What languages can I study at IE University?
Here are the languages offered and their available levels:
- Arabic: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
- Chinese: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
- French: Beginner, Intermediate, High Intermediate, and Advanced
- German: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
- Portuguese: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
- Spanish: Beginner, Intermediate, High Intermediate, and Advanced
If I am not a native Spanish speaker, is it mandatory to take a Spanish class?
Yes, all non-native Spanish speakers must demonstrate a minimum level of B1* in Spanish to graduate. This requirement can be fulfilled by passing Spanish Intermediate 1 and 2 courses at IE University, which are free of charge for the first two years. Students must take the Spanish Placement Test to enroll in these courses.
DELE or SIELE Global certificates (minimum B1 level) are also accepted as proof of the Spanish language requirement. You would be able to provide these certificates when you complete the IE Language Passport.
**Please note: IB Diploma or A Levels are not accepted as proof of Spanish language proficiency.
Can I take more than one language course?
BIR students: Yes, you are required to take your mandatory language course. In addition, you have the option take one more language course as part of your supplementary training.
Non-BIR program students: Yes, you may take up to two language courses, as long as they are scheduled at different times.
Will my language class count for credits?
Mandatory language courses for International Relations and dual International Relations degrees count for credits.
Non-mandatory language courses (complementary training courses) will appear on your transcript and may be recognized for some elective credits**, but you must request recognition through your degree program (often in the 3rd or 4th year).
**Important:
Basic levels of Spanish (Beginner and Intermediate) only count for credit if taken as your mandatory language for International Relations.
For non-BIR students, basic levels of Spanish (Beginner and Intermediate) satisfy the minimum level of Spanish required to graduate and appear on your transcript, but the credits cannot be recognized. Only credits from High Intermediate and Advanced Spanish courses can be recognized.
Will my grade in language classes affect my GPA?
Grades in mandatory language courses for International Relations and dual IR degrees are included in the calculation of your GPA.
Grades in non-mandatory language courses (complementary training courses) appear on your transcript but do not affect your GPA.
What if I am not in the right level language class?
If you believe you are placed in an incorrect level, speak with your professor. They will determine if a level change is necessary and will contact the Language Center to authorize and process the change. This must be done by the Add/Drop deadline, which is session 3.
I took a placement test, but I didn’t receive my results. Why?
The Language Center will not communicate your test result since your score is only one factor in the placement process, and many other factors are considered.
I took a placement test, but I don’t see a language class on my schedule. Why?
Language level authorization (after taking a placement test) can take up to 5 working days to process.
Can I change to another class of the same language level, at a different time or with a different professor?
No, changes based on preference are not accepted. Changes in language groups are only made due to IE class schedule conflicts with courses from your academic program. If this is the case, contact the Language Center.
Can I add a language class in the second semester?
No, it is only possible to start a language class in the first semester (Fall).
I am an International Relations student. Can I change my mandatory language?
You can change it only if you are entering your 2nd year or if you have reached the highest level of your mandatory language. Contact your program office (bir.biemadrid@ie.edu or bir.biesegovia@ie.edu) for approval.
Are there any opportunities to practice the language I am studying outside of class?
Yes! Students can join weekly extracurricular activities such as cultural events on campus, conversation sessions, and guided visits to Madrid and Segovia. You can sign up for these activities through IEConnects.
Do I have to pay for my language courses?
Only Beginner and Intermediate Spanish courses are free of charge for first- and second-year students. BIR students have one language included in their tuition, while Dual BIR students have two languages included.