Universities unhappy about language tests

Belgian universities have reacted angrily at the news that lecturers who teach in a foreign language (such as English) will have to pass a language exam first. Lecturers willing to teach in a foreign language will have to reach C1 proficiency level – the same as secondary schoolteachers. Universities are not against the idea in itself but are concerned about  the way in which the measure is to be implemented, as well as the short notice given to lecturers. “The new measures must be in place by the 2013-14 academic year,” said Ludo Melis, Vice-Rector of the University of Leuven (pictured), “yet we don’t know yet who will conduct the assessment or who will give out the required certificates. Then there are the practicalities. What are we to do? Hire the Heysel stadium so that we can hold mass exams?”