Frequently asked questions about enrolment

How do I enrol for a course?

You can enrol via our website. Once we have processed your application we will send you a confirmation of enrolment as soon as possible. You will then be invited for our intake procedure. This is necessary to determine your current level of proficiency and ensure you are enrolled in the right course for you.

What level system is used? What do the levels A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2 mean?

UvA Talen uses the internationally recognised Common European Framework of Reference to identify language proficiency levels. This international standard means you always know the language level of the course you are taking. The language level is also stated on the course certificate.

The table below gives an overview of the skills per level.

A - Basic User

Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

B - Independent User

Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

C - Proficient User

Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

How can I find out my proficiency level?

A personal proficiency test is taken prior to almost all courses organised by UvA Talen to determine your exact level of proficiency. Once you have enrolled for a course you will be sent more information about the specific intake procedure.

The intake procedure comprises an online language test (for Dutch, English, French and Spanish courses) and an intake interview. For writing courses you will be asked to complete a short written assignment.

The intake interview comprises a 15-minute telephone conversation with a teacher. The conversation is on everyday subjects and you do not need to prepare for it.

If you are not sure of your proficiency level and think you really need an intake assessment, we advise you to enrol at least two weeks before the course is due to start. If you enrol later than this, we cannot guarantee there will be time for the intake procedure.

Will the course I am enrolling in definitely take place?

UvA Talen makes every effort to ensure that every scheduled course goes ahead as planned. However, there is always a chance that in a certain period there may be too little interest in a course at a particular level or in a particular specialism.

We require a minimum of six participants for a course to go ahead. We will contact you as soon as possible if there are not enough participants for your course. Wherever possible we will offer you an alternative or a later starting date to enable you to take the course of your choice.

If we have to cancel your course, you will of course receive a full refund of any course fees you have already paid.

You can enrol for any of the courses shown on our website. If a course is cancelled or is already full, it will not be shown on the website and you will not be able to enrol for it.

Can I order the course material in advance?

The course price does not include the course material. The course information includes details of the textbooks we use for the course and how much they cost.

Classroom-based courses

If you choose to follow lessons in class, you can buy your books through us. When enrolling you can indicate if you would like to order the textbooks via us. We make no surcharge for this service and are often also able to offer our students a discount on the course material.

If you choose to order the course material via UvA Talen, it will be handed out by the teacher during the first lesson. If you are unable to attend the first lesson, we advice that you contact our language course department.

Online courses

If you are going to take an online course, you will buy the books yourself. After enrolling, we will send you more information about this.

Can UvA Talen help me get a visa and arrange accommodation for me?

As an independent language institute, UvA Talen is unfortunately not able to help with visa procedures. We regret we are also unable to assist students to find accommodation in Amsterdam.

Who are the group courses for? Are there any conditions I need to fulfil?

There are no particular conditions you need to fulfil to take a course at UvA Talen. Everyone aged 18 and over is welcome to enrol for a course.

However, you should be aware that some of the language courses may be taught in English. For this reason we recommend that, whatever language you wish to learn, you are reasonably proficient in English (at least level B1 of the CEFR). If you are uncertain whether your level of English is sufficient for a particular course, please contact our Trainers department.