Frequently Asked Questions


Visa

What kind of visa do I need to attend the Summer School at Telecom Bretagne?

The duration of the Summer School being quite short, a tourist visa is generally enough. Visas are not required for European Union citizens.

If you wish to visit Paris or other places in France, please make sure you apply for a longer period. Please contact the French Embassy in your home country for more information.

English language skills


E1. I can speak English fluently but I do not hold any qualification such as TOEFL or IELTS. Can I apply for the programme?

Yes, you can apply for the Summer School programme indicating your estimated level in English (see European levels below).

E2. Is there any equivalence between English qualifications and the European levels?

Levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages are:

  • C2 (Upper advanced): You can express yourself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely. At this level you are almost bilingual.
  • C1 (Advanced): You can use language flexibly for social, academic and professional purposes. You can understand some nuanced information.
  • B2 (Upper intermediate): You can produce clear text on a wide range of subjects. Although you do not master detailed shades of meaning.
  • B1 (Intermediate): You can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar. Communication is limited in unexpected situations.
  • A2 (Upper elementary): You can communicate in simple and routine tasks. Communication is limited.
  • A1 (Elementary): You can understand and use familiar everyday expressions. Communication is very limited.
An approximate comparison is given below for different English qualifications:

Level TOEFL-IBT
(/120)		 TOEFL-PBT
(/677)
 IELTS
(/9)
 TOEIC
(/990)		 Cambridge
C2 110 637
 8 900 CPE
C1 85 565
 6.5 750 CAE
B2 70 525
 5.5 650 FCE
B1 55 480
 4.5 500 PET
A2 45 450
 3.5 400 KET
A1 25 377
 2 300  

IBT: Internet-based test, PBT: paper-based test

Note that B2 is the minimum level required for the Summer School.
E3. How can I do a self-assessment based on the European Reference?

Assessment can be done easily using the self-assessment grid

French language skills


F1. Is it possible to attend the Summer School programme without any previous knowledge of French?

Yes, it is definitely possible to attend the programme since French language classes are provided for beginners.

F2. Is it recommended to learn some French before starting the programme?

Having some basic knowledge of French before arrival can be helpful but it is not compulsory.

F3. If I have time to study some French before I come, what level should I aim at?

Reaching A1 would be great as a first step. Alliances Françaises and private language schools provide French classes and prepare to different qualifications.

TCF stands for "Test de connaissance du français" (Test of French knowledge), TEF means "Test d'évaluation de français" (Test for assessment of French) whereas DELF is "Diplôme d'étude en langue française" (certificate in French language) and DALF is "Diplôme approfondi de langue française" (advanced certificate in French language).
DELF/DALF qualifications are directly given following the European scale. TCF and TEF are also based on this scale which is related to score ranges.

Level TCF score TEF score DELF/DALF Approximate number of hours of learning
C2 600-699  834-900 DALF C2 900
C1 500-599  699-833 DALF C1 700
B2 400-499  541-698 DELF B2 500
B1 300-399  361-540 DELF B1 350
A2 200-299  204-360 DELF A2 200
A1 100-199  69-203 DELF A1 100

  • Télécom Bretagne Alumni
  • UEB
  • Fondation Télécom
  • Institut Mines-Telecom
Technopôle Brest-Iroise - CS 83818 - 29238 Brest Cedex 3 - France - Tel : 33 (0)2 29 00 11 11 - Fax : 33 (0)2 29 00 10 00