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Modern Languages

Proficiency certificates

QUICK FACTS

Credential:
Certificate

Duration:
2 years

Options:
Intermediate, Advanced

How to apply

Start date:
January, May, September 

Location:
Abbotsford campus

Cost:
(Details)

FEATURES:

  • Co-op semester(s) provide paid work experience in your field of study
  • Learn through oral, written, and cultural learning components.
  • Program eligible for financial aid

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Being proficient in another language lets you stand out from the crowd in today's global marketplace, because it enables you to communicate across cultures. At UFV's Modern Languages Institute you choose from one of eight language programs: French, German, Halq'méylem, Japanese, Mandarin, Punjabi, Russian, or Spanish. Focus on deveoping communication skills as you learn in a small classroom setting taught by a native speaking instructor. Immerse yourself in language and culture by choosing to work or study abroad. 

Earn either an Intermediate Proficieny Associate certificate or an Advanced Proficiency certificate. If you have taken language courses prior to attending UFV, the first-year program requirement may be waived.

View the UFV Academic Calendar for full details. 

Intermediate Proficiency Associate certificate

Earn an Intermediate Proficiency associate certificate when you complete 12 credits in a single language. UFV's Modern Language Institute offers Intermediate Proficiency associate certificates in:

  • French
  • German
  • Halq'eméylem
  • Japanese
  • Mandarin
  • Punjabi
  • Russian
  • Spanish 

Advanced Proficiency certificate

Earn an Advanced Proficiency certificate when you complete 20 credits. Advanced Proficiency certificates are offered in the following languages:

  • French
  • Halq'eméylem
  • Japanese
  • Russian
  • Spanish

French

French is spoken in 25 countries around the world and in Canada, almost one-third of Canadians are francophone. Learn French to communicate effectively across the country and to prepare yourself for work at the federal level, or internationally.

UFV offers a full spectrum of university courses in French, and delivers a number of culture and literature courses to supplement your understanding of French culture and language. Check the UFV Academic Calendar to learn which courses are required to complete the Intermediate Proficiency Associate certificate and the Advanced Proficiency certificate. 

German

German is one of the world's major languages with an estimate 95 million native speakers, 500,000 of whom live in Canada. Competency in this power language gives you access to the biggest economy in the European Union, and profound insight into a vibrant and rich culture.

At UFV you can earn an Intermediate Proficiency Associate certificate in German, which is a helpful way to communicate effectively when working with Mennonite peoples of the Fraser Valley and beyond.

As the traditional language of the Mennonite peoples, courses in German are also offered as part of UFV's Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies. Gain language skills in both spoken and written German to prepare for a career in teaching, public service, community development, social policy and church work. 

Check the UFV Academic Calendar to learn which courses are required to complete the Intermediate Proficiency Associate certificate.

Halq'méylem

Take Halq'méylem to learn and explore the traditional language and culture of the Stó:lō people. Halq'méylem is an endangered language that is being revived by the Stó:lō community so that Stó:lō worldviews, oral narrative, place names and concepts can be explored, reflected upon, and shared. All are welcome to take Halq'méylem and earn an Intermediate Proficiency Associate certificate. Halq'méylem courses can also count towards earning a Mennonite Studies certificate or a Stó:lō Studies certificate.

Check the UFV Academic Calendar to learn which courses are required to complete the Intermediate Proficiency Associate certificate.

Japanese

Take Japanese to speak the language of one of the world's great economic giants and one of Canada's most important trading partners. Develop skills in Japanese writing, and learn about Japanese culture, as you prepare to work locally with British Columbia's large Japanese population, or globally.

UFV offers both an Intermediate Proficiency Associate certificate and an Advanced Proficiency certificate in Japanese. View the UFV Academic Calendar to view requirements for the Intermediate Proficiency Associate certificate and the Advanced Proficiency certificate.

Mandarin

In today's global marketplace, learning to communicate in Mandarin is an important asset for Canadians who want to work in the tourism, culture, computer information, and business fields. UFV offers beginner courses in Mandarin where you will focus on written and spoken comunication while aslo learning about Chinese cultural values. 

Check the UFV Academic Calendar to learn which courses are required to complete the Intermediate Proficiency Associate certificate.

Punjabi

With more than 100 million Punjabi speakers around the world and in Canada, Punjabi is a strategic language to learn for local and global employment and for business success. In fact, Wikipedia reports that as of 2006-2009, the Punjabi language was spoken by 39.3% of Abbotsford households, making it the second most-commonly spoken language at home after English.

Learn to both speak Punjabi and write Punjabi (Gurmukhi) script as you work towards an Intermediate Proficiency Associate certificate from UFV. Punjabi courses can count towards earning an India-Canada Studies certificate.

Check the UFV Academic Calendar to learn which courses are required to complete the Intermediate Proficiency Associate certificate.

Russian

Russian is one of the six official languages of the United Nations and is a must when it comes to understanding and appreciating Russian culture and literature. Open up professional opportunities as you explore a language widely used in Europe and around the world. 

Choose to take either an Intermediate Proficiency Associate certificate or the Advanced Proficiency certificate. View the UFV Academic Calendar to learn which courses are required. 

Spanish

Spanish is the official language of Spain and 20 countries in South and Central America, and is spoken by 400 million people worldwide. Take Spanish to communicate with ease while travelling or working abroad. 

UFV offers a minor in Spanish Language and Culture as part of its Bachelor of Arts program. The minor offers students the opportunity to acquire the language, cultural skills, and intercultural competence needed to interact appropriately within diverse social and cultural contexts in the Spanish-speaking world, and enables students to use Spanish in their academic and career plans. Designed to be international and interdisciplinary, the program draws on courses from Latin American Studies, Global Development Studies, and other programs where Spanish is a valuable skill. Find out program requirements for either the Intermediate Proficiency Associate certificate or the Advanced Proficiency certificate in the UFV Acacemic Calendar

CAREER EXPECTATIONS

Mastering another language can also lead to an exciting career as a language teacher, translator, government worker, tour consultant, international aid worker, or journalist.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

If you are entering from high school, you will need your B.C. Secondary school graduation or equivalent and a minimum of B in English 12, and a minimum of a B average on two other provincially examined grade 12 subjects. 

If you have already attended some post-secondary classes, we require one of the following:

  • Completion of a minimum of 30 arts/science university-level credits with a cumulative GPA of 2.33 on all credits attempted. 
  • Completion of a minimum of nine arts/science university-level credits with a GPA of 3.0 or better on all university-level credits attempted. 
  • A B.C. Associate of Arts or UFV diploma in Liberal Arts, Visual Arts, or Theatre. Students must achieve an average overall grade of C (cumulative GPA of 2.0) calculated on all courses that could apply towards the diploma of Associate degree. 

Earn the certificate while undertaking other studies at UFV. View the requirements for Proficiency Certificates in the UFV Academic Calendar

OTHER ADMISSION CATEGORIES

This program is open for international students

UPGRADING OPTIONS

Students who do not meet the entrance requirements can upgrade in order to meet prerequisites for university classes.

Make an appointment with a Upgrading and University Preparation advisor to discuss your upgrading needs.

QUESTIONS?

Phone: 604-557-4035
Toll free: 1-888-504-7441, ext. 4035
Email: mola@ufv.ca

"In my first year I realized that my passion was with French and it was something that was super enjoyable. I wasn't fluent to begin so it was a lot of work and effort but at the same time it was very rewarding. It opened my eyes to a new culture and a new way of life.

  • – Raymond Kobes
  •    Bachelor of Arts, French major and Business minor
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