots of people are put off exams as they think they might fail, but the tests are adapted to the various levels," said Steinhübl.
 
The FSM is expecting some 100 candidates to take the tests over the course of the year, though so far only five people have registered for the first tests between 31 January and 3 February. By the end of this year it is hoped the FSM will be able to offer certificates for the next level. "We have not undertaken much advertising," said Steinhübl, "but we are working together with the municipalities and local language schools. Furthermore we have as many as 9 teachers who have been trained to ensure the levels demanded by Goethe Institute standards are upheld."
 
Steinbühl continued by saying that proof of standards of language skills were becoming increasingly important in the world of work, and indeed in other areas of life. "If foreigners in Switzerland want to obtain a C-residence permit after five years instead of ten, they will have to prove, among other things, that they are capable of communicating to a certain level in one of Switzerland's four official languages. This is also true of foreigners applying for Swiss citizenship," she added.
 
The tests will cost CHF 180, quite a lot when compared with the CHF 160 charged for a term's German lessons in the municipalities. However, the FSM itself will not profit from the fees at all and only administrative costs will need to be covered. "We at the FSM are sure that, for many people, the tests will be an investment for the future."
 
Anyone interested in taking the tests is invited to attend a preparation evening on Monday 23 January at the FSM's premises at 9 Zeughausgasse in the city.    
  
 


Source/Media Partner:




back