Holders of the Austrian German Diploma ÖSD show they have a sufficient knowledge of the German language to handle the most important everyday situations, both written and oral. The ÖSD takes into consideration the national varieties of the German language. In fact, ÖSD also stands for the names of the three major German-speaking countries— Österreich (Austria), die Schweiz (Switzerland), and Deutschland (Germany).

All students are expected to seriously prepare for and pass these examinations. Each of them includes tasks testing reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills. A diploma is obtained when both the written and the oral exams have been passed. Since the diplomas are issued by a state approved organization, they will be mailed directly to the student’s home address. Any commendations earned will also be noted on the transcripts. A brief description of the ÖSD examinations and diplomas follows.

Austria 12 13 ÖSD ZERTIFIKAT A1 (ÖSD ZA1)Equivalent to CEFR Level A1 (Breakthrough)

An exam for learners whose knowledge of German includes the basic language skills required privately and professionally at an elementary level.

ÖSD ZERTIFIKAT A2 (ÖSD ZA2) Equivalent to CEFR Level A2 (Waystage)

An exam for learners whose knowledge of German is sufficient to deal with situations in private and professional contexts at a higher elementary level.

ÖSD ZERTIFIKAT DEUTSCH ÖSTERREICH B1 (ÖSD ZDÖ B1) Equivalent to CEFR Level B1 (Threshold)

An exam for learners who can already deal with everyday situations without difficulty, also when traveling as tourists or when talking about their own interests and areas of specialization. The emphasis is on communicative competence but attention is also paid to formal accuracy.

ÖSD ZERTIFIKAT B2 (ÖSD ZB2) Equivalent to the CEFR Level B2 (Vantage) An exam for learners who are able to communicate clearly and in detail on a broad range of topics and who can conduct a normal conversation with native speakers spontaneously and fluently.

 ACA students attending Campus Adventiste du Salève will be enrolled in the Institut de Langue Francaise (Institute of French Language) – IFLE. As part of the registration procedure, ACA students will be given a French Language Proficiency Placement Examination before registration that will determine placement in the most appropriate French courses.

 Levels taught:

• First Quarter (September to December): Levels A1, A2, B1
• Second Quarter (January to March): Levels A2, B1, B2
• Third Quarter (March to June): Levels B1, B2, C1 

The IFLE Bulletin, with more detailed academic organization, will be handed out to students at registration time. All IFLE courses and all final external examinations are designed to match the Common European Frame of Reference for languages (CEFR), set by the Council of Europe. (http://culture2.coe.int/ portfolio//documents/cadrecommun.pdf)

CERTIFICATES AND DIPLOMAS

The institute prepares the students for DELF (Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française) and DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) which are official qualifications awarded by the French Ministry of Education to certify the competency of candidates from outside France in the French language.

There are two levels of DALF: Level C1 and C2. The latest is considered as the level of a French speaking university student. IFLE prepares students for the level C1. Only advanced students with very high proficiency can seat for level C2.

Students with the DALF C1 wishing to enter a French university are exempt from linguistic entry examinations.

Fees for the DELF-DALF diploma will be paid by the school.
The Institute offers two TCF (Test of Knowledge of French) to each student, one in November and one in May.

INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED DIVISION

Diplôme d’ études en langue française A1 – basic user (DELF A1)

This level recognizes basic knowledge. It is the most basic level at which a language is used, called the “discovery” stage. At this stage, the learner can interact in a simple way: he/she can speak about him/ herself and his/her immediate environment.

Diplôme d’ études en langue française A2 – basic user (DELF A2)

DELF A2 is based on the same principle: it recognizes the linguistic competency of a basic user, considered as a social actor. The candidate can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring the most common polite phrases and exchanges of information.

Diplôme d’ études en langue française B1 – independent user (DELF B1)

At this level, the user becomes independent. He/she can maintain interaction: he/she can understand and maintain a discussion and give his/her opinion. He/ she is capable of dealing with situations likely to arise in daily life.

UPPER DIVISION: SPECIALIZATION STUDY

Diplôme d’ études en langue française B2 – independent user (DELF B2)

A B2 user has a degree of independence that allows him/her to construct arguments to defend his/her opinion, explain his/her viewpoint and negotiate. At this level, the candidate has a degree of fluency and spontaneity in regular interactions and is capable of correcting his/her own mistakes.

Diplôme approfondi de langue française (DALF) C1 – Proficient user—option sciences sociales et humaines

Language users at level C1 are independent. They can express themselves fluently and spontaneously. They have a large vocabulary and can choose the appropriate expression to introduce their comments. They can produce clear, well-structured discourse without hesitation which shows controlled use of structures.

Diplôme approfondi de langue française (DALF) C2 – Proficient user—option sciences sociales et humaines 

C2 users’ proficiency in the language is illustrated by precision, appropriateness, and fluency of expression. C2 candidates are capable of using the language for academic and advanced-level purposes.

The DELF and DALF qualifications are consistent with:

• International standards for test development (www.alte.org)
• The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (www.coe.int)

The DELF and DALF qualifications are under the authority of the Commission Nationale du DELF et du DALF (National Commission for DELF and DALF) whose headquarters are at the CIEP (Centre International d’études pédagogiques). The six diplomas that make up DELF and DALF are completely independent. This means that candidates can register for the examination of their choice, according to their level. At each level, four skills are evaluated: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

At the institute, a personalized advice will be given to each student for registration. These diplomas are controlled by the French State Universities. Application is in March or April. Session is in mid May. The precise dates of exams are given at the beginning of each school year.

ACA students attending the program at Friedensau Adventist University will be given a placement test to determine their starting level (usually A1 and A2-B1). Those beginning with A1 can reach the B1 level by the end of the third quarter; the second level leads to the TestDaF or C1 exam. Preparation for all external exams begins in the third quarter.

In addition to their requirements in the basic course, students at all levels take supplemental hours in conversation lab and independent study in reading and literature with individual discussions. Students may take choir or private music lessons (additional fee) and can participate in various on-campus activities such as ceramics or sports. From the second quarter on, students of all levels can take part in classes offered by the schools of theology and social work as guest listeners (if schedule allows). These are generally basic courses. WITH THE PERMISSION OF THE HOME SCHOOL REGISTRAR, if the students fulfill the requirements for these classes, they can earn credit.

CERTIFICATES AND EXAMINATIONS

The fee for one final examination will be paid by the university. Students wishing to take additional external examinations must do so at their own expense. The German Language Institute prepares students for the following certificates and examinations:

Goethe-Zertifikat or telc B1

This diploma is offered by the Goethe or telc Institute and the exam will be arranged by Friedensau Adventist University. By passing this examination, students demonstrate that they have a basic knowledge of the German language, that they are able to express themselves in daily life situations, that they can conduct simple conversations and understand native speakers, and that they can describe basic concepts of daily life orally or in written form. The examination consists of the following parts in writing: reading comprehension, listening comprehension, an essay, and grammar in use. It also includes an oral examination of language expression. The examination is passed successfully if at least 60 percent is reached in each section of the examination.

Goethe-Zertifikat or telc B2

This certifies that candidates have acquired advanced language skills on the B2 level and can understand the main contents of complex texts on concrete and abstract topics, communicate so spontaneously and fluently that a normal conversation with native speakers is readily possible without a great deal of effort on either side, and can express their opinion on current issues in a clear and detailed manner, explain their position on a current issue and state the benefits and drawbacks of various options. Germany 32 33 Components: reading comprehension, listening comprehension, writing, and an oral examination. 60 percent in all parts needed to pass.

TestDaF or C1 Hochschule (telc)

The test is a language exam for foreign learners of German who plan to study in Germany or who require recognized certification of their language skills. All examination candidates receive the same assignments and the examinations are graded by trained markers. Intermediate and Advanced students can take the TestDaF; the level of the TestDaF examination is equivalent to levels B2.1 to C1.2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for languages. The C1 test (Goethe or telc) may be offered instead, depending on the available exams and dates. “C1 Hochschule” is also accepted by universities as language qualification for university entrance.

Students can obtain a minor in Art or Italian by taking courses offered by ACA Villa Aurora to complete many of the requirements of their own home colleges/ universities. For this purpose, prior advice must be obtained from their respective colleges/universities as to what courses to take in Italy.

First Level — Certificate of Elementary Italian

The certificate given when a student successfully completes Level 1 (Beginning) corresponds to 160 hours of instruction. The course of instruction provides a structured, integrated program, as well as incorporating the full immersion method. By using this method, the student gradually learns grammar through familiarization with the spoken language which is similar to how one learns to speak their native language. The contents of the first course are essentially grammar and conversation. The final exam includes a written section which tests the material covered in the grammar class, and an oral section for the material covered in the conversation class, as well as questions concerning the art class.

Second Level — Certificate of Intermediate Italian

The certificate acquired at successful completion of the Level 2 (Intermediate) corresponds to 160 hours of instruction. The structure provides for an integrated program composed of courses of grammar, conversation, and Italian culture. The acquisition of this material is finalized by in-depth study, in which the student gradually obtains notions regarding the ambient Italian culture which were introduced in Level 1. The exam has three parts: a written grammar test, an oral conversation (also consisting of an analysis of the contents offered in the Art class), and an oral section which tests the material covered in the Italian Culture class.

Third Level — Certificate of Advanced Italian

The certificate earned in Level 3 (advanced) corresponds to 160 hours of instruction. The advanced grammar course includes lessons in professional syntax and composition, in which the student becomes more familiar with the language. The conversation lessons are more in-depth so that the students are able to express themselves more completely. Upon completion of this program, the Advanced Italian course integrates lessons of history up to the 1990s, including the history of Italian music. The final exam has a written grammar section and an oral conversation. The latter includes an interdisciplinary conversation to verify the student’s basic knowledge of literary history, art lessons, political history, and music history learned during the quarter.

Fourth Level — Certificate of Advanced Italian II

The certificate earned in Level 4 (advanced II) corresponds to 160 hours of instruction. This level builds on Level Three (Certificate of Advanced Italian) and brings the student forward in every aspect of the study and use of the Italian language. The final exam is similar in format to that of the Third Level, but the level of difficulty and integration is superior.

Further Opportunity At the end of the school year, students who desire to obtain a Certificate of Knowledge of the Italian language can take an exam at Dante Alighieri’s Institute in Florence (PLIDA). There are six levels to choose from and the Certificate is recognized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The program at Villa Aurora will cover the areas needed by the students interested in taking this external exam.
 

All students may take a government exam certifying their level of the Spanish language before concluding the program.

1. SIELE (Servicio Internacional de Evaluacion de la Lengua Española) Students may take, with no extra charge, the SIELE exam.
2. DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera) This official exam is offered only during the 3rd quarter.

Both exams certify the degree of proficiency in the Spanish language with four tests:

• Reading comprehension
• Listening comprehension
• Written expression and interaction
• Oral expression and interaction. Both exams are recognized internationally and can be included in university applications, when requesting scholarships or in job applications.

Both exams take as reference the levels established by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). However, the SIELE is not a pass/fail test.

The levels that can be certified are the following:

1. Spanish Diploma Level A1 (Breakthrough) Certifies that the student is able to communicate using the language in a basic way in situations having to do with immediate needs or everyday situations.
2. Spanish Diploma Level A2 (Waystage) Certifies that the candidate can understand commonly used, everyday phrases and expressions related to areas of experience especially relevant to them (basic information about themselves, and their families, shopping, places of interest, work, etc.).
3. Spanish Diploma Level B1 (Threshold) Certifies candidates’ capacity to understand the gist of clear texts, in standard language, if they involve well-known topics related to work, studies, or leisure. It also certifies students’ ability to deal with most situations that occur while traveling in areas where Spanish is spoken; to produce simple and coherent texts about familiar topics, or topics of personal interest; and lastly to be able to describe experiences, events, wishes and hopes, as well as to be able to briefly express opinions or explain plans.
4. Spanish Diploma Level B2 (Vantage) Certifies students’ ability to interact with native speakers with a sufficient degree of fluency and spontaneity to enable easy and natural communication between interlocutors; produce clear and detailed texts about diverse topics, as well as defend an opinion about general topics, expressing the pros and cons for each argument; and lastly, understand the gist of complex texts about both concrete and abstract topics, including technical texts, provided they are within the candidate’s area of expertise.
5. Spanish Diploma Level C1 (Effective Operational Proficiency) Certifies sufficient linguistic competence to understand a wide variety of lengthy, and somewhat demanding texts, as well as to grasp implicit meaning in the same; to express themselves fluently and spontaneously without apparent effort to find the right words; to be able to use the language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes; and finally, to be able to produce clear, well-structured, and detailed texts about topics of some complexity, correctly using mechanisms of organization, articulation, and cohesion in the text. 
6. Spanish Diploma Level C2 (Mastery) Certifies sufficient linguistic competence to communicate effectively in any situation, proving ability to spontaneously adapt to any context, with a high degree of precision. The language users show subtle control of nuances which allow for fluent and natural expression in all interactions.

More information is on https://siele.org/ or https://examenes.cervantes.es/es/dele/que-es

ACADEMIC INFORMATION

A college-level elementary Spanish course or its equivalent (two years of high school Spanish) is a prerequisite to entrance in the ACA program in Spain during the academic year. On the basis of the Spanish Language Proficiency Placement Examination, which is given at the beginning of the academic year, students are assigned to either intermediate, advanced I, or advanced II level courses.

Language instruction courses are organized in three levels: Intermediate, Advanced I, and Advanced II. A placement test will help the faculty place the students at the right level. Depending on their performance in the Spanish language classes, some students may transfer to a more advanced group at the end of the first or second quarter, but most will remain with their group as they advance together. The school also offers additional classes free of charge for those students who may be struggling with Spanish. Students at every level take a prescribed cluster of grammar, composition, and conversation courses. The balance of their course load usually consists of courses in Spanish culture, folklore, geography, history, or literature and electives in art, religion, music, or physical education. Language courses are taught in a modern facility that is only used for college-level students on campus.