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UNESCAP Language Training
Programme
Overview
- The purpose of the United Nations Language Training Programme is to promote linguistic balance within the United Nations Secretariat, as recommended, inter alia, by the General Assembly in 2480 B (XXIII) of 21 December 1968, and reemphasised in A/RES/50/11 of 2 November 1995. At the same time, the command of UN official languages facilitates staff mobility, and it promotes diversity and cross-cultural understanding.
- The UNESCAP language programme has been updated over the past two years, with the aim to (1) streamline its structure and procedures, as well as (2) harmonise it with programmes at other UN duty stations. Present guidelines attempt to formalise the structure and processes of the UNESCAP language training programme.
- The UNESCAP language programme is available to UNESCAP staff members, UNESCAP gratis-personnel, staff members of other United Nations agencies, programmes and funds based in Bangkok, as well as staff members’ spouses and diplomats of permanent missions associated with ACPR. In cases of oversubscription of courses, first preference will normally be given to UNESCAP staff members.
- The language training programme consists of courses in the six official languages of the United Nations Secretariat, i.e. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish. Courses in Thai language are offered to interested staff members outside working hours on a private basis, outside the scope of present guidelines.
- In each language, courses at eight levels (for English, French and Spanish) or nine levels (Arabic, Chinese and Russian) are offered. Successful completion of all levels, plus one or more LPE preparation classes in some languages, should normally equip the student with a proficient command of the language and enable him or her to pass the UN Language Proficiency Examination (LPE).
- In addition, specialist courses may be offered in one or more languages, e.g. preparatory courses for LPE, conversational courses or writing courses.
- Three terms consisting of twelve or thirteen weeks each are usually offered each year, with three hours of tuition per week (in two 90-minute classes). Each term usually covers one level. As a general guideline, Term 1 usually runs from January to March, Term 2 from May to July, and Term 3 from September to November.
- The language programme (other than Thai) is free of charge for UNESCAP staff members and UNESCAP gratis personnel. Other participants are required to pay a tuition fee that is based on actual cost. Tuition fees must be paid in advance and are not reimbursable.
- Prior to the beginning of each term, email invitations for language courses are sent to all UNESCAP staff members, as well as to learning focal points of other United Nations entities.
- Registrants at the beginners’ level will automatically be registered for the first level of the language they have applied for.
- New students with prior knowledge of the language they aspire to learn are invited to a placement test, so as to determine their appropriate level.
- Current students who are already enrolled in a language course and would like to continue in the next higher level may register by signing up for the next level in the lists provided by the language teachers at the end of each term, subject to their passing of the end-of-term exam.
- Students who improved their language ability through additional self-study or learning activities outside UNESCAP may skip levels after consultation with the respective language teacher and ODSU. The decision will be based on the teacher’s recommendation and/or results of a test.
- Classes are normally offered if six or more students sign up and participate regularly, subject to availability of funding. Approximately one week before the beginning of the term, the confirmed schedules and student lists are posted on the ODSU website and at the Learning Centre.
- UNESCAP provides language classes free of charge to its staff members, and expects students to take their language learning seriously. Registered students are expected to attend all classes regularly, with the exception of absences from the office due to travel on official business or approved annual or sick leave.
- Cancellation of participation in the programme can be made only in writing to ODSU with a copy to the supervisor concerned explaining the reason(s).
- At the end of each term, an examination is conducted. All students have to attend the end-of-term examination in order to continue at a higher level. Students who fail to attend the end-of-term exam, or do not pass the exam, will have to repeat the class at the same level, subject to availability of such classes.
- In cases of travel on official business or approved annual or sick leave, an alternative exam date may be scheduled, in cooperation with the teacher and ODSU.
- Students will be informed at the beginning of the term of the materials that are used during the course. Participants are expected to purchase all necessary materials by themselves and at their own expense. When possible, ODSU will try to purchase course materials before the term and lend it to students. ODSU will not reproduce course materials.
- Students are encouraged to use and/or borrow additional language learning materials, including CDs and DVDs, from the Self Learning Centre, following the established procedures. Furthermore, the four computer workstations at the Self Learning Centre can be used for self-study purposes.
- Language classes are evaluated continuously so as to closely monitor and, if necessary, improve the quality of the language programme. All feedback is treated as confidential.
- At the end of each term, students may be asked for anonymous feedback of the programme, including the contents, method of instruction, facilities and administrative services of the language programme.
- Course participants who drop out from language classes before the end of the term are expected to provide feedback regarding the reasons for their withdrawal.
- The United Nations language proficiency examination (LPE) is the official test of a staff member’s knowledge of a UN official language. All participants who have completed the highest level of a language course are highly encouraged to take the LPE.
- The LPE takes place twice a year, in January and May, at various duty stations including Bangkok. It is centrally coordinated by the Office for Human Resources Management (OHRM) at UNHQ.
- The examination dates and information on registration will be sent to all staff members well in advance to the examination dates. More information on the LPE, including previous years’ examinations, can be found at http://www.unlpe.org/LPE/Welcome.htm
- The UNESCAP language programme is managed by Ms. Kanlaya Kamonwating, ODSU (UN Secretariat Building 14A, tel. +66-2288-1663). Queries can also be addressed by email to
training-unescap@un.org.
- Additional information and updated schedules can be found at ODSU’s website at http://www.unescap.org/asd/HRMS/odlu.
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