International language examination centre opens at McGill

Other Source: Shelley Paris, Shelley Paris Communications
514-685-6462

NOTE TO MEDIA: Spokesperson James Archibald will be out of the country from Dec. 9 to Dec. 16. Interviews on this new program should be coordinated around these dates.

In keeping with its commitment to offering programs of world-wide caliber, McGill University has just announced its appointment as the National Examination Centre for the internationally recognized language proficiency diploma, the DELF (Diplôme d’études en langue française) and the DALF (Diplôme approfondi de langue française). This new testing centre was officially launched at a reception in Quebec City, on December 8, by Dominique Boch, Consul General of France for Quebec.

Recognized in 100 countries throughout the world, the DELF and DALF Diplomas are guaranteed by the French Ministry of Education. The holders of these distinguished Diplomas benefit by not having to undergo any further French language proficiency testing in French institutions. Holders of the DALF meet all language requirements for admission into French Universities. As indication of its international importance, in 1996, in the United States alone, close to 1000 students received this recognition.

Guarantee of French Proficiency

For the business community, these diplomas, particularly the DALF, serve to guarantee one’s level of proficiency in French for business and professional purposes. According to James Archibald, Director of McGill’s Department of Languages and Translation, "Being accepted as an examination centre for Canada symbolizes McGill’s commitment to offering internationally recognized programmes of superior quality for our students as well as for the anglophone, allophone and business communities." To ensure that the same strict standards are adhered to around the world, all tests are approved by the French Ministry of Education.

McGill initiative recognized by French Government

The excellent work of the McGill team in initiating the opening of the Canadian Centre for DELF/DALF Diplomas was applauded by Gilbert Leoutre, Inspector General for National Education (France). The Consulate General of France in Quebec will be administering the program in close cooperation with Archibald and his colleagues at McGill as well as with the Laval University team lead by Jean-Louis Tremblay, Director of Laval’s cole des langues vivantes. Laval University is the other site for the examination centre for Canada.

McGill Chancellor Gretta Chambers addressed the reception stating that "McGill is proud to be associated with a language testing program which promotes excellence... This project is a superb occasion for our two universities to work together and will facilitate the international mobility of both students and professionals."

Examination sessions began at Laval and at McGill in December 1997 and will be offered again in April and August 1998. The new examination centre is one of many language services and programs undertaken by McGill University’s Centre for Continuing Education as an outreach to the community. And those who live outside Quebec may make arrangements to accesss the program as well. "The DELF/DALF is very flexible. Our Department can work with interested parties anywhere in Canada to make the Diploma accessible from coast to coast," adds Archibald. "Individuals or faculties interested in the DELF/DALF program can make arrangements do so by contacting McGill University."

McGill continues to provide options for those who wish to improve their language skills. Other such programs include part time courses in French as a second language; the highly respected Special Intensive French Program and the Diploma in French for Professionals as well as courses and programs in translation, English and thirteen other languages.