Learning a new language, improving their professional career, gaining personal experience, getting to know different places and cultures are some of the reasons why many students across the world choose to study abroad. However, to put this desire into practice, it is necessary to go through a series of steps, including the English level test.
There is no doubt that the knowledge you already have will be the starting point for your studies abroad. In this sense, knowing your level of English is essential to determine the duration of the study. After all, Language level testing is a necessary process to identify which stage you are at.
Therefore, we prepared this article in order to clarify the main doubts about the English course during the studye and how the leveling of classes is carried out. Check out!
How is the English level test applied to exchange classes?
The language level test is carried out in two steps. The first is done is by the education agents. This process is used to assess a student’s level of English and thus provide a complete record for the educational institution to which they will be enrolled abroad.
The second stage is carried out by the university that the student will study. This assessment is applied to all beginning students on the first day of class. This is because schools usually assemble classes according to the level of knowledge that each one has about the language.
In other words, the purpose of the test is to direct the student to a class that has the same level of knowledge and difficulties as him, so that his evolution is easier. However, despite the similarity in the way the tests are applied, it is still possible that both present different results.
This can happen if the student is nervous or anxious when applying the second test, which will certainly influence the result. Therefore, in cases of divergence in performance or in situations where the student feels that he/she is in a class with a level of knowledge that is very different from his/her own, there is the possibility of a new assessment.
What is assessed on the test?
Tests are typically updated frequently and may vary from institution to institution. In general, the student has a time limit for taking the test, in which skills such as:
Reading: at this stage, the student’s ability to understand simple information and interpret data based on reading a text is assessed;
Listening: the student listens to a dialogue about a certain topic and then answers some questions about the proposed topic. This assessment aims to observe the ability to understand simple information and interpret data;
Speaking: through a dialogue, the student has to answer some everyday questions in English in order to demonstrate their ability to speak in another language.
What happens after leveling?
As already mentioned, the leveling of the classes is done through a test applied on the first day of class to assess the student’s level of English. Usually, the result is delivered together with the teaching material on the same day and the student is already sent to the class where he/she will remain until the end of the course.
How does the English course work during the exchange?
The English courses will vary depending on the destination country and the chosen institution. To study in Australia, for example, you will need to apply for admission to an educational institution and also a student visa from the Australian government. To do so, it is necessary to follow some steps such as:
- send your application to the chosen institution;
- receive and accept a Letter of Offer;
- receive the Electronic Enrollment Confirmation (eCoE).
- apply for your student visa.
After completing these steps, you can register as long as you meet the following requirements:
- academic requirements;
- English language requirements;
- prove a fixed income to support their studies;
- have a health plan.
What is assessed on the course?
When you decide to learn a language in another country, you must keep in mind that, unlike a classroom where only words are recited, you will experience a real world experience. That means it won’t just be about learning a language, but how to use it in everyday life.
Therefore, it is very important to define your objective, as having a defined goal will make your choice easier. Therefore, universities offer a variety of English courses to meet different needs and objectives, such as:
- General English: This course aims to develop communication skills (listening and speaking) in order to improve the general ability to access higher level courses, improve English for everyday use, travel or for professional purposes;
- English for Academic Purposes: prepares students to enter an English-speaking university;
- English for Specific Purposes (ESP): This course is ideal for those who want to learn written and spoken English for a specific context such as business, working in the aviation or tourism segment, for example;
- Exam preparation: prepares the student for English proficiency exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC or Cambridge First Certificate;
- English to teach: enables the student to teach in educational institutions;
- Study Tours: This course combines General English with sporting, social, tourist, cultural activities and professional training.
How long is the exchange?
The duration of the exchange will depend on factors such as availability of time and resources. Packages are contracted per week, with a minimum of 2 weeks and a maximum of 48, and courses are cyclical.
In this sense, for a student with a basic level of English who wants to improve their communication in the language, it is ideal to hire a package with a minimum duration of 24 weeks. For those aiming at the advanced level, the 32-week course is recommended.
Students who already have an intermediate to advanced knowledge and just want to improve their fluency in the language can opt for a course lasting 12 weeks. Anyway, it is worth remembering that evolution depends on the performance of each one, so it is very important to respect your own time.
How to prepare to take a good test?
Generally speaking, language level tests are quite simple. However, for you to be sure that you will get good results, you need to organize all your knowledge on paper to review the content.
In addition, to help you further with your studies, it is possible to take online language level tests, this alternative allows you to know how the test works in practice and, thus, be able to reduce the nervousness that is often the main responsible for affecting the student’s development. Finally, keep in mind that there is no right or wrong result in this type of test. After all, the objective is to find out what will be the starting point of your studies.
Based on this information, it is clear that English leveling is a fundamental process for the organization of exchange classes. In addition, it is an efficient way for you to know what your current level of English is, through this information it becomes easier to choose the best option to further improve your level in the language.
