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Slovakia provides for ten years of mandatory education. Students enter primary education in their 6th year, second primary education will take them from 10-15 years of age and “high” schools are for those 16 and older until they reach university age. Most Universities in Slovakia are government owned and operated although since 1990 there are more private and religious options. These “Private Spice” forms of higher education remain rare in the country. These are privately financed schools of higher education that are privately operated but approved by the Ministry of Education. Studying in Slovakia offers cultural opportunities that may not be seen in other countries. Still emerging after decades of communist rule, higher education in Slovakia is a study in a society, economics, and an educational system that continues to emerge. Stage 1 “Bachelor” Programmes last 3 to 4 years. A Stage 2 “Masters” programme will last an additional 1 to 3 years. Doctorland programmes can take an additional 3 to 4 years. Slovakia provides for higher education for its students at no charge. Costs for higher education in Slovakia for foreign students can range from 2,000 to 8,000 USD per school year. This is for tuition only. Living expenses would be on top of the estimate. If students apply at a school of higher education, and there happen to be more applicants than speaces available at that particular school, students will need to take and pass, an entrance examination. These examinations can take very different forms at each particular school, depending on the demand for entrance. The level of education in Slovakia is considered quite high when compared to other countries in the world. Many materials however, are a bit outdated and there is not the free independent thinking that is seen on other university campuses across the globe. Because it is still emerging as an economic power, Slovakia offers opportunities not available elsewhere. It is a forward thinking, progressive country that has a very bright future. Students will have to keep in mind that health insurance is mandatory in Slovakia. If you are interested in furthering your education in a country that has emerged from under communist rule and is growing as a democratic republic, you should consider your options in Slovakia.
The Slovak Republic (Slovakia) has been established on 1 January 1993 as one of the successors to the Czech and Slovak Federative Republic. It is a parliamentary democracy, and its Constitution guarantees equal rights for all citizens regardless of sex, race, color, language, faith, religion, political affiliation or conviction, national or social origin, nationality or ethnic origin, property, birth or any other status.
The Slovak Republic is situated in Central Europe, sharing borders with Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine and Hungary. Mountains, lowlands, valleys, lakes, cave formations, forests and meadows provide many examples of Slovakia’s year-round natural beauty. The Carpathian Arc, a range of mountains stretching across the north, takes up almost a half of the country. The south and east of the country lie in the lowlands, an important agricultural area in Slovakia.
Official name: Slovak Republic
Area: 49,035 km² Population: 5.4 million
Capital: Bratislava (431,061 inhabitants)
Official language: Slovak
Currency: euro (since 1 January 2009)
Membership in international organizations: EU (2004), NATO (2004), UN, OECD, OSCE, WHO, INTERPOL etc.
WHO REQUIRES A VISA?
Slovakia is one of the countries belonging to the Schengen area. Transiting from one country to another within the Schengen area is done without border controls. For the purposes of the Schengen (tourist) visa and Schengen border controls, the current Schengen area is composed of the following countries – Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. The Azores and Madeira, as part of Portugal, and the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands, as part of Spain, are included in the Schengen area. Ceuta and Melilla – Spain’s autonomous cities in northern Africa – are a special case: they are part of the Schengen area, but border control is still in force there. France’s overseas possessions, on the other hand, are considered to be outside of the area. All countries and territories that are members of the Schengen acquits, of the EU or of EFTA. Positive visa list of countries from whose citizens no visa is required to enter the territory of the EU member states for a period of maximum 90 days.
WHAT DOCUMENTS WILL BE REQUIRED?
Based on founding and funding there are 3 types of Higher education institutions (HEI):
Higher education institutions provide the study programmes at three levels:
Academic Year
Academic year starts on 1 September of the current year and ends on 31 August of the following year. It is composed of 2 semesters (winter semester lasts from September to January and summer semester lasts from February to June). The organisation of academic year is set by the statute of the faculty or statute of the higher education institution.
Teaching Process and ECTS
The teaching process includes various forms of instruction such as lectures, seminars, exercises, laboratory work, projects, practical training, consultations, etc. The credit system following the rules of the European Credit and Accumulation Transfer System (ECTS) was introduced in 2002 for all levels and forms of higher education study. The student‘s standard load is expressed by the number of credits: 60 credits per academic year, 30 credits per semester and 20 credits for trimester. The institution of higher education determines the total number of credits required for the due completion of the study in its respective stages.
Higher education institutions award following academic degrees:
1st level (comprising app. 180 credits)
2nd level (comprising app. 120 credits)
3rd level
HOW TO APPLY
The application process for studies at universities and polytechnics in Slovakia varies depending on whether you intend to enroll in a program as an undergraduate (first cycle) student or graduate (second and third cycle) student, and the responsible body of the institution.
How to apply for undergraduate (first cycle) degrees at public institutions in Slovakia:
In order for you to apply for first cycle programs at public institutions in Slovakia, you will have to follow 2 main steps as explained below:
How to apply for graduate (second and third cycle) degrees at public institutions and for any type of degree at private institutions in Slovakia:
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Undergraduate studies (First Cycle)
Most higher education institutions offer housing in dormitories. The standard of these may differ. Usually rooms housing 2 – 3 students are standard, but rooms for a single student are also available. The rooms are furnished with beds, tables, and wardrobes. Bathrooms are generally shared between two rooms, or between all the rooms on each floor. Each dormitory has its own dining hall or buffet, where meals are available for lower prices and generally provided throughout the academic year. Lunch or dinner generally costs around 1.60 €. Some halls have their own gymnasiums, swimming pools, fitness centres, etc. The price of accommodation in a dormitory varies from 67 € per month. Majority of rooms has an internet access. There are lots of launderettes in dormitories in Slovakia (www.cent.sk (only in Slovak), www.pramako.sk/bezobsluzne.html (only in Slovak), www.flipperwash.sk).Students who wish to study in the Slovak Republic outside the framework of bilateral agreements or exchange programmes cannot be guaranteed a place in a dormitory of residence, due to the limited capacity of individual dorms. If the student is interested in living in a dormitory, he/she should contact the university at least 3 months before commencing his/her studies or before the start of the given academic year. Many universities provide information about their dormitories on their websites.
1st CYCLE
First-cycle studies leading to the professional title of a “Bachelors”. Bachelor’s degree programmes, at least 6 semesters, leading to the professional title of “Bachelor” or at least 7 semesters. This is the Spanish equivalent of the Bachelor’s degree. These are focused on preparing students for future employment, or for continued education within Master’s degree programmes. To obtain this degree, students must earn at least 180 ECTS credits. The duration of this course is 3 to 4 Years.
2nd CYCLE
Second-cycle studies – Called as “Master’s degree programme” (1.5 to 2 years) following the first cycle studies and leading to the professional title of Master. These are focused on theoretical knowledge as well as application and development of creative skills. Master’s degree holders may enter a doctoral programme (third-cycle studies). To obtain this degree, students must earn 90-120(Transfer and Acumulation System) ECTS credits. The duration of the course is 1.5 to 2 years.
LONG CYCLE STUDIES
It is also known as the Single long-cycle studies. These study program basically based on an integrated study program, which contains both basic studies and in-depth specialization. The Master’s degree programmes which consist 10 to 12 semesters leading to the professional title of “magister” or an equivalent degree. Its depends on the study course profile. To obtain this degree, students must earn at least 300 ECTS credits (10-semesters studies) or at least 360 ECTS credits (12-semesters studies).
3rd CYCLE STUDIES
3rd Cycle Studies are also called as “Doctoral degree programmes”. The total duration of these Programmes is 6 to 8 semesters. These Programmes are accessible to graduates of the Master’s degree and leading to the PhD degree. These Programmes are offered by the university-type schools as well as some research institutions which belong to the departments of the Spanish Academy of Sciences, along with research and development institutions. The PhD degree is awarded to candidates who submit and successfully defend a doctoral dissertation before the thesis committee, and who pass the doctoral examination.
Health care system is one of the least developed areas of life in Slovakia. The healing by itself is on a high level, comparable with other EU countries, but the whole system is underfinanced. Health care services provided by public hospitals/ambulances do almost never include any additional care than is strictly needed. Private and non-public health care institutions tend to be more hospitable places. Everyone living & working in Slovakia is obliged to have health insurance. There are several private health insurance companies and one public. Initial examinations are carried out by general practitioners for all adults and children. Everyone is free to choose their own doctor, who will provide primary health care and who can also provide a referral for examination or treatment by a specialist.
HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
The healthcare system in Slovakia falls under the competence of the Ministry of Health. In Slovakia there are state and private health care providers. An initial medical examination is provided by state or private general practitioners. Everybody can choose a general practitioner who usually provides basic health care and can refer a patient to an appropriate specialist for further medical examination. There are two types of health insurance: public health insurance (statutory or voluntary) and individual health insurance. Public health insurance covers the following benefits in full or to a partial extent, depending on specific conditions: diagnostics, treatment and preventative care, outpatient and inpatient care including rehabilitation, compulsory vaccination, provision of drugs, medical aid and dietetic food, spa treatment can be provided upon the recommendation of a doctor, where such care is an inevitable component of the treatment procedure.
HEALTH INSURANCE AND COVERAGE
EU/EEA and Swiss nationals are entitled to health care under the erasmus_vyrad_8febr.indd 61 asmus vyrad 8febr indd 61 2/8/11 10:38:01 PM 2/8/11 10:38:01 PMsame conditions as the nationals of the Slovak Republic. Under the Slovak Constitution every individual – a citizen or a foreigner – staying in Slovakia has a right to be provided with the necessary health care. Everyone also has a right to choose their own health care provider.
EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD
For entitlement to medical treatment on the basis of health insurance in another Member State (EU, EEA, Switzerland), an EU/EEA national must present a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to the health care provider. (EHIC shall be issued at your request by a health insurance company to which you pay health insurance premiums.) In such a case, the treatment of an EU/EEA national will be covered by a Slovak health insurance company in the same amount as to a Slovak national, provided the relevant physician has concluded a contract with at least one health insurance company.
Slovakia can be easily traveled criss-cross by car in one day.The largest span from east to west is 428.8 km and the shortest 77.6 km. Total area of Slovakia is 49 036 km2.In this relatively small area there are many cultural and historical sites referring to the events that took place in Slovakia during several millennia. Skull cast GanovceSlovak territory was inhabited in prehistoric times. From this period several archaeological artifacts are preserved and placed in the national history museums in many cities of Slovakia. Havranok Celtic settlements to the most valuable preserved artifacts belongs a prehistoric Neanderthal skull cast from the prehistoric site of Ganovce.Prehistoric settlements were excavated in Smolenice, caka, Ockov,Nitriansky Hradok;one of Celtic settlements Havranok was discovered near Liptovska Mara and many others… The territory of Slovakia was the border area of the Roman Empire,limes Romanus of the Roman Empire. Romans led several wars of conquest on the territory of todays Slovakia.
HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
The healthcare system in Slovakia falls under the competence of the Ministry of Health. In Slovakia there are state and private health care providers. An initial medical examination is provided by state or private general practitioners. Everybody can choose a general practitioner who usually provides basic health care and can refer a patient to an appropriate specialist for further medical examination. There are two types of health insurance: public health insurance (statutory or voluntary) and individual health insurance. Public health insurance covers the following benefits in full or to a partial extent, depending on specific conditions: diagnostics, treatment and preventative care, outpatient and inpatient care including rehabilitation, compulsory vaccination, provision of drugs, medical aid and dietetic food, spa treatment can be provided upon the recommendation of a doctor, where such care is an inevitable component of the treatment procedure.
HEALTH INSURANCE AND COVERAGE
EU/EEA and Swiss nationals are entitled to health care under the erasmus_vyrad_8febr.indd 61 asmus vyrad 8febr indd 61 2/8/11 10:38:01 PM 2/8/11 10:38:01 PMsame conditions as the nationals of the Slovak Republic. Under the Slovak Constitution every individual – a citizen or a foreigner – staying in Slovakia has a right to be provided with the necessary health care. Everyone also has a right to choose their own health care provider.
EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD
For entitlement to medical treatment on the basis of health insurance in another Member State (EU, EEA, Switzerland), an EU/EEA national must present a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to the health care provider. (EHIC shall be issued at your request by a health insurance company to which you pay health insurance premiums.) In such a case, the treatment of an EU/EEA national will be covered by a Slovak health insurance company in the same amount as to a Slovak national, provided the relevant physician has concluded a contract with at least one health insurance company.
BANSKA BYSTRICA
Copper town situated in a valley on the river Hron and surrounded by four mountain ranges,Banska Bystrica (85,000 inhabitants) is natural and administrative centre of central Slovakia.Its geographical location makes it one of the most beautiful towns in Slovakia.The riches of the surrounding mountains provided the food for the first settlers of todays Banska Bystrica, who made their living not only by hunting and fishing but also from silver mining. In 1255,the Hungarian King Bela IV granted the town substantial priviliges and attracted German settlers who further developed the mining of precious metals,especially copper,in tandem with its original inhabitants.
BANSKA STIAVNICA
Silver town(inscripted in UNESCO) formerly one of the most important mining towns in Europe, Banska Stiavnica (10,800 inhabitants),stretches over the steep slopes of the hills Glanzenberg, Paradiesberg, Frauenberg, in the Stiavnica Hills, in the southern part of central Slovakia. It lies directly over what were once rich deposits of silver and gold. Wealthy miners built their big style city houses in the surrounding area, houses with through courtyards suitable to an agricultural lifestyle. The former wealth of the once free royal city, with only 10 000 inhabitants, far from mai traffic routes and more or less without any industry, can only be guessed at today. In its heyday Banska Stiavnica had four times more inhabitants and mined up t fifteen thousand kilogramns of silver a year. The most progressive methods were applied in the mines, such a the operation of mining equipment using water energy. Explosives and mechanisation of the underground transportation were used for the first time. Brilliant mine technicians proved their skills here, specially remarkable is the work of Matej Kornel Hell and Samuel Mikovini, who managed to push through revolutionary reforms at the time of the first serious crisis.
ARCHITECTURE
The art of Slovakia springs from a wide range of traditions,and has regularly incorporated folk and European tendencies in its treatment of chosen themes and motifs.It often exhibits the characteristic poignancy of the changing times while encapsulating a unique take on reality. By way of introduction to Slovak art,we turn to the works of Abin Brunovsky,for containing,in many aspects,some of the features which could conceivably be categorized as Slovak art.Albin Brunovsky (1935-1997) introduced some of the finer examples of Slovak art in the last century.
The work permit is granted for a maximum period of 2 years. For seasonal work it is maximum of 6 months–there has to be a break between two jobs of at least 6 months. The work permit is not transferable. This means that it can only be granted for a job with a particular employer and that is also binding as regards the type of work and place of work.If you want to change employers, you must submit a new application. The work permit is granted by the Office of Labour, Social Affairs and Family, with a local competence in the future place of work. The statutory deadline for consideration of application for employment is 30 days. An application for work permit must be submitted to the competent Labour Office. Application form for a work permit can be downloaded here (PDF).An application for work permit is always accompanied with an evidence of level of education. Labour Office does not require a medical certificate. But if it is a profession where such evidence is required by law, ask for it from the future employer. If a foreigner does not enter into employment, or if his employment ends before the expiry of the period specified in the permit, the employer is obliged to report that fact within 7 working days to the competent authority. Work Permit may be extended – even repeatedly – but always for a maximum period of 2 years. Request for extension of employment permit shall be filed no later than 30 days before the expiry. A request for an extension of work permit is employers statement that it will continue to employ the foreigner. Condition for renewal of authorization to work is that the employee will work with the same employer. If a foreigner wishes to engage with another employer, he/she must submit a new application for a work permit.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN SLOVAKIA
The public transport system in Slovakia is performed by system of buses, trains, trolleybuses, tramways or taxis. There is no underground, tramways operate in Bratislava and Kosice. Trolleybuses operate in Bratislava, Presov, Kosice and Banska Bystrica.City and outskirt train lines and bus lines provide the connection among all cities and villages.Regular rail and bus lines facilitate the transport of passengers beyond the Slovakian borders to Vienna, London, Budapest, Prague, etc. Taxi service is available in every town.
BUS TRANSPORTATION IN SLOVAKIA
The public transportation in Slovakia known as MHD performs the city transport services by system of buses, tramways or trolleybuses. This kind of buses is usually red-colored in Slovakia. Bus tickets can be purchased at any newsagent or ticket dispenser located on the bus stop. To purchase the ticket in the ticket dispenser, are necessary 1, 2, 5, 10Sk coins. To avoid a fine, the passenger using a single ticket in public city transport supplied with punches shall punch it immediately after entry into the vehicle. In some cities, the ticket can be purchased only from the bus driver. Ticket fares depend on the city. If you are planning to travel to multiple destinations and want to take advantage of the city public transport system, you should opt for a Travel card.
Living in Slovakia is very safe;Slovakia is a peaceful country, not any more dangerous than any other EU country. According to the Global Peace Index, it was the 24th safest country of the world in 2009 (20th in 2008 and 17th in 2007). Slovak people are usually very kind and helpful. However, that does not mean that people should not watch their things. Mostly on large public places a wallet or a purse can be stolen. People should be very cautious when dealing with money on such places.
Because of the deep economic changes this country had to go through,Slovakia belongs to the less developed countries in European Union.However,the standard of living is growing very fast and in some areas of social life it is already on average or above the average of EU countries.In general, the cost of living (utility costs, prices, etc.)in Slovakia is lower than in west European countries like UK,France or Germany.Living costs vary from region to region and are also dependent on fluctuations in the prices of food,energy and other everyday necessities.
WHAT IS MEANT BY UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE
An Undergraduate degree is a colloquial term for an academic degree taken by a person who has completed undergraduate courses. It is usually offered at an institution of higher education, such as a university. The most common type of this degree is the bachelor degree, which typically takes at least three or four years to complete. A bachelors degree is usually earned for an undergraduate course of study that nominally requires three to five years of study. In some cases,it may also be the name of a second graduate degree, such as a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), Bachelor of Civil Law, the Bachelor of Music, the Bachelor of Philosophy, or the Bachelor of Sacred Theology, degree which in some countries are only offered after a first graduate/bachelor degree.
UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
Undergraduate Education is the post-secondary education previous to the postgraduate education. It includes all the academic programs up to the level of a bachelors degree. For example, in the United States an entry level university student is known as an undergraduate, while students of higher degrees are known as graduates. In some other educational systems and subjects, undergraduate education is post-secondary education up to the level of a masters degree; this is the case for some science courses in Britain and some medicine courses in Europe.
UNDERGRADUATE OR 1ST CYCLE STUDIES
First-cycle studies leading to the professional title of a Bachelors. Bachelors degree programmes, at least 6 semesters, leading to the professional title of Bachelor or at least 7 semesters. This is the Polish equivalent of the Bachelors degree. These are focused on preparing students for future employment, or for continued education within Master degree programmes. To obtain this degree,students must earn at least 180 ECTS credits.The duration of this course is 3 to 4 Years.
REQUIREMENTS FOR OBTAINING OFFICIAL UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES IN SLOVAKIA
Access to studies of undergraduate degrees requires possession of a secondary education finishing degree or equivalent and passing the Spanish university admission examination.
Curricula must contain a minimum of 60 credits of basic training, of which at least 36 must be related to some of the basic subject matter of the main field of knowledge corresponding to the degree.
These subjects must be imparted in units of a minimum of 6 credits each and will be taken during the first half of the curriculum.
POST GRADUATE EDUCATION
Postgraduate Education involves learning and studying for degrees, professional or academic certificates, or other qualifications for which a first or Bachelor degree generally is required, and it is normally considered to be part of Higher Education. The organization and structure of postgraduate Education varies in different countries, as well as in different institutions within countries. This article outlines the basic types of courses and of teaching and examination methods, with some explanation of their history.
POST GRADUATE DEGREE
A master degree is an academic degree granted to individuals who have undergone study demonstrating a mastery or high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice. Within the area studied, graduates are posited to possess advanced knowledge of a specialized body of theoretical and applied topics, high order skills in analysis, critical evaluation or professional application, and the ability to solve complex problems and think rigorously and independently. The degree is awarded upon graduation from a university.
HOW TO APPLY
The application process for studies at universities and polytechnics in Slovakia varies depending on whether you intend to enroll in a program as an undergraduate (first cycle) student or graduate (second and third cycle) student, and the responsible body of the institution.
How to apply for undergraduate (first cycle) degrees at public institutions in Slovakia:
In order for you to apply for first cycle programs at public institutions in Slovakia, you will have to follow 2 main steps as explained below:
You must first get your upper secondary school studies and your school leaving certificate officially recognized as you will have to present these documents during the application process.
Submit your application through the Slovakia online Centralized System .
How to apply for graduate (second and third cycle) degrees at public institutions and for any type of degree at private institutions in Slovakia:
You will have to submit your application to the school of your choice.
Along with your application, you will also have to attach evidence of your previous studies, as your university.
You may need to have your documents translated if requested by the institution you are applying for.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Undergraduate studies (First Cycle)
Have completed upper Secondary Education
Have passed the university Entrance Examination in their home country
Meet the study program pre-requisites if required. A pre-requisite is a subject any applicant must meet before being allowed to register for a course.
Master studies (Second Cycle)
If you are applying for a Master program at university in Slovakia, you are required to be in possession of a relevant bachelors or equivalent degree diploma.
Doctoral studies (Third Cycle)
In the event you are applying for doctoral studies at university in Slovakia, you are required to be in possession of a relevant diploma or Master Degree Program.
THE MINIMUM GRADE REQUIREMENTS TO ACCESS UNIVERSITY STUDIES IN SLOVAKIA
When applying for a study place at university in Slovakia, it is your grade point average from previous studies along with other requirements what actually determines whether you will be admitted.Therefore,always check with your host university about the minimum passing grade you need to meet.
ADMISSION OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
In order to gain admission to an undergraduate program in a university in Slovakia, international students are required to obtain official recognition of their previous studies and pass the official Slovakia University entrance exams, which are taken twice a year in many of the countries of origin of the students. Most Slovakia Universities require students intending to begin an undergraduate program to apply to their faculties directly. Each University sets its own application and admission schedule. It is important to apply well in advance.
APPLICATION DEADLINES IN SLOVAKIA
Although application deadlines may vary depending on the institution, there are usually 3 intakes for studies at Slovakia universities and colleges:
First week of June: for studies beginning in the fall semester (October).
First week of September: late applications for studies beginning in the fall semester (October).
First week of December: for studies beginning in the spring semester (February).
STUDENT VISAS
Nationals of the Member States of the European Union (EU) and of the European Economic Area do not need a visa to reside and study in Wallonia-Brussels. On the other hand, if you are a national of a non-Member State of the European Union, you may need a visa to gain entrance to Slovakia territory. You must contact the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country of origin in order to find out whether a visa is necessary.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR SLOVAKIA
Being in possession of a valid passport or travel document
Being in possession of a valid visa
Being in possession of documents that justify the purpose and conditions of the intended stay,and having sufficient means of subsistence for the duration of the intended stay in Slovakia.
Exceptionally, submission of medical certificates required by the Ministry of the Interior,in accordance with the Ministry of Health,Social Services and Equality and the Ministry of Employment and Social Security,or pursuant to European Union legislation.The need to submit these certificates shall be made known, as far as possible, sufficiently in advance.
Not being subject to a ban on entry
Not being considered a threat to the public health, public order, national security, or international relations of Slovakia or of other States with which Slovakia has agreements in this regard.
Not having already stayed for three months during a six-month period.
Visas
Passport validity
Staying for longer than three months
UK Emergency Travel Document (ETD)
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDIES AT UNIVERSITIES IN SLOVAKIA
English
If your study program or course is taught in English, you will be required to prove your level of command of English by presenting the results you received at English courses. Please, always check with your university whether your English studies are sufficient for you to meet this requirement. In general, higher education institutions in Europe request student to have a level of command of the language of instruction equivalent to a B1/B2 level according to the scale as described by the European language passport.