French Language Requirement for Internship Students (B1 Level):
Overview: Internship students are expected to have a reasonable command of the French language at the B1 level, as defined by the CEFR. This level of proficiency ensures effective communication and comprehension in everyday work-related situations.
Language Skills and Abilities: Internship students at the B1 level should demonstrate the following language skills and abilities:
- Listening:
- Understand the main points of clear, standard speech on familiar matters in the workplace.
- Follow workplace conversations, meetings, and instructions with some effort.
- Speaking:
- Communicate effectively in routine work-related situations.
- Express opinions, describe experiences and provide information on familiar topics.
- Participate in workplace discussions and presentations on familiar subjects.
- Reading:
- Read and comprehend workplace documents, emails, and reports related to their internship role.
- Understand moderately complex texts’ main ideas and details in their field.
- Writing:
- Write clear and coherent workplace-related texts, such as emails, reports, and project summaries.
- Express ideas, describe experiences, and give reasons for opinions or plans.
Specific Requirements: The French language requirements may vary depending on the nature of the internship role. However, in general, internship students should be able to:
- Communicate with colleagues and supervisors in French, both orally and in writing, to discuss work-related matters.
- Understand and respond to workplace instructions, safety guidelines, and protocols in French.
- Prepare written reports, emails, or other documents related to their internship responsibilities in French.
Assessment: Language proficiency at the B1 level can be assessed through standardized language tests, oral interviews, or written assignments. Applicants may be required to provide proof of their French language skills, such as a language certificate or previous coursework.
Exemptions: In some cases, students who have completed their education in French-speaking institutions or have prior work experience in French-speaking environments may be exempt from this requirement. Exemptions should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
It’s essential to communicate these language requirements to internship applicants during the application process and provide support or resources to help them meet these standards if necessary. Additionally, consider giving language training or support during the internship to help students improve their French language skills as needed.
Exam Duration
| Exam | Written & Oral Expression Written Comprehension | Oral Expression |
|---|---|---|
| DELF B1 | 1h50 | 25mn |
| DELF B2 | 2h30 | 50mn |
| DALF C1 | 4h00 | 1h30 |
| DALF C2 | 3h30 | 1h30 |
Description of DELF B1 examination
| Type of tests: DELF B1 | Duration | Mark out of |
|---|---|---|
| Listening Comprehension questionnaires dealing with several recordings (played twice). Maximum duration of recordings: 6 mins | Approximately 25 minutes | / 25 |
| Writing Express personal opinions on a general topic (essay, letter, article, etc.). | 45 minutes | / 25 |
| Writing Express personal opinions on a general topic (essay, letter, article, etc). | 45 minutes | / 25 |
| Speaking Test in three parts: – guided conversation (2 to 3 minutes) – interactive exercise (3 to 4 minutes) – expressing an opinion on a document designed to elicit a reaction (5 at 7 minutes). | 15 minutes maximum preparation: 10 minutes (only for the 3rd part) | / 25 |
| Total length of group tests: 1 hour 55 minutes * Total mark out of 100 * Overall pass mark of the DELF B1: 50 / 100 * Minimum mark required per test: 5 / 25 | ||