Ali Sengul, PhD - Director-School of Foreign Languages 
________________________________________

English is quite widely spoken in Poland, particularly among the younger generations, and a business-level proficiency is increasingly advantageous in education and the workplace.  

Since 2020, the migration to online English exams has expanded applications to our university from across the globe and candidate numbers have continued to rise. 

A change to the law in 2018 meant that an institution could organise its own exams.  For universities like Vistula, that have adopted LanguageCert as their chosen English exam provider, this has afforded more flexibility and autonomy.  

The impact of the pandemic

LanguageCert exams are used as part of the application process to pre-validate students across numerous countries. Students are advised to take the exam only when a trustworthy score shows they are ready. And obtaining a LanguageCert certificate serves Vistula students well beyond the initial course they undertake, such as supporting internship applications which most students secure during their second year.

We adopted LanguageCert just before the pandemic started. We pride ourselves on being a pioneering university and were interested in distance learning. The university used online tools previously, but they weren’t advanced, and this required a lot of preparation, especially when receiving up to 1500 applications each time.

Since the start of the pandemic, we have been able to extend our reach and have welcomed applications from more than 100 countries. For the past two years most candidates have taken LanguageCert exams at home. 

The growth of LanguageCert exams online

The absence of contact with candidates during Covid-19 meant we needed to implement a different method that was effective and would meet the needs of our students. 

LanguageCert has ensured the process is smooth and simple for candidates who are able to purchase an online voucher code to take an exam. 

Online exams have several advantages. Firstly, we have broadened the number of applicants who are able to take the exam in their home country before travelling to Poland. Students don’t have to commute to exams and consequently feel more relaxed. Some students can feel anxious and demotivated in the presence of their peers while at home they are more comfortable and feel safe.

Secondly, the wait for results is swift, usually within two to three days. They can also register with less notice. Following the exam, if they have not obtained the results they want, they can consider a different level and rebook quickly. 

Working with LanguageCert has been a seamless process and students are given the support they need. And we are now working virtually 100% paper-free. 

The practical nature of the English exam

The LanguageCert exam favours the practical over the academic. This ensures students are equipped with practical language skills that will aid them in daily, real-life situations. When preparing for the exam, students are able to focus solely on their language capability rather than trying to learn how to decipher content that bears no relevance to reality.