UNESCAP Language Training Programme Guidelines 1. Overview The present guidelines provide information on eligibility, the structure, and processes of the UNESCAP Language Training Programme (LTP) available in Bangkok. 2. Purpose The purpose of the United Nations Language Training Programme is to: promote linguistic balance within the United Nations Secretariat prepare students for success in the UN Language Proficiency Examination improve the language skills of staff facilitate staff mobility promote diversity and cross-cultural understanding 3. Eligibility The UNESCAP Language Training Programme is available to: UNESCAP staff members UN Secretariat staff members Staff members of other United Nations agencies, programmes and funds based in Bangkok UN retirees Interns/Consultants/Individual Contractors Staff members spouses/dependents Note: In cases of oversubscription of courses, first preference will be given to UN Secretariat staff members. Staff members must ave a valid contract/agreement with the Organization for the entire duration of the language term for which they (or their spouses/dependents) wish to register. 4. Programme structure The LTP consists of courses in the six official languages of the United Nations Secretariat, i.e. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish. Courses are offered based on available resources and level of interest. Note: Courses in Thai language are offered (on a self-financed basis) outside working hours, and are not within the scope of the present guidelines In each language, any level may be offered subject to sufficient number of students. The highest level of each language is the LPE preparatory class, after the successful completion of which staff members are encouraged to take the UN Language Proficiency Examination (LPE). Upon successful passing of the LPE, staff may be entitled to financial incentives (language allowance for GS staff). In addition, special courses may be offered in one or more languages in any given term, upon request and when possible within the available resources. In order for a language class to be scheduled and delivered in an effective manner, a minimum of seven registrants is required (ten registrants for the Thai language). Last Update: 20 November 2017 Page 1
Three terms, consisting of thirteen weeks each, are normally offered each year. Each term generally consists of two 90-minute classes (three hours total per week), and usually covers the syllabus of one level. In case a class falls on UN/ESCAP official holiday a make-up class will be arranged and communicated directly by the UNESCAP Learning Centre. 5. Registration process Prior to the beginning of each term, announcements are sent out informing staff of the new term; staff members in UN entities (other than ESCAP) will be informed through their Learning Focal Points. All registrants, whether new or continuing, need to register during the registration period through Lotus Notes (for UNESCAP staff), or their respective Learning Focal Points (for other UN organizations), or via e-mail (training-unescap@un.org) for all others. New students with prior knowledge of a language or students who have been absent from the LTP for more than one year will be invited to take a placement test (unless they wish to begin at Level1), in order to determine their appropriate level. Students who improve their language ability through additional self-study or learning activities outside the UNESCAP LTP may exceptionally skip levels after consultation with the respective language teacher and the Learning Center. The decision will be based on the teacher s recommendation and/or results of a test. Approximately two weeks before the beginning of the term, the confirmed schedules and student lists will be emailed to the registered students and posted at the Learning Centre. Students are encouraged to focus on one language at a time. However, providing supervisor approval, students can register for up to two courses per term in up to two UN official languages. 6. Cost and payment The language programme (other than the Thai class) is free of charge for UNESCAP staff members and Interns whose internship period covers the entire duration of the semester. Other participants are required to pay a tuition fee, which must be paid within the first TWO WEEKS of the course start date. No payment should be made prior to receiving email from ESCAP Training on the tuition fee in Thai Baht amount. Method of payment for UN Official Languages: - For organization-sponsored students: an invoice will be sent to each agency for the participation fee. - For self-sponsored students: full payment should be made to UNESCAP s bank account as details below and the payment slip sent to UNESCAP Learning Centre via hand delivery or by e-mail to training-unescap@un.org. Bank: Siam Commercial Bank UN Branch A/C name: UNITED NATIONS (THSC1) A/C number: 004-3-04600-7 Amount: Thai Baht equivalent to USD 160 (exchange rate will be applied at the time of payment and the exact amount will be communicated to the students by email) Last Update: 20 November 2017 Page 2
CAUTION: Students who transfer money from other currencies to Thai Baht is responsible for all the bank charges incurred. Please include the clause "PAY IN FULL" in your requests to the banks when making payment. Students who fail to make their payment in full within the indicated deadline will not be allowed to participate in the current and future term(s) until the outstanding payment is reconciled. Thai Language payment: Each student is required to make cash payment of 5,500 Baht at the Learning Center TWO WEEKS prior to the course start date. Receipt will be issued by the language school within the first 2 weeks and the fee is non-refundable. Credit cards and checks are not accepted. 7. Attendance and absenteesim Students are expected to attend all classes and complete all assignments. If students are not able to attend a class, as a matter of courtesy they are expected to inform UNESCAP Learning Centre and their teacher in advance in order to facilitate the class structuring (see contact details below). The course may be cancelled if there is a significant drop-out rate. Students may withdraw from their class within the first TWO WEEKS of the term without being subject to the tuition fee or absenteeism fee. All non-paying students (UNESCAP staff members) will be subject to the absenteeism fee of 1,400 Baht in case of failing to attend at least 70 percent of their classes, which will be deducted through payroll. In case the absenteeism fee cannot be recovered through payroll for any reason, further participation in the language programme will not be allowed until the case is reconciled. The absenteeism fee may be charged once per participant in each term, even if absence is noted in more than one course. CAUTION: For organization-sponsored and self-sponsored students, there will be no refunds if they cancel their registration after the SECOND WEEK of commencement of the classes. Students on annual leave will be recorded as absent, incurring absenteeism fee if more than 30% of classes are missed. In exceptional cases, such as unforeseen exigencies of work, medical issues or other personal matters may prevent the student from attending the classes for an extended period or definitively, UNESCAP HRMS may waive the absenteeism fee on a case-by-case basis. This, however, has to be well justified and documented in a transparent manner via any of the following: (a) A sick leave certificate; (b) A copy of a mission assignment of which they were not aware at the time of registration (certification from the supervisor may be required); (c) An official letter or email from a supervisor (clearly indicating the supervisor s title and contact information; notes verbales are not accepted) explaining that the student had a change in work assignment that interfered with his or her ability to attend class. Last Update: 20 November 2017 Page 3
8. Examinations At the end of each term, an examination is conducted. Students who do not take the exam or do not pass will have to repeat the class at the same level. In cases of travel on official business, certified leave, or other valid reasons, an alternative exam date may be scheduled. A student who attends less than 70 per cent of the class in line with the above outlined justifiable reasons but passes the end-of-term exam through means of self-study may enroll in the next level in the consequent term with the approval of the teacher. The class(es) that cannot be delivered due to closure of ESCAP premises, remote make-up class(es) will be arranged, and this will be communicated by the Learning Centre. Learners are recommended to complete the assignments given by the teacher in order to maintain their attendance. 9. Course Materials and Other Resources Students will be informed at the beginning of the term of the materials that are used during the course. Participants are expected to purchase all necessary materials. Students are encouraged to use and/or borrow additional language learning materials, including CDs and DVDs, from the UNESCAP Library. In addition, there are two computer workstations at the UNESCAP Learning Center that can be used for self-study purposes. 10. Evaluations At the end of each term, students will be asked for anonymous feedback of the LTP, including the content, method of instruction, facilities and administrative services of the language programme. All feedback is treated as confidential and serves the purpose of continuous improvement of the programme. Course participants who drop out from language classes before the end of the term will also be asked to provide feedback regarding the reasons for their withdrawal and general experience. 11. Language Proficiency Examination (LPE) The United Nations Language Proficiency Examination (LPE) is the official UN standard test to assess proficiency of the highest level of a UN official language. All participants who have completed the highest level of a language course are highly encouraged to take the LPE. The LPE takes place once a year at various duty stations including Bangkok. It is centrally coordinated by the Office for Human Resources Management (OHRM) of the UN Secretariat, Examination and Tests Section (ETS) at UNHQ. The examination dates and information on registration are posted in advance of the examination dates. More information on the LPE, including previous years examinations, can be found at https://hr.un.org/page/language-proficiency-examination-lpe. 12. Additional Information For more information on the ESCAP Language Training Programme and updated class schedules, please visit: http://www.unescap.org/asd/hrms/odlu/staff_dev_prog/catalog.html For general enquiries and information, please contact: In person, at ESCAP Learning Centre, UNCC Building 3rd Floor, from Monday to Friday 9.00-16.00 hrs By e-mail, training-unescap@un.org, rangsitsopon@un.org Last Update: 20 November 2017 Page 4
For any other queries, please contact the UNESCAP Learning Manager, Ms. Yuko Kitada, kitada@un.org. Last Update: 20 November 2017 Page 5