SERBIAN AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE COURSES TO BE INTRODUCED, FROM BEGINNER TO ADVANCED LEVELS

PALE, NOVEMBER 15 /SRNA/ - The Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Istočno Sarajevo is launching a Serbian as a Foreign Language program that will enable international students to study the language systematically, from beginner level A1 to advanced level C1, with the opportunity to obtain an official language proficiency certificate.

Žana Gavrilović, Vice Dean for Research at the Faculty of Philosophy in Pale, said the program was developed in response to the need to formally certify the Serbian language skills acquired by international students at the University of Istočno Sarajevo.

Gavrilović stressed that a particular need for this program had been identified at the Faculty of Medicine in Foča, where a large number of international students are enrolled.

Proficiency in Serbian is important for them to pass their professional examinations and obtain a license, as well as for their future careers.

“We have offered participants the opportunity to enroll in the full programme, from A1 to C1 level, in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, or to complete individual levels separately, depending on their interests and needs,” Gavrilović said.

She added that the program provides an opportunity for international students to acquire knowledge of Serbian as a foreign language in a professional, systematic and comprehensive manner, with their proficiency certified through the issuance of certificates confirming their knowledge of Serbian at various levels.

She noted that ECTS credits would be awarded for individual proficiency levels as well as for the program as a whole.

She explained that certain professional requirements, such as taking a professional examination, require at least B2-level proficiency in Serbian, while some licenses require even higher levels of proficiency.

According to Gavrilović, upon completion of the program, participants will receive certificates and documents confirming their level of Serbian language proficiency.

Gavrilović stressed that the program had been approved by the University Senate and that the conditions for its launch had been met, with interest expressed by almost all of the University's organizational units.

Furthermore, learning the language enables foreigners to gain a better understanding of the cultures, traditions, and customs of the people among whom they live.

"Language is a means of intercultural communication, and our students have an advantage because they live in a Serbian-speaking environment, where they can talk to native speakers and learn about our mentality and traditions through everyday life," Gavrilović said.

She said that various clubs and activities were organized at the faculty and other organizational units of the University, enabling international students to communicate directly with Serbian speakers.