AWC has new Spanish language proficiency certificate program

Proving your Spanish skills without a diploma or degree to show potential employers can be a challenge, which is why Arizona Western College has launched a new program.
 
The Spanish Proficiency Certification will prove that a student, even not having earned a degree, knows Spanish at the level that a workplace would demand.
 
"This is something physical that students can hold in their hand," said Professor L. Michelle Faust, who teaches Spanish at AWC. "Employers will be able to see that the student not only speaks Spanish, but does so at a professional level, that they would be able to read, write and speak at a professional level and represent their company well."
 
To earn the certification, students must take four semesters of Spanish classes in the 100 and 200 levels, then pass a standardized test used by colleges around the nation.
 
"A lot of people say they are bilingual, but what does that mean?" Faust said, stressing that there can be many levels of language proficiency.

"This is not something I've seen at any other schools," the professor said.
 
AWC's fall semester begins Monday. Students interested in the program can reach Faust at 317-7523 or michelle.faust@azwestern.edu. Formal registration isn't required if students are just beginning their classes, but Faust still recommends some communication with AWC faculty and personnel.
 
"This is not something you have to declare, but it never hurts to get a game plan. That is what counselors and professors are here for, to help students."
 
In addition to people learning Spanish as a second language, certification can benefit students who are native speakers studying Spanish.
 
"I also hope that people who speak Spanish at home but aren't educated in Spanish will use this to put them at a higher level," Faust said.
 
On top of paying for the classes, students will also have to pay for the test. Cost information for testing isn't currently available, Faust explained, since the program is still weighing several testing options.
 
"We are trying to find a low-cost test," she said.
 
Students with some Spanish experience may be able to test out of the 100-level classes, but classes at the 200 level would be required.


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Darin Fenger can be reached at
dfenger@yumasun.com or 539-6860.