European Studies - Language Training 2013-2014
As a European Studies student, you have the opportunity to follow a language course in a
second language other than English during period 4 and 5 of your study programme. The
courses will be given by the Language Centre UM and range from beginners’ to advanced levels.
The second language course is a compulsory skills training course in year 2, but an elective skills
training course in year 3 (see the curriculum catalogue for details).
Registration
Registration for the language and level of your choice
You have to register for the language and level of your choice via the My UM portal before 24
November. Please note that these language courses run during period 4 and 5 (from 3 February
till June 2014), but you have to register for them in period 4. You can choose one language
course and register for the course via the My UM portal. More information on the offer and the
regulations on our website:
http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/web/Misc/LanguageCentre/LanguageCourses1/EuropeanStud
iesLanguageTraining.htm
What if I missed the deadline?
If you miss the deadline the regular rules and regulations of your faculty apply. Please go to the
FASOS Front Office to pay the late registration fee. You then get a form which allows you to
request a late booking at the Language Centre. You can only register if there are still places
available.
Is it possible to change my language course?
If you want to change you language course, please visit the FASOS Front Office. Changing is only
allowed when there are still places available and after paying a 35 euro administration fee.
Changing a language course is free of charge if the change is related to your study abroad. The
FASOS Front Office will check this information with the International Relations Office.
When will the courses take place?
The courses will take place during period 4 AND 5: 3 February till 21 May 2014. Some courses
will be specially organised for ES students if we have sufficient registrations to form groups with
ES students only. These classes will take place during day time on Wednesdays (one session of 2
hours per week); exact times to be published on your schedule by 17 January 2014.
In case a course cannot be specially organised for ES students, students will be given the
opportunity to take part in the open offer courses. These courses take place once a week,
mostly in the evenings (Monday-Thursday) between 3 February – June 2014. You will be
informed about the exact day and time via the Language Centre.
Please note. If the minimum number of participants to run a course is not reached, the
Language Centre has the right to cancel. Students will be contacted to discuss possible
alternatives.
Can I cancel my registration?
If you want to cancel your registration after the deadline of 24 November please visit the FASOS
Front Office.
Intakes
Have you registered for a non-beginners course? Then an intake is compulsory if you have not
successfully completed the previous level at the Language Centre last year. It is important that
you start the language course at the right level. If you fail to do the intake you risk losing your
place in the course. Please note: the advice of the teacher is binding.
When is an intake compulsory?
Beginners course  no intake required
Higher level course + successfully completed previous level last year -> no intake required
Higher level course + NOT completed previous level last year -> intake required
Deadline
You have to do the intake before 9 January 2014. We have online intakes or Skype possibilities
for students who are abroad.
How can I do the intake?
You can do an intake online for Spanish: http://testonline.wikispaces.com/Current+level
For the other languages you can visit the open office hours or make an appointment with one of
our teachers. For contact details see our website:
http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/web/Misc/LanguageCentre/IntakeAndRegistrations.htm
How can I do an intake interview when I am abroad?
If you need to do an intake you can either do an online intake for Spanish, or you can contact
the teacher of your language of choice to set up a skype intake appointment. For contact details
see our website:
http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/web/Misc/LanguageCentre/IntakeAndRegistrations.htm
In order to do a skype interview you need a headset, webcam or appropriate built in laptop
media AND a good internet connection. The teacher has the right to declare the intake invalid if
the connection does not facilitate a proper interview.
ES course requirements/credits
When do I obtain my credits?
If you have fulfilled all requirements to pass a course you will obtain 3 ECTS credits. This means
that you are expected to make an active contribution to the course, to have completed your
portfolio and passed the oral and written tests.
You are allowed to miss 2 sessions. In the event of missing a third session you will have to
contact your study advisor. He /She will decide whether you are allowed to continue with the
classes or not.
In the event of failing one or more parts of the assessment procedure you can do a resit in June
or first half of July 2014.
The ES language courses already start before I will return to Maastricht. What should I do?
In line with the attendance requirement you are allowed to miss 2 classes. If you miss more
lessons you have to contact the study advisor. Otherwise you are not allowed to start the course.
ES course materials
All course materials are for students’ own expense. The course materials will be published on
Eleum in January 2014. Standard textbooks can be obtained at the bookshop Studystore in
Maastricht. Please note that you have to bring the compulsory books to the first lesson.