A whole new era of language diploma test is approaching. Approximately 66,000 students around the world are preparing for a standardized language test. No, it is not the SAT or the TOEFL. It is the “Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera,” also known as DELE (Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language). This meaningful exam is given each year in April, May, July, October, and November, at over 900 exam centers in 100 countries.
Created in 1989 by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science, in cooperation with the University of Salamanca, the test is now administered by the Madrid-based, Instituto Cervantes. Students wishing to take this Spanish language test can do so at many locations throughout the world, such as embassies, private schools, and universities. The only requirements for test-takers is that they be non-native Spanish speakers.
These tests range in levels of difficulty beginning with level A1, then A2, B1, B2, C1, and finally C2, which is the most advanced. All the tests consists of 4 parts – reading, listening, writing, and speaking – which must all be passed in order to obtain the diploma for each level. In addition, the fee varies according to the level but is approximately from $100-250 USD.Students, teachers, business people, and others highly recognize the value of DELE as the only officially accredited and internationally acknowledged qualification for Spanish with permanent and guaranteed validity.
Preparation for the DELE exam is offered by teachers and institutions in many locations. One such teacher is Victor Abraham Trujillo, an experienced DELE teacher for 7 years, of Mexican origins, who helped over 70 students at schools in Mexico City achieving their goal of attaining the global diploma of their desired level. In an interview with JSR, Victor stated his belief that many students are wholeheartedly willing to take this examination.“In a globalized world, the knowledge of foreign languages is essential.
After English, Spanish is one of the most important international languages. The DELE certifies that the person can communicate via Spanish and many companies and universities worldwide value this ability when choosing candidates.” When interrogated about his personal opinion concerning the significance of DELE, he said that “the importance of this exam depends on the institution they want to ‘impress.’ In schools and Mexican institutions DELE is virtually unknown, but in Europe and in most universities and international companies, DELE is the most prestigious Spanish certification. If people want to be part of these universities or companies, DELE can be an excellent reference curriculum.”
Ji Ho Kim is an 11th grader at Greengates International School who is now preparing for level C1 this coming April, after passing levels B1 and B2. In an interview with JSR, she remarked, “In this newly and modernly globalized world, we do not live in a planet in which countries develop with the absence of other neighboring parts’ influences. Nowadays, young and fresh adults plan to play a role in this global community as well as earning sufficient income for a profitable life. This world is facing a new era. We do not know where we will plan to study in, where to live in, who will grow up to become our companions or business partner and much more. So an adequate knowledge of any language will might as well offer an effortless advantage to its user, especially in a time like this.
She continued, “From this, I recognize the real significance of DELE, as it widens our path to endorse lifetime goals and achieve them. Not only does it guarantee higher acknowledgement of a global member, but also, it simply gives the joy of learning a new language. I truly love studying Spanish and having a taste of satisfaction when getting a diploma that will greatly help me when applying into universities from all around the world. Finally, I personally consider that a vast variety of language fluency is crucial in this present day. ”
Taking the DELE exam can be useful and rewarding for any candidate who might need to prove a certain level of proficiency in Spanish in the future. This might include business people or diplomats being considered for missions or simple trips to Spanish speaking countries. Of course, it is crucial for students at any level planning to study abroad in Latin-American countries.
In this multi-national and multicultural world of instant communication and rapid travel, anyone might suddenly find the need for effective communication in Spanish, and it would certainly be favorable to know their level of fluency in terms of communication in one of the most important world languages of the time. DELE is an international diploma test readily available almost anywhere, to anyone.
