Language requirements
Information on the foreign language requirements of students wishing to take part in Erasmis+.
Do I need to be able to speak a foreign language to participate in Erasmus+?
Not necessarily. Many of our Erasmus+ partner universities offer modules taught in English and there are European countries in which English is very widely spoken.
Your departmental Erasmus+ tutor should be able to tell you which of your academic department's Erasmus+ partner universities offer modules taught in English.
Online Linguistic Support (OLS)
The European Commission's Online Linguistic Support initiative (OLS) provides free language learning support for Erasmus+ exchange/placement students in the form of online courses.
Courses are currently available in the following languages:
- Bulgarian
- Croatian
- Czech
- Danish
- Dutch
- Finnish
- French
- German
- Greek
- Hungarian
- Italian
- Polish
- Portuguese
- Romanian
- Slovak
- Spanish
- Swedish
The course begins with a test to determine the appropriate language learning level (e.g. beginners, advanced) and ends with a test to assess the progress made.
Students whose main working language in the host country is one of the above are required to take the tests in order to receive the Erasmus+ grant.
Students whose main working language in the host country is their mother tongue, but who are studying/working in countries where the native language is one of the above, are eligible (but not required) to participate in the online language tests and courses.
Global Opportunities & Exchanges will automatically issue eligible students with OLS licences once they are available.
Language Learning Opportunities
If you do want to learn a new language or brush up on any existing language skills, there are several ways of doing this both in Sheffield and in your host country.
Modern Languages Teaching Centre
The Modern Languages Teaching Centre (MLTC) at the University of Sheffield offers foreign language modules from beginners to advanced level.
They also run a tandem programme to help students practice their conversational skills with native speakers.
Further information on the MLTC can be found here: MLTC webpages
Independently Sought Intensive Language Courses
If you are not already learning the language of your host country as part of your degree, Global Opportunities & Exchanges may be able to offer some funding towards a language course that you find of your own accord.
Contact us by email further information: globalopps@sheffield.ac.uk