LANGUAGE
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Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French and German. A number of non-official minority languages are spoken as well. As no census exists, there are no official statistical data regarding the distribution or usage of Belgium’s three official languages or their dialects. However, various criteria, including the language(s) of parents, of education, or the second-language status of foreign born, may provide suggested figures. An estimated 59% of the Belgian population are native speakers of Dutch (often referred to as Flemish), and 40% of the population speaks French natively and only 1% of the population speaks German. French-speaking Belgians are often referred to as Walloons, although the French speakers in Brussels are not Walloons.
In this document we will focus on the French language.
Beside the integration pathways (see point 9 IMMIGRATION) where the newly arrived immigrants must follow a 400 hours of French lessons you have official organization offering French courses as:
Promotion sociale: This gives the opportunity to follow French courses as a foreign language but also several training in several professional sectors.
These courses are provided for workers, jobs seekers, students, seniors and everybody who wishes to learn.
There are day or evening courses in general 6 to 8 hours per week.
There is a fee of around 100 €/year but which could be refunded if you are unemployed, asylum seekers new arrived migrants.
The condition to register are to be at least 15 years old and having finished the 2 first year of Secondary School. To pass an exam to assess your level of knowledge.
Links:
Promotion Sociale in Brussels:
https://www.prosocbru.be/liste_langues.php?sql=francais
In Wallonia:
Namur: www.iepsef-namur.be
Liège: www.ecolesfps.be
Tournai: www.iepsef-tournai.be
You have also French and other language courses provided by the private sector but which could be expensive.
CLL languages Centres: www.cll.be
Berlitz: www.berlitz.be
