French university launches two-acre Language Centre

Université Paris-Saclay has launched a dedicated Language Centre. The new centre offers language and intercultural teaching, with joint programmes and shared teaching facilities, and a place for International and French students to come together as a united community.

Over an impressive area of 8,000 square meters, there are 57 classrooms specifically adapted for language teaching and learning, fully equipped with up-to-date audio and video equipment.

Resources include books, journals and reviews in many different languages, as well as specialised advice and information to language learners of all abilities. Other facilities include a 120-seat lecture hall, several tutor rooms, booths for group learning, an area reserved for practicing pronunciation, general work and reading areas, and a cafeteria.

Courses for less frequently taught languages, such as Arabic, Mandarin, Cantonese, Hebrew, Italian and advanced English for science are on offer, and a culture hub offers activities such as foreign language debating workshops, theatre plays, film screenings, conferences and workshops with a specific emphasis on interculturality.

Other projects, such as conversation workshops led by student tutors in their native tongue, intensive refresher modules, and preparation for going abroad, will be rolled out fully over the year.

The Language Centre provides services to three Université Paris-Saclay institutions; CentraleSupélec, ENS Paris-Saclay and Université Paris-Sud. Their respective language departments manage its activities and provide support and training tools to prepare for language certifications such as the Cambridge exams, IELTS, BULATS, TOEIC, TOEFL, CLES, Goethe Institut and Instituto Cervantes exams.

Other programmes will be developed to meet the emerging needs and requests of both students and academic staff.