ON THE RIGHT TRACK EXISTING COUNSELLING METHODS IN THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC

COUNSELLING METHODS IN THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC About 25 bigger and smaller educational institutions offer Slovak language for foreigners courses

COUNSELLING METHODS IN THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC 2 main schools of Slovak for foreigners (departments of universities): - "Institute for Language and Academic Preparation" for foreign students - the integral part of Comenius University - “Centre for Language and Academic Preparation” - the language centre of Pan European University

COUNSELLING METHODS IN THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC Migration Information Centre – part of The International Organization for Migration (IOM) with 2 centres in Bratislava and Kosice Private website provides foreigners with valuable information about Slovakia

"Institute for Language and Academic Preparation" of Comenius University Established in 1960 Specialized in preparing international students for their study at all universities in Slovakia. About 10,000 foreigners prepared for taking up higher education in Slovakia (in Slovak language) The only school offering full-time course of Slovak language as a foreign language The only school awarded the European Label for the project of assessing Slovak language proficiency Source:

"Institute for Language and Academic Preparation" of Comenius University The main targets at present: a complete preparation of international students for all levels of university courses in Slovakia - both in language and professional aspects teaching of Slovak as a foreign language in courses of various duration and extent (in full-time as well as part-time programmes) testing and assessing of Slovak language proficiency as a foreign language study stays of students studying Slovak language at universities abroad publishing of own textbooks and study materials marketing, promotion and recruitment of international students for university studies in Slovakia Source:

"Institute for Language and Academic Preparation" of Comenius University Language and Academic Preparation before University Studies - Study groups are formed according to the future fields of study - duration - 1 semester, tuition fee - 3,750 euro 10-month Slovak Language Course - 20 lessons/week tuition fee: 3,650 euro 5-month Slovak Language Course hours total, tuition fee: 1,875 euro Summer University of Slovak Language Evening classes of Slovak Language - 80 lessons - tuition fee: 320 euro Source:

“Centre for Language and Academic Preparation” - the language centre of Pan European University in Bratislava Intensive course of Slovak language – from 240 to 400 hours Foundation programmes – preparatory courses for studying in Slovakia Evening courses of Slovak language – 44 hours (11 weeks) Summer School of Slovak language – 30 hours of language and culture classes Intensive course of Slovak language for students of “Erasmus” programme Details about tuition fees, terms and duration are sent to candidates after filling in the enrolment documents Source:

"Institute for Language and Academic Preparation" of Comenius University and “Centre for Language and Academic Preparation” - the language centre of Pan European University in Bratislava Websites of both institutions contain links to sites useful and important for foreigners: How to obtain a student visa? How to apply for a scholarship? How to apply for a legal residence? Information about history and culture of Slovakia Ministry of Interior and Administration Migration Centre Source:

Migration Information Centre Multilingual booklets offer basic information for foreigners: - Welcome to Slovakia - Sole Trading of Foreign Nationals in Slovakia - Marriage in Slovakia - Employment of Foreign Nationals in Slovakia They provide information in Slovak, English, Romanian, Russian, Arabic, Chinese and Vietnamese languages Source:

Migration Information Centre The Low-Threshold Course For all foreigners - third country nationals (non EU) with a temporary, permanent or tolerated residence in Slovakia For all age categories Each lesson is an individual unit From beginner to pre-intermediate levels Without registration and without entrance exams Free of Charge Every Tuesday and Thursday from 6.30 p.m. – 8.00 p.m. Source:

Migration Information Centre The Low-Threshold Course Topics of the Lessons: Personal Introduction City Orientation Shopping Education Authorities and Services Restaurants Social Life Leisure Time Time and Date Visual Appearance Communication Holidays in Slovakia Source:

Migration Information Centre The Migration Information Centre (MIC) is an information centre of the IOM – International Organization for Migration in Bratislava. The MIC provides counselling to foreigners who have a legal residence or intend to live or work in Slovakia on a long-term basis. Objective of the MIC is to provide migrants with help, counselling and essential information facilitating their integration in the work and social life in Slovakia. Source:

Migration Information Centre The information and counselling is provided by: Personal consultations in the MIC office in Bratislava: Personal consultations in the MIC office in Košice Discounted information helpline The website Source:

Migration Information Centre During its 4-year existence: Individual counselling to more than 1,500 foreigners The total amount of consultations: 5270 Counselling and financial assistance to more than 130 clients 42 information meetings Source:

„The Foreigner's Guide to Slovakia” created by an American teacher of English in Slovakia kind of guide for foreigners (particularly Americans, but not only). information about the culture, cuisine, customs, geography and history pictorial dictionary of English - Slovak links to online courses of Slovak language (unfortunately paid ones) Source:

ON THE RIGHT TRACK EXISTING COUNSELLING METHODS IN THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC PREPARED BY: Sławomir Rudziński