1. A world of opportunities Languages on Social Care programmes Imelda Cooke

2. Overview Background: Towards a national standard AIT situation – languages offered and why Ireland in a European context European programmes Work/placement opportunities Useful contacts

3. Languages in AIT Elective Years 1 and 2 Cert. Years 1 to 4 of BA French – post- Leaving Cert. German – ab initio and plc Spanish – ab initio

4. Why languages? ‘The limits of my language mean the limits of my world’……Ludwig Wittgenstein

5. Personal development Broadens your experiences, expands view of the world Fosters understanding of relation between language, culture, human nature Encourages respect for other peoples Exposes you to modes of thought outside of native language All important in Ireland’s multi-cultural society Enables our students to compete in an international arena

6. Intellectual benefits of language learning Offers new insights into native language Develops one’s ability to think logically and creatively Improves communicative skills, both oral and written Allows direct access to literature/books/films/songs in original language

7. Why French? Second most frequently taught language after English The official language of 28 countries Spoken on five continents French and English are the two global languages The official working language of many international organizations (NATO, UNESCO, European community etc.)

8. Why German? Key language in the European Union Gateway to the rapidly growing markets of Central and Eastern Europe Germany is the US's largest European trading partner Widely used as a business and scientific language in Europe, Russia, and parts of Asia

9. Why Spanish? Most commonly used foreign language spoken in the US Dominant language spoken in 21 countries on five continents Fifth most widely spoken in the world, used by 300 million people Approximately 17.5 million people (10% of the US population) speak Spanish

10. Ireland in the European Union Enlargement: 450million Europeans Importance of language skills for communicating and free movement 2001 European year of languages Barcelona 2002 2003 European commission’s action plan

11. Action plan Primary schools initiative European language portfolio: a language passport which can be described according to common criteria.

12. European mobility programmes ‘ The hope of a nation lies in the proper education of its youth.’ Erasmus

13. Socrates Erasmus programme Erasmus: Action on higher education. teachers’ exchanges joint development of curricula language courses thematic networks between depts/faculties across Europe preparatory visits ECTS – recognition of study abroad

14. Who can apply? Open to nationals of the EU countries EEA countries(Iceland, Lichtenstein...) Associated countries:Hungary, Romania,Czech republic,Poland,Slovak republic,Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Bulgaria,Slovenia. Through International office in ITs by Nov 1 every year.

15. Leonardo da Vinci programme Aim: to use transnational cooperation to improve quality, foster innovation, and promote the European dimension of vocational and training systems and practices.

16. Who can apply? Vocational training establishments, centres and bodies at all levels, universities. Research centres and institutions Undertakings including SMEs and the craft industry Chambers of commerce Social partners Local and regional bodies and organisations Non profit making organisations Voluntary bodies and NGOs

17. Mobility for young people and trainers a. Transnational placement projects For students, young workers and recently qualified persons, and people in initial vocational training. b. Transnational exchange projects Targeted at trainers, occupational guidance specialists or mentors. c. Study visits

18. Work/placement opportunities Study visit- 1200e per person for 1 week. Prepare the placement. Placement categories Funds available International dimension to education and training

19. Work/placement opportunities FRANCE English language assistant Scholarships: Connaissance de la France, French Embassy.

20. Charities in France Restos du Coeur Samu Social Les petits freres des pauvres L’armee du salut FACTS AFVP The American cathedral in Paris Handicap international

21. Working with children Animateur de mini-club Pre-schools Assistant de service social

22. Multi-cultural Ireland:Refugees and asylum seekers Application procedure: - 84 question questionnaire - Interview at the Asylum division of Dept of Justice Unaccompanied minors Language tuition. School attendance Medical requirements

23. Useful links Parlez-vous français? Sprechen-Sie Deutsch? ¿ Hablas español ? Merci de votre attention! Go raibh maith agaibh!