The Best Time of the Year to Visit Taiwan

The Best Time of the Year to Visit Taiwan Our Mini Travel Guide: When to Visit Taiwan ChaptersTaiwan at a GlanceWhat Is the Climate Like in Taiwan?When Is the Best Time to Visit Taiwan?How Long Should You Spend Visiting Taiwan?What Cultural Events Are there to Enjoy in Taiwan?“To travel is to live” - Hans Christian AndersenWhether you’re going to Taiwan to immerse yourself in the language or to visit Taipei, what are the must-see sights on the island?2018 was the fourth time that Taiwan was visited by over 10 million tourists in a single year and an increasing number of westerners are starting to visit the island.Are you planning a trip to Taiwan?Here’s everything you need to know.Kuomintang in 1949 and refers to itself the Republic of China.Taiwan has a high standard of living. (Source: cegoh)It’s independent in terms of its administrator and politics but at an international level, doesn’t hold international relations, doesn’t have a seat at the UN (where it’s represented by the People's Republic of China), and is only recognised by 18 countries in th e world.Political tension between Taipei and Beijing has been running hot and the Chinese government has reiterated that it would use force against the independence movement.The island has been a liberal democracy since the Kuomintang lost the civil war against the communists in 1949. During the latter half of the 20th century, the island underwent rapid economic growth becoming one of Four Asian Dragons, countries that underwent impressive and sustained economic growth during the 1960s.  As a result, the island became famous for its production, “Made in Taiwan”, and its clout in the global markets.With a population of 23.5 million (2017) across 13,974 mi ², Taiwan is ethnically 98% Han Chinese and 2% Austronesian, the indigenous peoples.Visiting Taiwan is a way to enjoy traditional Chinese culture in a country that’s more progressive than its neighbour and frenemy, the People's Republic of China.In 2016, the separatist candidate Tsai Ing-wen became the first female head of st ate with 56% of the votes against the candidate from the Kuomintang; a score indicative of the country’s opinion of its relationship with the People's Republic of China.With Kenting National Park, Yangmingshan National Park, Yushan National Park, Taroko Gorge, Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung, Tainan, and Sun Moon Lake, a trip to Taiwan is a way to enjoy a mix of tradition and modernity at the same time.Only the west coast of Taiwan is urbanised; the centre of the island is home to mountains and the pacific coast all the way down to the southern tip at Kenting.Find out more about why you should visit Taiwan.What Is the Climate Like in Taiwan?Before you book your flights to Taipei, you need to think about what the weather’s going to be like. Taiwan in Southeast Asia is home to a humid subtropical climate that’s tempered by the mountains.Taipei has a subtropical climate so sometimes it'll be too humid to visit anything. (Source: Yenyu_Chen)The Tropic of Cancer intersects the island a nd there’s a subtropical climate in the north and a tropical climate in the south. There are two main seasons throughout the year, a dry season from October to March and a humid season from March to October.In summer, the island is subjected to typhoons and monsoons, with high temperatures (over 30 °C between July and September, sometimes reaching 35-40 °C, an average of 21 °C) and heavy rains (over 2,500mm).The heat in the cities can be suffocating because the humidity makes it feel even hotter.Temperatures of 37-38 °C are unbearable when combined with the pollution and humidity. And that’s just in April!Strong winds and cyclones from the north Pacific aren’t ideal, either.In winter, the island is still rainy but there’s less of it. The south is drier than the north but temperatures can drop under 10 °C.Temperatures reach freezing and it snows every year on the mountains in the centre of the island. In Taipei, 20 °C is the average but it can fluctuate between 25 °C and 15 ° C and grey skies, from pollution, regularly blanket the city.The climate’s duality means that it’s almost always raining somewhere in Taiwan and the monsoons and typhoons are increasingly violent.Find out more about the best things to see in Taiwan. NingChinese Teacher 5.00 (10) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorraineChinese Teacher £10/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoyceChinese Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicoleChinese Teacher £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KatyChinese Teacher £16/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YangChinese Teacher £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChengChinese Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhen Is the Best Time to Visit Taiwan?While you can visit Taiwan at any time of the year, winter is the best time to go.Sun Moon Lake isn't great in winter. (Source: seancom)Typhoons are uncommon between October and March, the rains are less common, and the air’s more breathable.  This is also the low season when prices drop but the services and infrastructure remain the same. As a result, there’s a lot of accommodation available.In the summer, it’s hot and you can enjoy the beaches and waters that are 29 °C!  If you’re visiting Taipei, March, April, May, August, and September are the best months to visit but there are a lot of rainy days.There are also several other Taiwanese cities where the weather is nice the majority of the year: Nantou, Hsinchu, Taichung, and Miaoli.It’s also a good time to hike in the mountains by Sun Moon Lake, Mount Yu-Shan, Kaohsiung with its Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, Shoushan (Monkey Mountain), or Tainan.You need to keep in mind that the climate varies by region:Dry and mild in the south in winter.Humid and fresh in the north in winter.Humid and hot everywhere in the summer.Cold in the mountains in winter.Risks of typhoons from July to October.So the best time to visit Taiwan seems to be from the end of October to the beginning of March.Find out more about accommodation in Taiwan.How Long Should You Spend Visiting Taiwan?Would you like to visit Taiwan for a while and learn Chinese, enjoy the cuisine including xiaolongbao and noodle soup, visit the night markets, or visit historic monuments like the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall?If you really want to see everything Taiwan has to offer, you'll need at least a month. (Source: Linlin929)To learn more about the history of Taiwan, its diplomatic relationships with Beijing and the Chinese government, the colonisation of the island by the Qing and Ming Dynasties, and the Buddhist and Taoist traditions, you really need to spend a few months there.However, you should keep in mind that you can only spend 90 days in Taiwan without a visa. Of course, it can be difficult visiting Taiwan if you don’t speak any Chinese, especially in places like restaurants wh ere the whole menu will be written using Chinese characters. The Taiwanese tend to speak little English but the younger generations are starting to learn more English. Street signs are often translated into English or written in Chinese Pinyin, making them easier to understand.A week in Taiwan is enough to explore several essential sites but you won’t get to see them all.On a week-long trip, you could visit:Monuments and night markets in Taipei.Taroko Gorge and Hualien (by train, for example).Sun Moon Lake.Tainan, Taiwan’s most traditional city.If you stay for 10 days, you could add Kenting National Park, Alishan National Scenic Area, and the tea plantations in Kaohsiung and Puli.If you’re going to learn the language, you’ll have plenty of time to visit all the attractions in Taipei and other Taiwanese towns and cities:Chiang Kai-shek Memorial HallSun Yat-sen Memorial HallTaiwanese night markets (Yongkang, Songshan, Shilin, Raohe, etc.)Taipei 101 TowerXiangshan (Elephant Mou ntain) in TaipeiThe Tamsui neighbourhoodYangmingshan National ParkShi-men Ting neighbourhoodLongshan TempleYushan National ParkTo visit Taiwan and not be rushing around, we recommend that you spend between 2 weeks and a month. You’ll also need a few days to get over your jet-lag. There are so many things to do, after all.What Cultural Events Are there to Enjoy in Taiwan?There are certain times of the year you might want to avoid because it’ll be busy and expensive.Here’s a list of traditional events and celebrations that take place each year in Taiwan:The Mid-Autumn Festival, 13 September 2019Taipei Film Festival, 27 June to 13 July 2019Taitung International Balloon Festival, 29 June to 12 August 2019Ghost Festival, 15 August 2019Confucius' Birthday, September 28 2019The Double Ninth Festival, 7 October 2019National Day of the Republic of China, 10 October 2019Chinese New Year, 25 January 2020Lantern Festival, usually around February and MarchBuddha's BirthdayDragon Boat Festi val (Tuen Ng Festival)Of course, westerners can attend any of these events but during bank holidays, museums, monuments, restaurants, and shops will all be closed as the Taiwanese tend to spend time with their families. You could definitely enjoy the Chinese New Year or the Lantern Festival, for example!If you'd like to learn a bit of the local language before you go, why not get some help from one of the talented tutors on Superprof?

Getting to Grips with Office Politics - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Getting to Grips with Office Politics - Introvert Whisperer Getting to Grips with Office Politics If you work in an environment with more than two people you have likely experienced office politics and it can be difficult to deal with if you don’t have a knack for it, especially for those who are naturally introverted. It can seem daunting when everyone around you is competing and you don’t want to get involved and potentially spoil some of your friendly working relationships. However, with the right mindset, you can achieve anything and this includes successfully navigating your way through office politics. If you are someone who is ambitious and want to make the most out of your career, you will need to deal with the fact that office politics are a part of reality and it is better to get on top of the situation rather than avoid it. Below are some tips from GetCRM on how to deal with office politics. Avoid negative confrontations Perhaps the main thing people worry about when participating in office politics is a falling out between co-workers. Do your best to stay out of any conflicts which turn sour so that you do not become embroiled in a lose-lose situation. The best thing to do in such a scenario is to attempt to re-establish amicable communications between conflicting parties to stabilize the situation and bring some much-needed rationality and reason. Develop genuine friendships There is simply no better way to become liked and supported in the workplace than forming true friendships. Be professional yet open and friendly with your co-workers and fellow professionals and you will find yourself in good stead during any office politics. Try to be balanced Showing favoritism and picking sides may seem to have its benefits, but ultimately it is far better practice to have a balanced and open approach to how you deal with office politics. This enables you to see things from each side and form a more logical and truthful understanding of events. It will also help signify to your fellow employees that you are someone who can be reasoned with as you do not obstinately stick to one particular point of view. Implement these actionable tips to deal with office politics in your workplace and thrive in your career.

English Articles Video and Exercise

English Articles Video and Exercise Do you have problems using English article A or An and The? This is very common for a lot of our English students, especially from Russia and Asia, where languages such as Russian and Mandarin do not use articles at all. These students dont know when they should use articles.Other times, students from countries like Spain or Brazil will be confused about when to use A and when to use An, or will use the where it is not necessary.See if you can do these exercises:I saw (a/an/no article) black cat.I saw (a/an/no article) awesome cat.(A/An/no article) cats are intelligent.(A/An/The) trust is the key to a good relationship.Watch the videos to get the answers to these questions, then try the exercises below. 1. Did you buy (a/an/no article) hat?2. It took me (a/an/no article) hour to walk to the store.3. (The/No article) education is very important to me.4. (The/No article) students are very well educated.5. I dont trust (the/no article) politicians.8. Its hard to find (a/an/the) honorabl e politician these days.7. Did you move to (a/an) new office?8. I dont even have (a/an) office.

How to Give Effective Praise

How to Give Effective Praise While giving praise to students of any age seems like an overwhelmingly positive thing, it is important that we know the best practices to effectively give praise, or it can actually backfire. Building confidence and showing an appreciation of a student’s efforts is a huge part of steady progress. With all this in mind, here are seven key qualities of effective praise.Praise is effective if it is1. Perceived as sincere, earned, and truthfulOver-the-top praise can actually cause a decrease in effort among students. Students can tell when praise is accurate and genuine. 2. SpecificBe as specific and concrete as possible, naming the behavior that you saw that you liked. 3. Not directive Here’s an example of ineffective, directive praise: “Good writing! Write that legibly every day.” Here’s a better example: “I appreciate that you took the time to write so legibly.” 4. Focused on process, not abilityHere’s an example of ability-focused praise that cultivates a fixed minds et: “Great job on your test! You’re so smart!” Here’s an example of process-focused praise that promotes a growth mindset: “Great job on your test! Your hard work developing a more efficient note-taking technique led to a much better absorption of the material!”5. ImmediatePraise is most effective if it happens right after the behavior, not a week later. 6. UnexpectedIf you repeat the same routine phrases of praise, it starts to become predictable and not feel as sincere. 7. Crafted with its audience in mind While all kids need praise, some prefer public (e.g. in front of parents or teachers) or private praise (i.e. telling them one on one that you appreciated that they used a strategy you recommended on their homework). Younger students tend to prefer public praise, where as older students tend to prefer private praise, but this can depend on the individual person.If you’re interested in learning more, here are a couple of helpful links:Making Sure Your Praise is Effe ctiveTeacher Praise: An Effective Tool to Motivate StudentsAt AJ, we find that 1-on-1 tutoring is a great way to apply targeted and personalized coaching to build confidence in school and on exams. Our educators excel at helping students who need support developing study skills habits, and you can read more about our approach here.

The importance of cultural intelligence (CQ) for teachers

The importance of cultural intelligence (CQ) for teachers Hey, teachers! We’ve got some fantastic insight on what could be the biggest contributing factor to your success as an (international) educator: “The number one predictor of success in today’s borderless world” is your “cultural intelligence” (David Livermore). Research conducted in 30+ countries over the past ten years revealed that those with high cultural intelligence - otherwise known as CQ - are more equipped to handle challenges in life and work, especially considering the global nature of contemporary society (Livermore). Experts have found that, regardless of your profession, even more important than your resume, your expertise or even your IQ is your CQ (Livermore). Before we launch into the importance of CQ for teachers - or culturally responsive teaching as it’s referred to in the education sphere - we’ll take a look at what CQ is in a broader sense and gain an understanding of which types of people are cut out to improve upon their own CQ. Then we’ll dive into cultural intelligence in the classroom and why culturally responsive teaching is so important for today’s educators. What is cultural intelligence? Soon Ang, a professor of management at the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, and P. Christopher Earley, dean of the school of business and economics at the University of Tasmania, Australia, have defined CQ as “the capability to function effectively in a variety of cultural contexts” (BBC). David Livermore, who has conducted extensive research on the topic and wrote the book, The Cultural Intelligence Difference: Master the One Skill You Can't Do Without in Today's Global Economy, adds to the definition put forth by Ang and Earley as follows: CQ or cultural intelligence is the capability to function effectively in a variety of cultural contextsâ€"â€"including national, ethnic, organizational, and generational… a whole new way of approaching the age-old topics of cultural sensitivity, racism, and cross-border effectiveness. Composed of cognitive, physical, and emotional/motivational development, CQ draws on intelligence from your mind, body, and heart. Livermore explains that by improving your CQ drive, CQ knowledge, CQ strategy, and CQ action, you’ll contribute to a lift in your overall CQ. Let’s unpack each of those a little bit: CQ drive - your level of determination to operate in other cultural contexts CQ knowledge - your level of cognition about core qualities of other cultures CQ strategy - your ability to understand different cultural experiences and plan for future experiences CQ action - your ability to adapt your behaviour in different cultural contexts (IESE Business School, University of Navarra) Can anyone become more culturally intelligent? We know that, due to different life experiences, like living or visiting a wealth of places, each with their own unique cultural qualities, some people will have a naturally higher CQ than others. But, the big difference between CQ and other common measurements for intelligence, like IQ, is that anyone can improve their CQ. While improvement may be more challenging for some people than it is for others, CQ drive, knowledge, strategy and action are all competencies that any person can boost. On top of this, there’s no ceiling for the growth of your CQ. So much of your learning will be driven by experiences, like moving to a new city or country, changing workplaces, and meeting people who have different backgrounds from yours - and since you’ll never have every experience ever, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish when it comes to CQ. What does cultural intelligence look like in the classroom? In understanding the impact of CQ for personal and professional growth, and as educators and innovators in the international education space, our team at Teach Away got to thinking about what CQ looks like in the classroom. We wanted to discover how teachers could develop their CQ and apply it in their day-to-day. What we ended up with is an online course for teachers to improve their CQ. Culturally responsive teaching: Connecting with students and parents of different cultures is a CQ growth course built specifically for the education space. The course is the best way, other than experiencing diverse cultures, that educators can develop their CQ drive, knowledge, strategy and action. In an article I published last June, Why culturally responsive teaching matters now more than ever, I outline a real-life scenario to demonstrate what cultural competence at school might look like. I describe a situation in which you, the teacher, is unaware of a student’s cultural background and as a result are unable to grasp why a particular student is unable to participate in a class event. The scenario highlights how higher CQ drive, knowledge, strategy and action on the part of the teacher would have paved the way for a much more comfortable situation for the teacher, student and parents. You can read the scenario in full here. CQ in the classroom, or cultural competence, is “having an awareness of one’s own cultural identity and views about difference, and the ability to learn and build on the varying cultural and community norms of students and their families... the ability to understand the within-group differences that make each student unique, while celebrating the between-group variations that make our [world] a tapestry” (National Education Association). A teacher with a high CQ is capable or “empower[ing] students intellectually, socially, emotionally, and politically by using cultural referents to impart knowledge, skills, and attitudes” (Ladson-Billings). Why is cultural intelligence especially vital for teachers? Whether you’re teaching at home or abroad, cultural intelligence is a growing necessity for teachers. Teach Away’s 2017 article, Bridging the culture gap between teachers and their students, explains why CQ is so fundamental, and of increasing significance, for teachers in the United States: There is a cultural gap in many schools across the United States. The most recent projections from the Census Bureau shows that minority students will account for more than half of all students in US public schools by 2020. One out of every five students now speaks a language other than English at home. As a result of this significant student demographic shift, a growing number of US teachers are struggling with how they can better serve students from cultures other than their own. (Teach Away, PRWeb, 2017). Why is cultural intelligence important for expats working abroad? While a teacher’s CQ on home soil is primarily a key factor in serving students and families with diverse cultural backgrounds, CQ abroad can be incredibly impactful for expats in unfamiliar territory looking to settle into their new working and living environments. CQ has been identified as one of the most influential factors on expatriate job performance; “those with the highest initial CQ will find it easier to adjust to their new life” (BBC). As we know, the best way to learn about unfamiliar cultures is to experience them first-hand and that professional development or training focused on CQ can also be an effective method to boosting one’s CQ. But just how effective can CQ training be? A study reported by the BBC found that it can reduce the amount of time it takes for an expat to become fully functional in their new environment by two-thirds, from nine months to three: Expat bankers moving to the Middle East and Asia appeared to have fully adjusted to their new life in just three months, while without the training, it normally took expat employees nine months to become fully functional (BBC). The world needs more CQ and in order for that to happen, for our young learners to adopt CQ in their youth, teachers around the globe - both at home and abroad - are the ones who need to impart their knowledge. Training and experience are the keys. Ready to up your CQ for the classroom? Enroll in Culturally Responsive Teaching today. Ready to experience a new culture firsthand?

UK Childminders - Tutor Hunt Blog

UK Childminders Precipitous decline in the number of UK childminders Precipitous decline in the number of UK childmindersSchoolsThe problem of childcare is a perennial one for working parents. Who takes care of the children during the day while they are at work? The situation is somewhat attenuated once the children are old enough to attend nursery - but this won`t be an option until they are three or four years old, and even then their classes may end at 3pm in the afternoon (or even earlier), long before a typical working day concludes. There are facilities available to help - daycare centres or `creches` are places where children can be cared for. Many of these centres can be paid for using government childcare vouchers, and are seen by many working parents as the ideal solution to their childcare concerns. With an abundance of parents however living too far from one of these centres, not to mention the traffic problems every morning, these cr ches don`t offer the ideal solution to their childcare problems. Many parents choose to employ childminders: these are qualified, Ofsted registered professionals, who remain in the home with the children while the parents are away at work. ; Normally booked through an agency, they will be DBS registered, and possess the all the relevant childcare qualifications. Recent information published by Ofsted has however revealed a precipitous drop in the number of registered childminders in the UK. Compared to 6 years ago there are now 16,000 fewer childminders - with an astonishing 1300 leaving the sector since December 2017. The Pre-School Learning Alliance - an educational early-years registered charity, and voluntary sector provider of childcare for young children in England - have expressed their concern over this huge decline. Their Chief Executive Neil Leitch recently said: `It is incredibly concerning to see that the number of childminders has continued to decline. To lose 27% of a workforce over less than six years is simply unacceptable, and it beggars belief that the government has still not seen fit to do anything to tackle this ongoing trend.` `Childminders offer parents a vital source of quality, flexible care and education and the services they provide are absolutely crucial to the sector as a whole, especially at a time when the government is trying to expand the childcare offer in this country.` The reasons for so many childminders leaving their profession is unclear, but it may well be to do with the decline in average disposable income for working families since the financial crisis of 2007. Of course it doesn`t help that the UK has the highest childcare costs in the whole world. According to the OECD, UK parents (and guardians) pay far more than any other country for home childcare and nurseries. With two children (aged two and three) being sent to a childcare centre for 40 hours a week, the fees reach an astonishing 55% of the average income for a couple. When it comes to childcares costs the UK isn`t just the most expensive country in the world, it is way out in the lead, being 15% more expensive than New Zealand, the very next most costly country. For 10 years I worked in the NHS as Lab Technician, and many of my colleagues would leave their children at a cr che - a nursery conveniently located on hospital grounds. I recall thinking how nice and convenient it was for my colleagues, not being obliged to drive to a nursery far away, but having a suitable place near their workplace to leave their children. They were able to pop in for a visit during their breaks, and the cr che stayed open all the way through their work shifts. I then discovered just how much this service cost - I believe it was around around 800 per month, a huge portion of their monthly income. Some of my colleagues told me that when they added up the costs of childcare, travel expenses, and the yearly accreditation fee required to work in the lab, it actually cost them money to come to work. The rapid exodus of childminders will of course only increase demand, and thus increase the price for those choosing to remain in this profession. Neil Leith of the Pre-School Learning Alliance said the government must take steps to address this issue: `We urge the government to finally take some action on this issue - and addressing concerns over excessive paperwork, substantially increasing hourly funding rates and, crucially, removing unfair rules preventing childminders from claiming funding for related children would be a good start.` Ofsted researchers said that those childminders who have left the profession during the timeframe of the study (December 2017 to March 2018) had been working in the field for around nine years on average. The recent the `Labour Force Survey,` conducted by the Office for National Statistics, and the annual `Family Resources Survey,` carried out by the Department for Education suggests that the deficient childcare system is preventing 450,000 mothers with children under the age of five either finding work, or increasing their working hours. The two reports suggest that working mothers may be missing out on 3,400 to 11,400 a year. Extrapolated to the whole of the UK this could mean that UK mothers are potentially losing as much as 1.2 billion per year. 20 months ago0Add a Comment

The Unabbreviated Guide to the CEFR The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

The Unabbreviated Guide to the CEFR The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages The Unabbreviated Guide to the CEFR: The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages At your cafe table, you hear somebody nearby bragging.“Oh me, I’m slightly fluent in German.”You were minding your own business. Taking pictures of your latte, hoping that one of the pictures is worthy of your prestigious Instagram account.You try to ignore that braggart and take a sip from your rapidly cooling cup.But youre a little bit jealous.Then you start wondering:Well, what does that even mean? What do they mean by slightly fluent?Does that mean they can only be slightly understood by native German speakers?Hey, what am I doing sniffing in other people’s business?”Your questions really reflect the basic problems with describing or measuring linguistic ability.First, it’s very hard to quantify what were talking about, and second, we don’t even have a standard of quantifying how good one is in a language.Well, at least that was all true before the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) entered the picture. Thanks to the CEFR, we now have a stan dard, a yardstickâ€"or meterstick, if you willâ€"that we can use to gauge language ability.But what is the CEFR, exactly? And what does it have to do with you as a language learner?In this article well break down the bureaucracy and shine some light on  everything you need to know about the CEFR, including a description of the different levels and a look at some institutions where you can take CEFR-compliant proficiency exams.Theres a lot to cover so let’s begin. The Unabbreviated Guide to the CEFR: The Common European Framework of Reference for LanguagesWhat in the World Is the CEFR?The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Ooooh. Sounds so cold and official, doesn’t it?The CEFR is the brainchild of the Council of Europe. The Council of Europe, not to be confused with the European Union, is the continent’s oldest intergovernmental body. It’s presently composed of 48 member states and is headquartered in Strasbourg, France. One of the council’s aims is to promote Europe’s cultural identity and diversity.The Council of Europe, together with stakeholders, leading language teaching institutions and subject matter experts, sought to create a standard way of describing language proficiency. In 2001, after years of research and study, the Council published a framework that now serves as a recognized standard. They came up with six proficiency levels, each with a specific set of indicators.The CEFR proficiency levels are A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. The higher the number and the letter, the higher your proficiency. To know your CEFR level in a language, you simply have to take a test from a recognized institution. Later on, well talk about what exactly these levels mean, so if a person says she’s a B2 in French, for example, you’ll know exactly what she’s talking about.Why Should a Language Learner Understand How the CEFR Works?In a word: ubiquity. The CEFR has been adopted and recognized all across Europe and beyond. Many of the sta ndardized tests like the TOEFL, TOEIC and IELTS have made use of the linguistic competency descriptions provided in the framework, and actually have equivalent scores in the CEFR. For example, a TOEFL score of 110-120 would be equivalent to CEFRs C1.Even non-European countries have begun aligning their standardized test scores to the European framework. For example, Hanban, the official administrator of the HSK Chinese proficiency test, claims that their scores between HSK 1 and HSK 6 correspond to CEFRs ratings from A1 to C2.More than a mere badge of honor or a legitimate bragging right, your CEFR test results can be used to prove your competency in the language. For example, when looking for jobs overseas, some companies might require you possess certain language skills to qualify. In the performance of your duties, you might need to speak a foreign language well enough to understand and be understood by your colleagues. What’s the point of being a brilliant engineer if you canâ €™t tell your boss, “Umm, dude, the bridge isnt straight” in French?Another common scenario: if you want to pursue advanced studies in Europe, they’ll want to make sure that you can follow the lectures and possess the linguistic competence to complete all the requirements. So a CEFR certification might be required by the university admissions office.Lets now look at the six levels and what linguistic abilities they entail.The Different CEFR Reference LevelsFirst of all, we need to understand that the CEFR involves various linguistic skills: writing, listening, speaking and reading. So a person might be at different levels for the different language areas. For example, you might be considered a B2 in reading, but only a B1 in speaking.The descriptions for each level are for “communicative competence”â€"how well youre able to understand and be understood by others. So here were not talking about just vocabulary size. The CEFR levels are directed really at how well youre able to get your point across and achieve your communicative goal.As mentioned before, there are three broad levels, A, B and C, with each level further subdivided into two.Generally, here are the marks and indicators for the different reference levels:A1 and A2 (Basic)A1 â€" “Breakthrough”At “A0,” you have no prior experience with the target language. Getting to “A1” means you have become familiar with some very basic expressions and phrases. For English learners, this would be phrases like Hi, Bye, Good morning and Goodbye.In this first level, youre expected to be able to introduce yourself, and ask and answer basic questions like:Where do you live?What is the name of your school?How old are you?At A1, you can carry on very basic “first meeting” conversations as long as the person you’re talking with is willing to help and speaks very clearly and slowly, taking the time to repeat and enunciate the words individually as necessary, without using any slang, idioms or co lloquial expressions.A2 â€" “Waystage”In this level, youre able to go deeper into the “first meeting” conversations and will now be able to ask and answer questions like:What is your father’s job?What are your hobbies?What is your job?This stage is still about the basic and routine exchange of information, but youre now slowly able to go into more personal information beyond your name and age. You can now say more about your background, albeit still in very simple terms.B1 and B2 (Independent)B1 â€" “Threshold”This is the minimum level that travelers and tourists would want to reach in order to competently navigate a foreign land. In this stage, youre now able to figure out the main points of a sentence or other input. You may still not understand every word the other guy is saying, but now you have an educated grasp of whats being talked about.Youre also able to communicate with native speakers about your thoughts and intentions. You can give reasons, opinions and pla ns. Your output may not always be grammatically sound, but native speakers listening to you will get the gist of what youre talking about and respond appropriately.B2 â€" “Vantage”In this second level of “B,” theres now some degree of spontaneity in your communication, and the strain of understanding and being understood slowly begins to fade. As you get plenty of practice, you’re able to get into new topics because thats where the interaction naturally leads to, not because you planned and rehearsed them in your head.You’re also able to handle increasingly complex topics, even abstract and technical ones. For example, not only can you give your own opinions, but now you can also go deeper into the discussion by mentioning the advantages and disadvantages of options and choices.C1 and C2 (Proficient) C1 â€" “Effective Operational Proficiency”When you get into the “C” territory, you’re really able to start playing with the language.You communicate with ease and flexibility, using well-structured sentences and paragraphs. Youre able to organize your thoughts without consciously searching for specific words or expressions. They begin to simply flow through you.You also recognize implied meaning and use idiomatic and colloquial expressions, which add layers and texture to your communication.At this stage, youre able to hold your own with native speakers, whether you’re in a social, professional or academic setting.C2 â€" “Mastery” This is the stage where you understand practically everything thrown your way. You easily restructure, repackage and summarize information. You can express in another manner any form of communication, whether written or spoken.You can distinguish different shades of meaning. And because of that, your communication is often really on point even in complex scenarios. At this stage, you’re able to say or express exactly  what you want to.You now might be asking yourself, “So how do I find out what level Im at ?”You take a test.Where? That depends on the language you’re studying.Where Can I Get “Certified”?Different languages have different certifying and testing institutions. Here are some prominent ones for five of the most commonly spoken languages in Europe.French (Alliance Française)The Alliance Française is the leading international organization promoting the French language and culture, with over 800 centers worldwide in 130 countries.The university or company you’re applying for might require you to take the DELFâ€"Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française (Diploma in French Language Studies) or the DALFâ€"Diplôme Approfondi en Langue Française (Advanced Diploma in French Language). The DELF tests for A1 to B2 proficiency, while the DALF, the more advanced of the two, tests for C1 and C2.They both test the four language skills: listening, reading, writing, speaking. Each section has 25 points, for a total of 100 points. In order to pass, you must get at least 50 out of 100, with no section scored lower than 5 out of 25. That means if you score a “4” or lower for any of the sections, you wont pass, even if you get excellent grades for all the other remaining sections.German (Goethe Institut)Founded in 1951 and headquartered in Munich, Germany, the Goethe Institut is the leading advocate of the German language and culture. The nonprofit organization, named after the poet and statesman Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, has about 160 centers worldwide.Like the Alliance Française, it offers German language education and testing for anyone who wants to have their German certified. The exams correspond to the six levels laid out by the CEFR.So for example, if you take the “Goethe Zertifikat A1” (an exam often used as proof of language ability when applying for a spousal visa), youre expected to be familiar with the most common German expressions, as well as conduct very basic German interactions as outlined in the CEFR.You can earn a  Goethe Zertif ikat  for all levels between A1 and C2.Another way of proving your linguistic competence is by taking the TestDaF. This is an exam which covers B2-C1 material and which is recognized by practically all German educational and research institutions. Companies may also require it for employment.The TestDaF gauges your different language skills separately. You’ll be tested on Reading Comprehension (60 minutes), Listening Comprehension (40 minutes), Writing (60 minutes) and Speaking (35 minutes). If you pass the exam, you’ll be given a grade of either TDN 3 (CEFR: B2), TDN 4 (CEFR: strong B2 to C1) or TDN 5 (CEFR: strong C1). The higher the number, the better. Failing the TestDaF means your skills are still Unter TDN 3  (Under TDN 3).Spanish (Instituto de Cervantes)The Instituto de Cervantes, like the previous two institutions, aims to promote language and culture around the world. It was created in Spain in 1991 through a law which also gave its marching orders to bolster the study and use of the Spanish language, and to engage in activities that promote Spanish culture.Headquartered in Madrid, the  Instituto Cervantes does its good work in over 50 centers around the world.If you’re interested in Spanish, you can enroll in the classes they offer for different levels. If you want to be certified in Spanish, youll have to take the DELE or the Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera (Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language).You can pick from any of the six DELE test levels, which correspond to the standards set forth in the CEFR. The difficulty and duration of the examination depends on the level you’re gunning for, but expect to be tested on your reading, listening, writing and speaking. In order to pass the DELE, youll have to pass each of its subsections. So for example, you may have near perfect reading skills, but if you fall below the standard in speaking, youll still fail the exam.The test results take about three months because they still have t o be validated by the University of Salamanca. But the good news is that test results never expire and are perpetually valid.Italian (Università per Stranieri di Perugia)Established in 1921, the Università per Stranieri di Perugia  (University for Foreigners in Perugia)  is the oldest of its kindâ€"a university dedicated to the study of Italian language and culture, welcoming foreign students the world over. The school’s motto, “Ambassador of Italy in the World,” reflects its mission of spreading the beautiful Italian language and culture internationally.The university therefore has the duty to design and conduct the examinations to test and certify a person’s competence in Italian. The certificate is called CELI or Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana (Certificate of Knowledge of the Italian Language).There are six CELI exams, again corresponding to the CEFR: CELI Impatto (A1), CELI 1 (A2), CELI 2 (B1), CELI 3 (B2), CELI 4 (C1) and CELI 5 (C2).The most difficul t is CELI 5, which is composed of Reading Comprehension (20%), Writing (30%), Grammar (10%), Listening Comprehension (15%), Speaking (25%). The whole CELI 5 exam can be completed in just under five hours. In comparison, the CELI 1 can be finished in two and half hours.English (Cambridge English)For over a hundred years, Cambridge English has been providing training and certifications to English language learners around the world. Their seal of approval is recognized by over 20,000 organizations. Their exams align with CEFR levels.More than align, actually. Cambridge English, working closely with the Council of Europe, were competent partners and participants in the development of the CEFR levels themselves. So know that with Cambridge English, you’re in expert hands.Their most popular assessment is the FCE (First Certificate in English) which is equivalent to B2. You can choose whether to take the paper-based or computer-based exam, both of which take three and a half hours.The ne xt exams in the totem pole are the CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) and CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) which correspond to the C1 and C2 levels of the CEFR, respectively. Like all of the exams mentioned here, they test the four core language competencies: listening, reading, writing and speaking.Now you hopefully understand what the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is all about. You know the different levels and what they mean in actual practice, and know some of the recognized institutions that can certify your linguistic ability. Now you just need to start studying!Speaking of which, FluentU and our family of language blogs can help you. So read up on our posts here and be on your way to acing any language exam that might come your way.Good luck!