Language fluency test as part of Assessment Centre - HELP!!!

howayahorse

Hi all
I recently applied for a Master's program and have been successful in getting through to the assessment centre stage of the application process which is happening in 2 weeks.
They have just contacted me saying they want to assess my ability in other languages that I indicated on the application form. Does anybody have experience of this?  They want to arrange the oral assessment by phone and there will be a written language assessment at the centre,
I'm really nervous about it and feel I over-estimated my language abilities on the application - I normally never do this but I was recently told the Irish in general and women in particular tend to undervalue themselves when it comes to interviews and applications so I was trying to take a more positive approach. I'm kicking myself now but I guess I just have to suck it up and do my best. The program is not dependent on having a 2nd language but some of the work placements are abroad.
I said I had average French and fair German but I have not really used these since Leaving Cert (15 years ago) and I'm very rusty. My understanding of both these languages is reasonably good (or so I'm told by native speakers) but I wouldn't be very confident in my ability to hold a conversation or construct many sentences beyond the topics taught at secondary level.
Any advice or tips appreciated!

I love Sean nos

Anyone you know who speaks French and/or German that you could practice with?

tinpib

I think Michel Thomas Method of audio files is an amazing way to learn a language. That will refresh your memory quickly.

Take a look for language exchanges in your area, plenty in Dublin anyway, the main one being in Ilac Centre library. You could practice your French while they practice their English.

Thing is you said average French and fair German, you have given yourself lots of leeway there. It would be far worse if you had said advanced.

howayahorse

Advice really appreciated on this pickle I've created for myself!

I recently applied for a Master's program and have been successful in getting through to the assessment centre stage of the application process which is happening soon.

They have just contacted me saying they want to assess my ability in other languages that I indicated on the application form. Does anybody have experience of this? They want to arrange the oral assessment by phone and there will be a written language assessment at the centre,

I'm really nervous about it and feel I over-estimated my language abilities on the application - I normally never do this but I was recently told the Irish in general and women in particular tend to undervalue themselves when it comes to interviews and applications so I was trying to take a more positive approach. I'm kicking myself now but I guess I just have to suck it up and do my best. The program is not dependent on having a 2nd language but some of the work placements are abroad.

I said I had average French and fair German but I have not really used these since Leaving Cert (15 years ago) and I'm very rusty. I only really use them in restaurants or for directuons when on holiday. My understanding of both these languages is reasonably good (or so I'm told by native speakers) but I wouldn't be very confident in my ability to hold a conversation or construct many sentences.

Any advice or tips appreciated!

LirW

I'm a german native speaker and had to do such a test before (in german) for a company in Ireland, was mandatory for the position.
You first get a call from a native speaker and they want you to tell about yourself, they are basically just chit-chatting to see if you can hold a conversation.
Then I had to do the assessment, which usually simulates customer service scenarios or similar to assess how well your skills in writing are. It's all very close to the real use of language. As a native it's like a simple school exam.

howayahorse

Thanks you make a good point! I suppose one man's average is another man's poor....

howayahorse

Thanks LirW, your experience gives me some ideas on what to brush up on :)
Also, apologies to mods, I have accidentally posted twice after receiving an error on the first attempt.