Latest news with #CEFR
India Today
15 hours ago
- Business
- India Today
Study in Uzbekistan: 5 fully funded scholarships for Indian graduates
The Republic of Uzbekistan is inviting Indian students to apply for five fully-funded scholarships to pursue a Master's degree at the Silk Road International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage in Samarkand for the 2025–26 academic year. These scholarships aim to attract talented Indian graduates to specialised programmes in areas such as Tourism and Hospitality, Archaeology, Museum Studies, Restoration, and courses under this scheme are taught in English. The university, known for its state-of-the-art "Smart Campus", provides an international academic environment and has collaborative ties with reputed global institutions. Facilities on campus include a digital library, hotel rooms, a gym, a pool, and even a training bar-restaurant to ensure industry-relevant the direct link to check and apply for the scholarshipsSCHOLARSHIPS BENEFITS Selected students will receive extensive support under the scholarship programme, including:Round-trip economy airfare once a yearA monthly living allowance equivalent to $500Accommodation support of up to $100 per monthTwo annual cultural tours within Uzbekistan, with an additional $100 travel stipend per tripWHO CAN APPLY?Indian graduates with a background in the relevant fields and strong English language skills are encouraged to apply. Applicants must provide the following documents:advertisementA valid passport or identity documentBachelor's degree certificateCV and a recent photographEnglish language proficiency proof (IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL iBT 72 / CEFR B2), or evidence that their undergraduate education was conducted in EnglishA 1–1.5 page essay on 'Contributing to the development of tourism of the SCO countries'Applications must be submitted through the official university portal at no later than August 1, link to visit the official websiteIt is important to note that the Government of India is not involved in the nomination or selection process. Final decisions will be made solely by the authorities in Uzbekistan. For additional information, candidates can visit the university's official website at
South Wales Argus
5 days ago
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Torfaen Welsh language standards compliance report 2024/25
That saw 112, of 718 new or vacant posts advertised, as requiring Welsh and those were broken down as 38 jobs for which the language was 'essential' and a further 69 with it being 'desirable'. Five posts were advertised as Welsh 'need to be learnt' while 606 posts were classed as 'no Welsh skills required'. Torfaen Borough Council's Welsh language officer Alan Vernon-Jones said the percentage of posts advertised as requiring Welsh, in 2024/25, had increased five per cent on the previous year to 15 per cent of advertised posts. Mr Vernon-Jones said: 'In order to encourage candidates to use the Welsh they have learnt in school or classes we now ask for Welsh language as 'desirable' as a minimum on all advertised posts and this has not discouraged candidates and means the council can comply (with Welsh language standards) in a more holistic way.' Since March this year the council has only assessed vacant post against two categories; Welsh desirable or Welsh essential. This is intended to allow candidates to indicate their level of Welsh and contribute to delivering Welsh language services for the council. Councillors were presented with the annual Welsh Language Standards report, for 2024/25, which sets out how the authority has complied with its requirements under Welsh language legislation. Mr Vernon-Jones said Torfaen continues to provide 'appropriate services' to residents but doing so 'face to face continues to be difficult due to locations but it is hoped enhancements made to requirement will address some of this.' The council has 33 members of staff who feel fully competent in Welsh as recorded using the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, known as CEFR, system. The council previously used an alternative system and so far only 15 per cent of staff have completed the CEFR assessment. Mr Vernon-Jones said those 33 staff have said they are able to assist with Welsh language queries. Council leader Anthony Hunt said they are an example of staff 'going above and beyond' to assist the council and delivering services. There were no complaints made about the council's compliance with Welsh language standards in 2024/25 and adjustments to training had been made as a result of previous complaints investigated by the Welsh language commissioner which were now closed.
Local Norway
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Local Norway
Language requirement law passes vote in Norwegian parliament
MPs passed a version of the law, by a majority of 88 to 22, with MPs from the ruling Labour Party, the Conservative Party opposition, the Centre Party and the populist Progress party all voting in favour, and the other five parliamentary parties voting against. If passed the bill will mean that applicants for permanent residency no longer need to document that they have completed mandatory training in Norwegian language and social studies up to the most elementary A1 level, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It will also change the law over the right to family reunion for children under the age of 18 to bring their, preventing residence permits from being granted to their parents if this might lead to bigamy. The bill will also abolish the au pair scheme for citizens of country's outside the EEU or EEA. Advertisement Since the Norwegian parliament abolished its second chamber in 2009, bills need to be voted on twice before they are passed, so that MPs have an opportunity to change their position, something which happens very rarely. The bill's second vote has yet to be scheduled, but it likely to be held before the parliament adjourns for the summer on June 20th.
Local Norway
05-06-2025
- Local Norway
'I planned to get by with English': Is it worth the effort to learn Norwegian?
With nearly everyone fluent in English and many AI language tools available, it's tempting for many foreigners coming to Norway to coast by and not bother to learn the language. But those that do bother often find learning Norwegian helps build deeper social connections, opens up career opportunities, and fosters a stronger sense of belonging. In Norway, language levels follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), ranging from beginner (A1–A2) to intermediate (B1–B2) and advanced (C1–C2). While many jobs and daily interactions can be managed in English, reaching at least a B1 level in Norwegian is often encouraged for deeper social integration, and is now required when applying for citizenship. Alejandro Viquez, from Mexico. Photo: private Alejandro Viquez (38) , from Mexico City, feels lucky he got the opportunity to study the first three levels at the University of Oslo for free ‒ a benefit offered to international students enrolled in a Master's degree at the institution. It was the reason he moved to Norway in the first place ten years ago. Advertisement 'I thought: this is a new language to learn and this is free - this is cool,' he says. 'And it turned out great. The teachers were very good, I got to know new international friends who were all in the same boat as me. In addition, if you, as a student, finished the classes, that was a great tool - whether you wanted to apply for different visas, basically those hours and exams. If you used it well, it could be very fruitful.' Work hasn't been the main motivation to keep studying and practicing, though. 'I have been working mainly in an international environment," says the Senior Communication Manager at Kahoot!. The turning point came when he moved 20 minutes by train outside of Oslo, where people are more used to speaking Norwegian. 'That helped me a lot. In a smaller city, you see the same people more often at the gym, grocery store so you need to interact. You have no choice but to use your Norwegian. I saw that when you actively put in effort and they understand you, you're in.' Today, he is fluent. 'Of course I make mistakes, and sometimes I use the wrong formulation, probably because I'm thinking in Spanish or English format. But people understand. It takes a bit of courage to speak, so I would say to anyone starting now: just give it a shot.' Alistair Franke, from London. Photo: private Social integration was also the reason why London-born Alistair Franke (31) rolled up his sleeves and studied the language. He moved to Oslo four years ago to work in finance and now balances his time between consulting and creating content for his successful Become Norwegian Instagram account. As a 'nearly fluent' speaker, he was determined to learn Norwegian the moment he set foot at Gardermoen Airport. 'I don't like the idea of being a typical 'Brit abroad' who doesn't bother to learn the local language, so for me it's very important to at least try,' says Alistair, who hasn't taken any formal lessons, just tried to immerse himself as much as possible. Advertisement Although he never felt excluded, he believes that not understanding Norwegian can certainly make social situations more challenging. 'For example, at a party or gathering where everyone is speaking Norwegian, it makes it that bit harder to join in. But 90 percent of the time, Norwegians will happily switch to English if they realise you're not keeping up. This is both a blessing and a curse.' To break that pattern, he focused less on getting things perfect and more on just being understood or getting the gist. 'Usually, as long as you say something 'mostly correct', it's enough.' For someone moving to Norway, Alistair has two tips: 'Embrace all the typical aspects of Norwegian culture, even the things you think are weird - that makes everything more enjoyable. Plus, I often ask friends to text me in Norwegian. This is great practice, and it's really easy to copy and paste into Translate for the words I don't understand. They won't even know!' Letícia Ribeiro. Photo: private If Alistair quickly started learning Norwegian to integrate despite working in English, for Brazilian Letícia Ribeiro (33) , Subsea Engineer at Equinor, it was the other way around. She already worked at the company in her hometown of Rio de Janeiro and moved to Norway on a short-term assignment. 'Initially, the plan was to survive with English. As usual, the first year is full of things to adapt to, and the language was not on top of the priorities. At work, I was in a very international team, and it was working fine with my English.' That mindset shifted when her role changed to a department where more Norwegian is spoken, especially during water cooler chats, social events, and informal conversations. Advertisement 'I decided to start learning the language as a result of my own internal pressure. After the first year, once all the moving and adapting was done, I got to the point of feeling uncomfortable and tired of not understanding the language and not 100 percent participating.' She's been studying for the last six months with a 1:1 private teacher online and just finished A2 level. 'I'm still learning. I use it in basic situations, at the grocery store, for example, but not yet in full conversations. I study with the teacher, watch Norwegian TV with subtitles, and I love Duolingo.' A tip for those about to move here? 'This is a hard one. Everyone works in a different way. The best advice is to start as soon as possible so you can try and fail until you find the technique, tool, or activity that works for you. And don't give up. It's okay to take a break, but don't give up." If you want to know more about which different courses are available, check this guide from the City of Oslo. By Marianna Wachelke
Local Norway
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Local Norway
Norway's parliament to debate permanent residence rule changes
If the bill goes through, applicants for permanent residency will no longer need to document that they have completed mandatory training in Norwegian language and social studies up to the most elementary A1 level, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). READ ALSO: How changes to Norway's requirements for permanent residence will affect you Instead, they will need to take a test proving that they can speak Norwegian at the slightly more advanced A2 level, which is defined as the point at which people can understand everyday language and express themselves on basic topics. The changes are scheduled to be debated on Friday, June 6th, with the date of the final vote not yet decided on by the parliament. Advertisement The rules won't apply to those in Norway under the EEA rules, as they instead get the right of permanent residence, which is slightly different. The law change will also introduce new limits to family reunification for immigrants with more than one wife and clarifies the legal basis for financial support for return or repatriation.
