Language Center
TBS Students, recent graduates and alumni emphasize the importance of learning a second or third language. Not only does learning a new language assist you in developing soft skills in communication and connecting with others, but it also allows you to understand your own culture better as you draw comparisons between customs, cultural references and simply the way colloquialism develops. Scientists also posit that increased brain development is associated with learning another language. This is thanks to improved listening skills, memory, problem solving, creativity and other enhanced analytical skills.
It all starts with a conversation
The knowledge that comes with learning a foreign language prepares students for an international experience. This international exposure in turn, plays a critical role in your ability to communicate across cultures, the amount of time you invest in personal-development and your capacity to strengthen your self-confidence. These skills also assist with in finding employment or re-entering the job market to find a better position. In fact, more and more job postings in Europe and abroad are requiring bilingual and trilingual langue skills. This demand will increase in the future. New technologies are changing the way we work and deepening globalization. Students will have to work in close “virtual” proximity with people and businesses from around the globe. Communicating efficiently, adapting your attitude to the cultural situation, making a good and warm impression, and demonstrating yourself as an enlightened individual both culturally and linguistically will prepare you for the international business world.
French as a Foreign Language
All international students studying at TBS are encouraged to take French as a Foreign Language or FLE (français langue étrangère) courses. Each semester the Language Center offers 30 hours of FLE courses. These courses will help students learn French language and culture. FLE covers levels from A1 (complete beginner) to B2 (intermediate). Exchange students wishing to take FLE must pre-enroll. Pre-enrollment takes place during the application process, where students are asked to select their academic courses.
International students following a degree program at TBS will be invited to sit an online French language test. All students must take the online test even if they do not speak French in order for them to be divided into groups. Students who abstain from taking the online French test will not be enrolled.
TBS highly recommends that students follow French language courses. This will enhance the overall experience in France, help students mix with the local student community and facilitate the search for students wishing to find an internship in France.
Language Requirements for a Semester or International Double Degree
During their time at TBS, both undergraduate and graduate students (on a 2-year program) have the opportunity to study abroad. Students can study one semester abroad or apply for a double degree. In each scenario linguistic skills paly a very important role in the application and selection process. In general, students should have a minimum of B2 in English despite their destination. All Bachelor students take the IELTS exam in preparation for going on their semester abroad.
TBS Language Requirements
Bachelor in Management
Students in the Bachelor program can learn 2 languages from the first year. Students have the choice to study English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Arabic English and, in Toulouse only, Italian. To be awarded with the Bachelor in Management degree students will need to have a B2 level of English.
The IELTS test is organized by the Language Center. The cost is included in the student’s tuition fees. Students who fail the language exam will be expected to retake the exam by booking a date with an external provider.
Master in Management
Graduate students are expected to have a 850 TOEIC score prior to graduation. Master in Management students are expected to have a B2 English level in order to qualify for a semester abroad. They are strongly encouraged to take the TOEFL exam. Language tests are administered by the Language Center free of charge in order for students to justify their level in other languages according to the CEFR.
