Language Level Guide

In facilitating excellent placement matches, it is very important to have a clear understanding of the language level required by the internship site for the intern so that all are aligned on expectations and abilities.  Since there are many different ways to define one's language ability, we are offering the guide below to make sure that we are all on the same page.  Please review these descriptions carefully when selecting your language level on Puentes forms.  When trying to gauge your own language ability, it is important to be very honest with yourself and choose internship projects which align with your skillset so that you are setting yourself up for success.  For example, if you have taken an “advanced” level Spanish class in university, this does not necessarily mean that you have an advanced Spanish level outside of the classroom setting.  As always, if you have any questions, do not hesitate to let us know. 

 

NONE

You have had very little to no language education and are unable to communicate basic needs and desires.  You would rely heavily on a dictionary in order to transmit what you are trying to communicate, and everyday situations such as introductions, asking for directions, or ordering a meal would be difficult.

BASIC

You are able to communicate using the language in a basic way in situations having to do with immediate needs or everyday situations, such as simple information about oneself, family, shopping, places of interest, or hobbies.

INTERMEDIATE

You can understand the gist of clear texts, in standard language, if they involve well-known topics related to work, studies, or leisure.  You are also able to deal with most situations that occur while traveling in areas where that language is spoken; to produce simple and coherent texts about familiar topics or topics of personal interest; and lastly to describe experiences, events, wishes, and hopes, as well as to be able to briefly express opinions or explain plans.

ADVANCED

You have the ability to interact with native speakers with a sufficient degree of fluency and spontaneity to enable easy and natural communication between interlocutors; produce clear and detailed texts about diverse topics, as well as defend an opinion about general topics, expressing the pros and cons for each argument; and lastly, understand the gist of complex texts about both concrete and abstract topics, including technical texts, provided they are within your areas of expertise.

FLUENT

You can use the language similarly to a native speaker, and you are able to speak and convey your ideas without putting effort into translating them from your native language. While you may have an accent and grammar may lack in certain areas, you have the ability to transmit perfectly what you want to say and can use the language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes, and the listener can understand you without any effort.

NATIVE

You use the language in your daily life to communicate with family, friends and in the work environment.  You are comfortable in all situations and are able to switch between English and Spanish seamlessly and effortlessly.

}