Residency requirements for Modern Foreign Languages

The residency requirement for candidates registering a first modern foreign language is 6 months.

The residency requirement for candidates registering a second, or subsequent, modern foreign language is 3 months.

The period of 3/6 months may be taken at any time after leaving school and shall consist of 3/6 months in a country where the language is spoken, to be undertaken either continuously or in such instalments as GTC Scotland may approve.

No recognition will be given to periods of less than 4 weeks.

Types of residence normally acceptable

  • Work in Colonies de Vacances
  • Hotel or Restaurant Work
  • “Au pair” jobs
  • Residence with a family
  • Work with an organisation such as Caisses D’Allocations Familiales in their welfare, social or educational projects.
  • ‘Intensive courses’ completed in the required country. Where in excess of 30 hours per week are spent on a course, the course may count for double the number of weeks spent in that country.

Types of residence that are not acceptable

  • Coach tours
  • Joining a family holiday
  • Hitch-hiking with an English-speaking friend
  • Any activity where too much contact with people with English as their first language is likely.

Evidence that should be submitted

You should submit a statement from a University, course organiser, employer, or a senior member of a family you lived with, confirming dates of residence.

The statement should make it clear that all conversation was conducted in the language in question and give an indication of the degree of fluency of the student.

The evidence of a passport or travel documents is not acceptable except when it confirms that a student took up residence for a few days either before or after the period covered by the statement.

© The General Teaching Council for Scotland - Registered Scottish Charity No. SC006187